Master the Art of Quilting: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Add a Binding to Your Quilt

Quilting has been around for centuries, and its popularity has only grown over time. From intricate block patterns to vibrant color palettes, quilts are not only functional but also works of art. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make a quilt, then you’re in for a treat! Putting a binding on a quilt is the final step in the quilting process, and it’s what gives your creation a polished and professional look. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of quilting and guide you through the steps of how to put a binding on a quilt. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter looking for some tips, keep reading to discover the secrets of perfecting your quilt’s finishing touch!

Understanding Quilt Binding

Binding refers to the fabric strip that is used to cover the raw edges of a quilt. It is an important step in completing a quilt, as it not only adds a decorative finish but also provides durability to the edges. The binding is usually made from the same fabric used in the quilt top, to maintain a cohesive look. However, it can also be made from a contrasting or coordinating fabric for a more unique design.

There are various types of binding techniques, such as single fold, double fold, and French fold bindings. Each of these techniques has its own advantages and can be used depending on personal preference and the type of quilt being made.

Materials Needed

Before starting the process of binding a quilt, it is essential to gather all the necessary materials. These include:

1. Fabric for binding – As mentioned earlier, this can be the same fabric as used in the quilt top or a contrasting one.
2. Ruler or measuring tape – To ensure accurate measurements.
3. Rotary cutter and mat – To cut straight and precise strips of fabric for binding.
4. Sewing machine and thread – For stitching and securing the binding.
5. Pins or clips – To hold the binding in place while sewing.
6. Tape measure – For measuring the sides of the quilt.
7. Iron – To press out any wrinkles or creases on the fabric.

Cutting The Binding Strips

The first step in putting a binding on a quilt is cutting the strips for binding. The width of these strips depends on which technique you choose to use.

For single-fold bindings, cut strips with a width of 1 ½ inches to achieve a finished size of ¾ inch when folded over.

For double-fold bindings, cut strips with a width of 2 ½ inches to achieve a finished size of ¼ inch when folded over.

For French-fold bindings, cut strips with a width of 1-1 ½ inches to achieve a finished size of ⅜ inch when folded over.

The length of the binding strips depends on the total perimeter of the quilt. To calculate this, measure the length and the width of your quilt and add them together. Then add an extra 15-20 inches to allow for corners and overlapping.

Joining The Strips

If your quilt requires more than one strip of binding, you will need to join them together. To do this, place two ends with right sides facing each other at a 90-degree angle. Sew diagonally from one corner to another, leaving a ¼ inch seam allowance.

Trim the excess fabric and press open the seam. Repeat this process until you have enough binding strips to cover your entire quilt.

Sewing The Binding Onto The Quilt

Start by sewing your binding strips onto the front side of your quilt, leaving about an inch free at the beginning. Place one end of the strip on any side of your quilt and start sewing with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Ensure that you backstitch at both ends to secure the stitches.

As you reach each corner, stop sewing ¼ inch away from the edge. Fold the binding strip upwards, creating a mitered corner and then fold it back down towards the next side. Continue sewing along this side until you reach approximately an inch away from where you started.

To join the ends neatly, tuck one end inside another and measure where they overlap for a perfect fit. Trim off any excess fabric and sew them together following the same method as joining binding strips.

When all sides are stitched together, flip over your quilt to reveal one continuous line of stitching along all edges.

Finishing The Binding

Once the binding is sewn onto the quilt, fold it over to the backside and secure it with pins or clips. Use an invisible stitch to hand sew the binding onto the back of your quilt, making sure that it is not visible on the front side.

As you reach the corners, use a ladder stitch to ensure they are neatly folded and secured. Remove any pins or clips along the way.

Final Thoughts

Binding a quilt may seem like a daunting task, but with practice and patience, it becomes easier. Remember to take your time and be precise with measurements and stitching for a clean and professional finish. Experiment with different fabric combinations and techniques to add your personal touch to each quilt. Happy Quilting!

The Importance of Properly Finishing Your Quilt with a Binding

When it comes to quilting, it’s not just about the fabric and stitching. One of the most important finishing touches that can make or break the look of a quilt is the binding. The binding is a strip of fabric that covers the raw edges of the quilt and seals everything together. Not only does it add a professional and polished touch to your quilt, but it also helps protect the edges from wear and tear.

Without a proper binding, your quilt may look unfinished and sloppy. It’s like framing a beautiful painting but leaving the edges exposed and unfinished. Furthermore, without a binding, your quilt may start to fray at the edges over time, compromising its structural integrity.

Now that you understand the importance of a binding, let’s dive into how to put one on your quilt.

Gather Your Materials

Before starting, make sure you have all your materials ready. For putting on a binding, you will need:

– An iron
– A ruler or quilting measuring tape
– Sewing pins
– Fabric for your binding (either pre-made or fabric cut into strips)
– A walking foot for sewing
– Sewing machine with matching thread
– Fabric scissors
– Quilt top

Preparing Your Quilt for Binding

First things first, make sure your quilt top and backing are properly squared up. Use an iron to press out any wrinkles or folds on both sides. Then lay down your backing fabric with wrong side up and place the batting on top followed by your quilt top with right side facing up.

Next, trim off any excess batting or backing so that all three layers are aligned evenly with no overhangs.

After you’ve aligned everything perfectly, baste these three layers together either by hand-stitching or using spray adhesive.

Making the Binding

If you haven’t purchased pre-made binding, you can cut your own strips from fabric measuring about 2.5 inches wide and as long as needed to cover your quilt’s perimeter. You can choose to make single-fold or double-fold bindings depending on your preference.

To make a double-fold binding, fold the strip in half lengthwise and give it a good press with your iron. This will create a crease in the middle for easier folding later on.

Attaching the Binding

Starting from the middle of one side of your quilt, align the raw edges of the binding strip to the raw edges of the quilt’s perimeter. Leave around 10 inches of excess binding at the start so you can connect both ends later.

Use sewing pins to keep everything in place and begin sewing using a walking foot for evenly distributed stitches. Remember to backstitch at both ends for reinforcement.

When you reach a corner, stop sewing around ¼ inch before reaching it, and stitch diagonally towards that corner. Then fold the binding down towards yourself and then up again so that its edge aligns with the next side of your quilt. Pin it in place and continue sewing down that side.

Repeat this process at every corner until you reach where you started from. Make sure not to sew all the way down so that you can connect both ends neatly later on.

Closing the Binding

Once you’ve attached all four sides of your binding, remove any excess batting or backing by trimming it down using fabric scissors.

Take both ends of your binding strip and overlap them by their widths accordingly, tucking any excess fabric inside as needed. Make sure they overlap neatly, parallel with each other.

Next, sew along this newly formed edge to join both ends together. Again, use a walking foot to ensure even stitching throughout.

Trim any excess fabric from the edges and fold the binding over to the back side of your quilt. Use sewing pins to keep it in place and hand-stitch it down with a blind stitch or use your sewing machine to topstitch close to the bottom edge of your binding.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve attached your binding, give your quilt a final press with the iron and trim any loose threads.

If you prefer, you can add additional decorative touches such as piping or prairie points along with your binding for an extra pop of color or texture.

Finishing a quilt may seem like a daunting task, but it’s also an important step that ensures not only the longevity of your quilt but also its overall appearance. With these step-by-step instructions, you can confidently put on a binding on your own quilts and take them to the next level. So go ahead and try it out – you’ll be amazed at how much difference a properly finished binding can make to your beautiful quilts.

1. What is the purpose of binding on a quilt?
Binding serves as a decorative finish to the raw edges of a quilt, as well as reinforces the edges to prevent fraying and provides durability to the quilt.

2. What materials do I need for binding on a quilt?
You will need fabric for the binding itself, scissors, pins, sewing machine or needle and thread, and an iron.

3. How wide should my binding be?
The most common width for binding is 2 ½ inches when finished. However, depending on your preference, you can make it wider or narrower.

4. Do I cut the bias for binding on a quilt?
It is recommended to cut your binding fabric at a 45-degree angle (bias) rather than straight across as it allows for easier manipulation around curved edges of the quilt.

5. How do I attach my binding to the quilt?
Start by sewing one end of your binding strip onto the back of your quilt sandwich with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Then turn over your quilt sandwich and fold your binding over to the front side, securing it in place with pins or clips before stitching along the edge.

6. Can I use machine stitching instead of hand-stitching my binding?
Yes, you can use machine stitching instead of hand-stitching for attaching your binding to the front side of your quilt. However, hand-stitching gives a neater finish and is usually preferred by quilters.

In conclusion, learning how to put a binding on a quilt is an essential skill for any quilter. It involves the final steps of finishing a quilt and adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to the piece. Through following the step-by-step instructions and tips outlined in this guide, you can easily create a beautiful and professional-looking binding for your quilt. Remember to select high-quality materials, accurately measure and cut the binding, and take your time when sewing it onto the quilt. Additionally, practicing various techniques such as mitered corners or different types of bindings can elevate your quilting skills even further.

It is also important to keep in mind that each quilt is unique, so experimentation and adaptation may be necessary to find what works best for your project. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes – that’s all part of the learning process. Most importantly, have fun with it! Quilting is not only a rewarding craft but also an excellent way to express creativity.

Lastly, always remember the importance of taking care of your quilts – they are pieces of art that deserve proper preservation. By properly binding your quilts, you ensure their longevity while also showcasing your hard work and dedication.

In summary, knowing how to put a binding on a quilt is crucial for

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.