Master the Art of Machine Sewing Quilt Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quilting is a beloved craft that allows for both creativity and functionality. From choosing fabric patterns and colors, to piecing blocks together, the process of making a quilt can bring joy to many. However, one of the essential and often dreaded steps in creating a quilt is sewing on the binding. The thought of neatly sewing the edges of a quilt can seem daunting, even for experienced quilters. But fear not, because in this article we will guide you through the process of machine sewing quilt binding and provide tips and tricks to make it a breeze. So dust off your sewing machine and let’s get started on achieving that polished and professional finish on your next quilt project.

What is Quilt Binding?

Quilt binding is an essential finishing touch to any quilt project. It is a narrow strip of fabric that covers the raw edges of the quilt and creates a clean, polished look. Not only does it add aesthetic appeal, but it also serves as a protective barrier to prevent fraying of the edges.

Quilt binding can be made from a wide range of fabrics, such as cotton, flannel, or even satin. The choice of fabric depends on personal preference and the style of the quilt. It can be cut on the straight grain or bias grain, with bias binding being more flexible and easier to work with for curved edges.

Why Machine Sew Quilt Binding?

While there are various techniques for applying quilt binding, machine sewing is often considered the fastest and most efficient method. Hand-sewing bindings can be time-consuming and may not provide consistently straight and neat stitches.

Using a sewing machine can ensure consistent stitches that are securely attached to the quilt. It also saves time and allows for more control over stitch length and tension, resulting in better accuracy.

Preparing Your Quilt for Binding

Before starting the binding process, it is crucial to prepare your quilt properly. This means making sure that all layers of the quilt are smooth and evenly pressed without any wrinkles or tucks.

It is also essential to trim any excess batting and backing fabric beyond the quilt top’s edges. This will help to reduce bulk when sewing on the binding strips.

Lastly, make sure to secure all raw edges with either basting stitches or clips to prevent them from shifting during sewing.

Types of Machine Sewn Binding

There are two main types of machine-sewn quilt bindings: single-fold and double-fold bindings.

Single-fold binding involves folding one edge of the strip over twice so that no raw edges are visible when attached to the quilt. It is suitable for quilts with straight edges and is often seen on traditional and simpler quilt designs.

Double-fold binding, also known as French-fold binding, involves folding both edges of the strip towards the middle, resulting in a folded edge on both sides. This type of binding is ideal for curved and irregular quilt shapes and creates a sturdier finish.

Steps to Machine Sew Quilt Binding

Step 1: Prepare your quilt by trimming fabric beyond the quilt top’s edges and securing raw edges.

Step 2: Start sewing the binding on one side of the quilt, leaving a tail of a few inches before starting.

Step 3: Align the raw edge of the binding strip with the raw edge of your quilt top, right sides facing each other. Leave a small gap at the beginning (around 1-2 inches) to join the binding ends later.

Step 4: Use a walking foot or an even-feed foot to help feed the fabric through evenly. Sew a ¼ inch seam allowance along the edge, removing any pins as you go.

Step 5: When approaching corners, stop stitching about ¼ inch from the corner and backstitch. Fold the binding strip up at a 45-degree angle away from you and then back down towards where you were stitching. Continue sewing along this new side until you reach another corner.

Step 6: When finishing sewing around your quilt, leave another gap of around 1-2 inches before backstitching and cutting your threads. Trim any excess fabric from both ends of your binding strip so that only an inch or so remains outside each gap.

Step 7: Join the two ends of your binding by placing them right sides together and sewing diagonally across where they overlap at a half-inch seam allowance from each end.

Step 8: Once joined, make sure the binding strip is folded in half over the raw edges of your quilt and continue sewing to close the gap.

Step 9: Secure the binding by stitching in the ditch of the seam between the binding and quilt. Alternatively, you can topstitch along the binding’s edge for a more decorative finish.

Tips for Machine Sewing Quilt Binding

1. Use a walking foot or an even-feed foot to help feed your quilt through evenly.
2. Cut your binding strips on the bias (if using cotton fabric) for more flexibility when sewing around curves.
3. Start stitching on one side of your quilt rather than at a corner to avoid bulky corners.
4. Use clips instead of pins to hold your fabric layers together while sewing.
5.The smaller your seam allowance, the easier it is to catch both layers of your binding while sewing.
6. To achieve perfectly mitered corners, fold your binding strip up before starting at each corner and then back down before continuing along each side.
7. Trim any excess fabric from the corners before sewing to reduce bulk.
8. Press your binding away from your quilt before topstitching for a cleaner finish.

Conclusion

With these tips and techniques, you can

The importance of properly attaching quilt binding

Properly attaching quilt binding is a crucial step in the process of creating a beautiful and durable quilt. Not only does it provide a finished look to the edges, but it also plays a key role in securing all the layers together. Failing to attach quilt binding correctly can result in unfinished edges, frayed fabric, and a less sturdy overall quilt.

Gathering the necessary materials

Before diving into how to machine sew quilt binding, it is essential to gather all the necessary materials. This will save you time and hassle in the long run. Here are some key tools and materials you will need for this process:

– Fabric for the binding: This can be either self-fabric or contrasting fabric, depending on your preference.
– Rotary cutter: This tool makes cutting precise strips of fabric much easier.
– Cutting mat: It is always recommended to use a cutting mat when working with rotary cutters to protect your work surface.
– Quilting ruler: A quilting ruler helps ensure your strips are cut straight and measure accurately.
– Sewing machine: A basic sewing machine will suffice for attaching quilt binding; however, some machines come with specific features that make this process easier.
– Quilting clips or pins: These will be used to secure the binding strips as you sew them onto the quilt.
– Thread: Use a thread color that matches your chosen fabric to help create a seamless look.
– Needle: For this process, a universal needle or one specifically designed for quilting will work best.
– Iron and ironing board: It is important to have an iron available throughout this process to press out any wrinkles or creases.

Preparing the fabric strips

After gathering all the necessary materials, the next step is preparing your fabric strips for sewing. You can choose to have straight grain or bias binding. Bias binding is more flexible and can be used on curved edges, while straight grain binding is best for straight edges. For the purpose of this tutorial, we will focus on straight grain binding.

Using your rotary cutter and quilting ruler, cut your fabric strips on the straight grain of the fabric. The width of the strips may vary depending on the size of your quilt, but a standard width is about 2.5 inches. Be sure to cut enough strips to cover all four sides of your quilt plus a few extra inches for seam allowance.

After cutting, join all the strips together using a diagonal seam to create one long continuous strip of fabric. To make a diagonal seam, place two strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle and sew diagonally from corner to corner. Trim off the excess fabric and press open the seam.

Attaching the binding

Now that your fabric strips are prepared, it’s time to attach them to your quilt. Start by placing your quilt on a flat surface facing down and lay one end of the binding strip along one edge of your quilt with the raw edges aligned. Leave a few inches at the beginning as overhang for later.

Using quilting clips or pins, secure the binding strip in place as you work your way around all four sides of the quilt. When you reach a corner, fold and miter it neatly before starting on the next side.

After securing all four sides with quilting clips or pins, prepare your sewing machine with matching thread and start sewing along the edge with ¼ inch seam allowance. Continue sewing until you reach about ¼ inch from reaching where you started.

To finish off smoothly, fold over one end of the binding strip by tucking it under itself at a 45-degree angle to create a neat mitered corner. Next, fold over another end in an outward direction so that it overlaps with the first fold, creating a clean edge. Sew over the folds to secure them in place.

Finishing touches

The final step is to press the binding flat. Use an iron on a low heat setting and press around all four edges to create a crisp and professional finish. To keep the binding in place, you can hand-stitch it down on the back of the quilt using a blind stitch or use your machine to topstitch along the front of the binding.

Congratulations! You have now successfully attached quilt binding using a sewing machine. With practice, this process will become more natural and produce beautiful results every time.

In conclusion, attaching quilt binding is an essential step in completing a quilt. It not only gives it a professional finish but also ensures that all layers are securely held together. By following these steps and having patience and practice, you can easily master machine sewing quilt binding. So get ready to create stunning and durable quilts that will be cherished for years to come!

Q: What supplies do I need for machine sewing quilt binding?
A: You will need a sewing machine with a walking foot, cotton or polyester thread, binding fabric, pins or clips, and scissors or rotary cutter.

Q: How do I prepare the binding fabric for machine sewing?
A: Cut the binding fabric into strips on the bias or crosswise grain, then press them in half lengthwise with wrong sides together.

Q: What is the proper way to attach binding to a quilt using a sewing machine?
A: Start by attaching the binding to the back of the quilt using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Then fold it over to the front of the quilt and secure with pins or clips. Finally, stitch in the ditch or close to the edge of the binding on the front of the quilt.

Q: How can I ensure that my corners are neatly bound when using a sewing machine?
A: When you reach a corner, stop stitching ¼ inch away from the edge and backstitch. Fold the binding up at a 45-degree angle and then back down along the next side. This will create a mitered corner when you continue stitching.

Q: Is there any special technique for joining two ends of binding together when using a sewing machine?
A: To join two ends of binding together, overlap them at least 2 inches and mark where they overlap. Sew them together at that mark using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Trim any excess fabric, then finish attaching the rest of your binding as usual.

Q: How do I finish off my quilt binding with a sewing machine?
A: After stitching all around your quilt’s edges, stop about 6 inches before you reach your starting point. Leave long tails on both ends of your remaining binding and lay them flat. Trim them so both ends have extra length. Unfold the binding and overlap it, then sew a ¼ inch seam across the fold line. Finally, trim any excess and finish sewing the binding to your quilt.

In conclusion, mastering the skill of machine sewing quilt binding requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently tackle the task and achieve professional-looking results.

First and foremost, it is important to properly prepare your quilt by ensuring that all layers are basted securely and that the edges are trimmed evenly. This will lay a solid foundation for attaching the binding.

Next, selecting the appropriate binding width and fabric is key in achieving a visually pleasing and durable finish. Taking care to evenly press and correctly position the binding around the edge of the quilt will ensure a smooth and neat result.

When it comes to actually sewing on the binding, maintaining an even seam allowance is crucial for a consistent look. Additionally, properly mitering corners and overlapping ends will create a clean finish without any gaps or bunching.

It is also important to pay attention to any curves or irregular edges on your quilt as these may require some additional techniques such as clipping or easing in fabric to achieve a seamless binding application.

Lastly, taking care with your finishing stitches will add that final touch of professionalism to your machine-sewn quilt binding. Knotting off your thread neatly or using specialized techniques such as invisible stitching will give your quilt a smooth edge without any visible stitches

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.