Mastering the Art of Mitered Corners: A Guide to Sewing Binding with Precision

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of struggling with uneven and bulky corners when sewing binding onto your projects? Look no further, because we have the perfect solution for you! Learning how to sew binding with mitered corners is a game changer for any sewing enthusiast. This technique not only adds a professional touch to your finished pieces, but also eliminates any unwanted bunching or overlap. In this article, we will guide you through the simple step-by-step process of achieving perfectly mitered corners on bindings. So grab your sewing supplies and get ready to elevate your sewing skills to the next level!

Introduction
Binding is an essential technique used in sewing to finish raw edges and provide durability to the edges of a fabric. It not only gives a polished look to your project but also prevents fraying and unraveling of the fabric. One of the most popular ways of sewing binding is by using mitered corners. Mitered corners have a clean and professional finish, making them perfect for projects that require neat edges. In this article, we will guide you through the process of sewing binding with mitered corners in detail.

The Importance of Sewing Binding with Mitered Corners

Using mitered corners for sewing binding offers several benefits compared to other techniques. Firstly, it provides a seamless and clean edge to your project. Unlike traditional square corners, mitered corners have a diagonal seam that eliminates any bulky or uneven fabrics at the corners. This creates a smooth and professional look, which is especially useful for projects like quilts or tablecloths.

Secondly, binding with mitered corners ensures durability. The diagonal seam reinforces the corner, making it more resistant to wear and tear. This is particularly helpful when sewing items that are frequently used or handled.

Lastly, using mitered corners for sewing binding gives you more design options. You can play around with different fabric patterns and colors to create unique and eye-catching designs on your projects.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Sew Binding With Mitered Corners

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before starting the process of sewing binding with mitered corners, make sure you have all your materials ready. These include your project (such as a quilt or tablecloth), fabric for binding (cut into strips), scissors, ruler, pins, marking tool (such as chalk or disappearing ink pen), needle and thread (or sewing machine).

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Binding Strips

Measure the perimeter of your project and add an extra 10 inches to the total length. This will allow you to have enough binding strips to cover your entire project and also have excess for joining the strips together. Cut your binding fabric into strips according to this measurement, with a width of 2-2.5 inches.

Step 3: Create Mitered Corners

Lay your project flat, with right side facing up. Take one end of your binding strip and fold it diagonally, creating a mitered corner. Then, fold it again towards the center of the fabric strip, creating a nice crease along the edge. Secure this corner with pins.

Step 4: Attach Binding to Your Project

Starting from a few inches away from one corner of your project, place the raw edge of your binding strip over your project fabric’s edge with right sides together. Pin in place, leaving about a 1/4 inch seam allowance at the beginning and end for joining.

Step 5: Sew Your Binding onto Your Project

Using a straight stitch, sew along this edge with a 1/4 inch seam allowance until you reach the first corner. When you approach the corner, stop sewing about 1/4 inch away from it and backstitch. This will secure your stitching.

Step 6: Fold and Sew Mitered Corner

Take out the pins on your mitered corner and fold it up towards the next edge of your project. Now, fold the binding strip back down over itself, aligning its raw edges with those of your project’s next edge. This will create another neat mitered corner.

Step 7: Complete Sewing Binding on Your Project

Continue sewing along this edge using a straight stitch until you reach the next corner and repeat steps 5 and 6 until all corners are mitered. When you reach the starting point, overlap the binding strips by 1/4 inch and sew to join them together. Trim off any excess fabric and finish sewing.

Tips for Perfect Mitered Corners

– Practice makes perfect. It might take a few tries before you achieve perfectly mitered corners, so don’t get discouraged.

– Always measure your project’s perimeter accurately before cutting your binding strips to avoid running short.

– Use pins to secure your mitered corners in place before sewing. This will ensure that the corners are crisp and well-defined.

– Choose a thin fabric for the binding strips, as thick fabric can create bulky corners that are difficult to fold and sew neatly.

Sewing binding with mitered corners adds a professional touch to your projects while also providing durability. With some practice and attention to detail, you can achieve perfect mitered corners on all your sewing projects. So next time you’re looking to add a finishing touch to a quilt or tablecloth, give this technique a try for clean and polished edges that will make your project stand out.

Sewing binding with mitered corners can be a daunting task for beginners and experienced sewers alike. It is a technique used to finish the edges of a garment or fabric piece and give it a professional, polished look. And while it may seem complicated, with the right tools and instructions, anyone can master this skill. In this tutorial, we’ll go through all the steps needed to sew binding with mitered corners and achieve perfect results every time.

Understanding Binding

Binding is a decorative fabric trim that is used to finish the raw edges of fabric pieces. It serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose and is commonly used in sewing projects such as quilts, blankets, garments, placemats, and more. There are different types of bindings available – single-fold bias binding, double-fold bias binding, continuous binding, pre-folded bias tape – that suit different purposes. However, for sewing binding with mitered corners, we’ll be using double-fold bias binding.

Double-fold bias binding is essentially a long strip of fabric that has been cut on the bias (a 45-degree angle from the selvage) and then folded in half along its length twice to create four layers of fabric. This creates a diagonally flexible tape that can bend around curved or straight edges without warping the fabric.

Tools Required

Before diving into sewing binding with mitered corners, let’s gather all the necessary tools first. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Sewing machine
– Double-fold bias binding
– Fabric piece or garment where you want to attach the binding
– Pins or clips
– Iron
– Fabric scissors
– Ruler or measuring tape
– Fabric marking tool

It’s essential to have quality tools for this technique as they will make your job easier and ensure neat results.

Cutting and Measuring the Binding

Start by cutting the binding to the right length for your project. The binding should be cut on the bias, preferably in one continuous strip, to ensure flexibility and avoid unsightly seams. Measure the length of your fabric edge and add a few inches for overlap. Multiply this measurement by two to account for the double-fold.

Next, determine the width of your binding. It should be twice the desired finished width plus seam allowance (usually ¼ inch). For example, if you want a finished width of ½ inch, your binding should be 1 ¼ inch wide.

Once you have all these measurements, lay out your fabric, and mark those measurements using a ruler and fabric marking tool. Connect the markings to form a diagonal line from one corner of your fabric to another. Cut along this line to create your bias binding strips.

Preparing Your Fabric or Garment

Before attaching the binding, it’s essential to prepare your fabric or garment first. If you’re using it on a quilt or blanket, make sure that all layers are properly basted together so that they don’t shift while sewing. If you’re using it on a garment such as a neckline or armhole, finish any raw edges with an overlock stitch or zigzag stitch.

It’s also helpful to press the edges of the fabric or garment where you’ll be attaching the binding with an iron. This will create crisp edges and make it easier for you to sew.

Attaching Binding with Mitered Corners

Start by pressing open one end of your pre-made double-fold bias binding strip. Then pin it to the edge of your fabric or garment with right sides together and raw edges even. Leave at least an inch at each end for overlap.

Sew along the edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance until you reach the first corner. Stop sewing ¼ inch before the edge and backstitch to secure the stitches.
Next, fold the binding up, creating a 45-degree angle at the corner, and then fold it back down on top of itself, aligning the folded edge with the next edge of your fabric or garment.

This creates a neat mitered corner. Pin or clip it in place and continue sewing until you reach the next corner. Repeat this process on all corners until you come back to where you started.

When you reach your starting point, overlap the ends of your binding strips by at least an inch and trim any excess if necessary.

Lastly, turn your fabric or garment over and press the binding away from the fabric with an iron. This will create a neat finish on both sides.

Finishing Touches

To finish off your binding, turn it over to the backside and fold it neatly under twice. Pin or clip it in place and then topstitch along the edge of your binding on both sides. You can use a coordinating thread color or a decorative stitch to give your project a personal touch.

If there are any gaps at your corners, use hand sewing to close them for a clean look.

Trou

Q: What is binding and why is it important in sewing?
A: Binding is a strip of fabric used to cover the raw edges of a garment or quilt. It provides a neat, finished look and prevents fraying.

Q: What are mitered corners and how do I sew them?
A: Mitered corners are folded diagonally to create a neat, angled corner. To sew them, you need to fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and then fold it back down to align with the next edge. Repeat this step for each corner.

Q: Can I use any type of binding for mitered corners?
A: Yes, you can use any type of binding for mitered corners. However, bias cut binding works best as it has more stretch and allows for easier manipulation of the fabric.

Q: How do I measure and cut the binding for mitered corners?
A: To determine the length of your binding, measure each side of your quilt or garment and add them together. Then add an extra 10-12 inches for overlapping at the end. Cut your binding strip based on this measurement, adding an extra 1/2 inch for seam allowance.

Q: What is the best way to join two ends of binding together?
A: The most common way to join two ends of bias cut binding is by creating a diagonal seam. Place the two ends right sides together at a 90-degree angle, stitch from one corner to another, trim excess fabric, and press open.

Q: How do I achieve crisp mitered corners without any wrinkling?
A: Make sure to press your fabric well before sewing. When folding the fabric to form the mitered corner, press it firmly with an iron for sharp edges. You can also use a fabric starch spray to achieve crisper corners.

In conclusion, learning how to sew binding with mitered corners is an essential skill for any sewist. It not only adds a professional and polished finish to your project, but it also allows for a clean and neat edge that will withstand wear and tear over time. Throughout this guide, we have discussed the step-by-step process of sewing binding with mitered corners, from cutting and preparing the fabric to attaching it and neatly finishing it off.

We have learned that accuracy and precision are crucial when creating mitered corners, making sure that each fold is even and straight. Taking the time to properly mark and press the fabric before sewing can make a significant difference in the end result. Additionally, using high-quality materials such as sturdy binding tape can make a noticeable improvement in the durability of your project.

Mastering the skill of sewing binding with mitered corners may take practice, but with patience and attention to detail, anyone can achieve beautiful and professional-looking results. Whether you are making quilts, garments, or home decor items such as tablecloths or curtains, this technique will elevate your sewing projects to the next level.

Finally, remember that learning how to sew binding with mitered corners is not just about following strict guidelines but also about incorporating creativity into your

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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.