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If you’ve just finished quilting your masterpiece, the last step is to sew on the binding. Binding not only gives your quilt a finished look, but it also secures the edges of the quilt and prevents them from fraying.
Table Of Contents
Materials Needed
Before you get started, make sure you have the following materials: Quilt
Step 1: Cut Your Binding Strips
The first step is to cut your binding strips. Measure the perimeter of your quilt and add a few inches to determine how much fabric you will need. Cut your fabric into strips that are 2.5 inches wide. You will need to sew these strips together to create one long strip that will go around the entire quilt.
Step 2: Sew Your Binding Strips Together
Lay two strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle and sew diagonally from one corner to the other. Trim the excess fabric and press the seam open. Repeat this process until all of your strips are sewn together to create one long strip.
Step 3: Iron Your Binding Strip
Fold your binding strip in half lengthwise and press with an iron. This will create a crease down the center of the strip.
Step 4: Sew Your Binding to the Quilt
Starting in the middle of one of the sides of your quilt, place the raw edge of your binding strip along the raw edge of your quilt. Leave a tail of a few inches before you start sewing. Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew the binding to the quilt, stopping ¼ inch from the corner.
Step 5: Miter the Corner
Fold the binding strip up at a 45-degree angle, creating a diagonal fold. Fold the strip back down over itself, aligning the raw edges of the binding with the next side of the quilt.
Step 6: Finish the Binding
Once you’ve sewn all the way around the quilt, stop sewing a few inches before you reach the starting point. Cut the binding so that it overlaps the starting point by a few inches. Fold the raw end of the binding under and place it over the starting point.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Press the binding away from the quilt and fold it over to the back of the quilt. Pin it in place and hand sew the binding to the back of the quilt using a blind stitch.
Congratulations, you’ve finished sewing on your quilt binding!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pre-made binding instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use pre-made binding. Just make sure to measure the perimeter of your quilt to determine how much you will need.
How do I know how much binding fabric to buy?
Measure the perimeter of your quilt and add a few inches to determine how much fabric you will need.
Can I machine sew the binding to the quilt back instead of hand sewing?
Yes, you can machine sew the binding to the quilt back. Just make sure to use a matching thread and sew close to the folded edge of the binding.
How do I prevent my binding from puckering?
Make sure to sew slowly and use plenty of pins to keep the binding in place.
Can I use a different width for my binding strips?
Yes, you can use a different width for your binding strips. Just make sure to adjust your seam allowance accordingly.
Conclusion
Sewing on a quilt binding may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, it becomes a breeze. Remember to measure carefully, sew slowly, and take your time mitering those corners. With this guide, your quilt will have a beautiful finished look that you can be proud of for years to come.
