Master the Art of Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing a Perfect Edge on Your Quilt

There’s nothing quite like snuggling up under a cozy quilt and admiring the intricate design and skilled craftsmanship that goes into each one. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a cherished gift, or something you created yourself, quilts hold a special place in our hearts. And while the piecing and stitching may be complete, one final step remains to give your quilt that professional, polished finish – sewing on the binding. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to sew a binding on a quilt with easy-to-follow steps and tips to ensure your finished masterpiece looks just as beautiful as you imagined. So dust off your sewing machine and let’s get started on adding that perfect finishing touch to your quilt!

What is a Binding and Why is it Important in Quilting?

A binding is a strip of fabric that is used to cover the raw edges of a quilt. It creates a neat and finished look while also providing durability to the edges of a quilt. Bindings are important because they not only add to the overall aesthetic appeal of a quilt but also help to protect the edges from wear and tear.

Before binders were commonly used in quilting, quilters would turn under the raw edges of their quilts and hand stitch them closed. This method was tedious and time-consuming, leading to the development of bindings. Bindings can be made from various fabrics such as cotton, polyester, or satin, depending on personal preference.

Choosing the Right Materials

When it comes to choosing materials for your quilt binding, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the type of fabric you want to use for your binding. As mentioned earlier, binders can be made from different types of fabric depending on the look you want to achieve. Cotton is a popular choice as it is easy to work with and comes in various colors and patterns.

The second factor is the width of your binding strips. The most commonly used width for quilt bindings is 2 ½ inches for single-fold bindings and 1 ½ inches for double-fold bindings. However, you can adjust the width depending on your personal preference or the size of your quilt.

Lastly, you will need thread that matches your fabric or a contrasting color if you want to add an extra pop to your quilt binding. It’s essential to choose high-quality thread that will withstand multiple washes and hold up over time.

Preparing Your Quilt for Binding

Once you have selected your materials, it’s time to prepare your quilt for binding. The first step is trimming any excess batting and backing fabric to ensure they align with the quilt top. This step is crucial as it will prevent any lumps or bumps in your quilt binding.

Next, you will need to square off the corners of your quilt. This process involves trimming the fabric at an angle to reduce bulk in the corners and help the binding lay flat. Make sure to mark where you want your bindings to start and stop on each side of the quilt.

If you plan on adding a label to your quilt, now is also the time to sew it onto the back of your quilt before attaching the binding.

Sewing Single-Fold Bindings

To begin sewing a single-fold binding, start at one of the marked corners on your quilt and place one end of your strip on the top edge of your quilt, aligning it with the raw edges. Then fold over a ¼ inch of fabric from both sides and press with an iron.

Begin stitching along this folded edge, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. Continue sewing down this side until you reach about ¼ inch from the next corner. Stop stitching and fold over both ends of the binding again, creating a neat mitered corner. Then continue sewing down this side until you reach your starting point.

When you reach the starting point, leave an excess amount of binding (around 6 inches) and cut off any extra fabric from where you began. Turn under this raw edge and press before sewing it down onto itself for a seamless finish.

Sewing Double-Fold Bindings

Double-fold bindings are created by folding your binding strip in half lengthwise and then pressing it with an iron. Begin by laying one end at one of your marked corners on top edge of your quilt, again aligning it with raw edges.

Start stitching along this folded edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance until you reach about ¼ inch from the next corner. Fold over the end of the binding to create a neat mitered corner, and continue stitching until you reach your starting point.

When you reach the starting point, leave an excess amount of binding (around 6 inches) and cut off any extra fabric from where you began. Then fold over this raw edge, covering the previous raw edge inside, and stitch down for a seamless finish.

Attaching the Binding to the Back of Your Quilt

Once you have completed both long sides of your quilt, it’s time to attach the binding to the back. Start by laying your quilt on a flat surface with the binding on top, making sure that both edges align.

Fold down one end of your binding strip at a 45-degree angle towards the center of your quilt. Then fold it back up towards the top edge of your quilt. This creates a mitered corner on the backside of your quilt.

To secure this corner in place, use pins or clips to hold it down while you stitch along this edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance.

Continue attaching your binding to the back of your quilt using this technique until you reach all four corners. When you get to each corner, make sure to fold

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to sew a binding on a quilt! Quilting is not only a fun and creative hobby, but it also has a rich history rooted in the traditions of many cultures. One of the final steps in creating a quilt is sewing on the binding, which not only adds a decorative touch but also secures the raw edges and completes the overall look of the quilt. In this tutorial, we will go through all the necessary steps and techniques to help you achieve beautiful and professional-looking bindings on your quilts.

Gathering Materials

Before you begin sewing your binding, it is essential to gather all the necessary materials. As with any sewing project, having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving a successful result. Here are some of the essential materials you will need:

– Binding fabric: The fabric used for binding should be cut into long strips that are 2.5 inches wide and long enough to cover all four sides of your quilt.
– Quilt top: Make sure your quilt top is fully assembled and pressed before adding binding.
– Batting: The batting should be trimmed to match the size of your quilt top.
– Backing fabric: The backing fabric should be at least 3 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides.
– Sewing machine: A reliable sewing machine with a straight stitch function is crucial for sewing on bindings.
– Coordinating thread: Choose a thread color that complements your binding fabric.
– Pins or clips: These will help hold your layers together while sewing.
– Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat: These tools come in handy for cutting straight lines and trimming excess fabric.

Preparing Your Binding

Before attaching your binding to your quilt, you need to prepare it first. If you are using pre-made bias binding, skip this step and move on to the next section. Here’s how you can prepare your binding fabric:

1. Wash and press: Start by washing and ironing your binding fabric to pre-shrink it before using it for your quilt.
2. Cut strips: Use a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat to cut 2.5-inch-wide strips along the length of your binding fabric.
3. Join strips: To create one long strip of binding, join the ends of each strip together at a 45-degree angle, right sides facing, and sew a ¼ inch seam allowance. Trim excess fabric and press the seam open.
4. Fold in half: Fold the long strip in half lengthwise and press to create a crease in the center.
5. Press edges: Open up the fold and press both raw edges towards the center crease.

Attaching Binding to Your Quilt

Now that your binding is prepared, it’s time to attach it to your quilt following these simple steps:

1. Lay out your quilt top: Lay out your quilt top on a flat surface with the right side facing up.
2. Place batting on top: Lay your trimmed batting on top of the quilt top.
3. Add backing fabric: Finally, add your backing fabric, right side facing down, on top of everything else.
4. Baste layers together: Use pins or clips to keep all three layers (quilt top, batting, and backing) in place while sewing.
5. Leave an opening: Leave a 10-inch opening along one side for turning later.
6. Sew layers together: Using a straight stitch with ¼ inch seam allowance, sew all three layers together around the edges of the quilt, starting from one side of the opening and ending at the other side.

Attaching Binding by Hand

While you can sew on bindings using a sewing machine, some prefer attaching them by hand for a neater and more traditional look. Here’s how you can sew on bindings by hand:

1. Prepare binding: Begin by folding one end of your binding strip diagonally and press to create a crease.
2. Attach end to quilt: Align this creased end with one of the corners of your quilt, raw edges matching, and pin or clip in place.
3. Start sewing: Begin sewing down the folded edge, starting at the corner and leaving a ¼ inch seam allowance.
4. Mitered corners: When reaching a corner, stop sewing ¼ inch before reaching the edge, pivot your quilt, and continue sewing onto the next side.
5. Repeat: Continue this process until you reach the starting point.
6. Join ends: When approaching the final side, stop sewing approximately 10 inches before reaching your starting point.
7. Trim excess binding: Overlap both ends of your binding and trim them at a 45-degree angle to create another diagonal seam.
8. Sew both ends together: Unfold and press both ends to create a straight line, then sew them together with a ¼ inch seam allowance.
9. Finish attaching binding: Once your binding is joined into one continuous

1) What is binding in quilting?
Binding in quilting refers to the final edge or border that is added to finish off the raw edges of a quilt. It not only provides a neat and polished look, but also helps to keep the edges from fraying and adds durability to the quilt.

2) What materials do I need to sew a binding on a quilt?
You will need fabric for the binding itself, scissors, pins, sewing machine, thread, and an iron. Optional materials might include clips, marking tool, and rotary cutter.

3) How do I calculate how much binding fabric I need?
A good rule of thumb is to add together all four sides of your quilt’s measurement (length + width + length + width) and then add approximately 20 inches for corners and seam allowance. Divide this number by 42 (the standard width of quilting fabric) to get the number of strips you need. Lastly, multiply the number of strips by the desired width of your binding strip.

4) What is the best way to cut my binding strips?
The most common width for binding is 2.5 inches but you can adjust this based on your preference and project size. Cut your fabric on the bias (diagonally across the grain) for stretchy and pliable bindings.

5) How do I attach my binding strips together?
Lay two ends right sides together at a right angle and sew across diagonally from one corner to another using a 45-degree angle seam allowance. Trim excess fabric leaving 1/4 inch seam allowance before pressing open.

6)How do I neatly attach my binding to my quilt?
Start by sewing your prepared binding strip onto the back of your quilt first using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Then fold the binding over to the front of the quilt, making sure to cover the stitches and pin in place. Sew slowly along the edge of the binding, ensuring all layers are caught and removing pins as you go. Miter corners as you reach them for a clean and crisp finish.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a binding on a quilt is an essential skill for any quilter. It not only gives your quilt a finished and professional look but also helps to secure the layers of your quilt together. Throughout this guide, we have discussed the step-by-step process for sewing a binding on a quilt, including preparing the quilt, cutting and attaching the binding, and finishing off the corners.

We have also highlighted common mistakes to avoid, such as starting with an uneven edge or not leaving enough seam allowance. Additionally, we have provided tips on how to choose the right fabric and thread for your binding as well as different methods for attaching it.

One of the most valuable takeaways from this topic is the importance of patience and attention to detail when sewing a binding on a quilt. It may seem like a tedious process, but taking your time and ensuring each step is done correctly will result in a beautifully bound quilt.

Furthermore, mastering this skill opens up endless possibilities for creativity in quilting design. You can experiment with different types of bindings such as bias or double-folded and explore various techniques like adding piping or flanges.

Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learning any new skill takes practice, so embrace the process and enjoy creating something beautiful with your

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.