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You’re ready to take your quilt to the next level with a professional-looking machine-sewn binding!
Tutorials sew binding on a quilt is easier than you think.
First, calculate the binding length and cut your fabric strips.
Attach the binding, mitering the corners beautifully.
Then, master sewing the binding down for a polished finish.
Machine binding provides a consistent seam allowance and flawless mitered corners every time.
It’s the convenient way to achieve that coveted quilt shop look.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Sewing Binding on a Quilt
- Quilt Binding Placement
- Quilt Binding Formula
- Joining Quilt Binding Ends
- Advantages of Machine Binding
- Setting Up Your Sewing Machine
- Making the Quilt Binding
- Machine Binding Tutorial Steps
- Mitering a Corner on the Quilt Front
- The Back View of Machine Bound Quilts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Mitering the corners is essential for a clean, professional finish when sewing binding on a quilt.
- Machine binding provides a consistent seam allowance and flawless mitered corners, achieving a polished, high-quality look.
- Calculating the total binding length and cutting the fabric strips properly ensures the binding fits the quilt perfectly.
- Joining the binding strips with a diagonal seam helps reduce bulk and creates a smooth, continuous binding around the quilt.
Sewing Binding on a Quilt
Start by pinning the binding strip to the quilt’s edge, mitering the corners for a clean finish. Sew the binding to the quilt front using a 1/4 seam allowance, carefully pivoting at each corner.
Attaching the Binding
To attach the binding, start by pinning it to the edge of the quilt, leaving 4 inches unpinned. Miter the corners by folding the strip at a 45-degree angle, then fold the ends down and press with an iron. Trim both ends to about ÂĽ inch and sew them together.
- Pin the binding to the quilt edge
- Miter the corners by folding at 45 degrees
- Trim and sew the ends together
Mitering the Corners
As you pin the binding to the quilt edge, it’s time to miter the corners.
Fold the binding strip at a 45-degree angle, creating a crisp, mitered corner.
Press the folded corner with an iron to set the crease.
Trim any excess fabric, leaving about a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
This technique guarantees your binding lays flat and professional at each corner.
Sewing the Binding
Now that you’ve pinned the binding to the quilt edge, it’s time to sew it on. Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance and sew right up to the first corner pin. Lift your presser foot and needle, turn the quilt, and continue stitching the next side, flipping the little triangle flap as you go.
Finishing the Binding
To finish the binding, fold the folded edge over to the back of the quilt and pin it down. Use a blind stitch to tack down the binding, catching the backing fabric as you go. Continue this stitch around the mitered corners for a professional, finished look. Your quilt is now ready to display!
Quilt Binding Placement
When considering quilt binding placement, ascertain it’s aligned neatly along the quilt edge for a professional finish. Machine binding provides efficiency in this step, allowing precise attachment along the quilt’s perimeter. Mitered corners are essential for clean and neat edges, enhancing the overall appearance of the quilt. Careful fabric selection for the binding can complement the quilt design and enhance its aesthetic appeal. To master quilt binding placement, here are five valuable tips:
- Pin binding evenly along the quilt edge
- Utilize machine binding for efficiency
- Pay attention to mitered corners for a polished look
- Select binding fabric that complements the quilt
- Ascertain the binding placement is secure for a long-lasting finish (Source)
Quilt Binding Formula
To calculate the total binding length needed for your quilt, measure the perimeter and add an extra 10 inches for joining the binding strips and securing the ends. As for the binding strip width, cutting 2-inch wide strips will give you a 1/4-inch finished binding once folded, which is a common width for most quilting projects.
Calculate Total Binding Length
To calculate the total binding length, simply measure the perimeter of your quilt and add 10 inches for seam allowances. This guarantees you have enough binding to go around the entire quilt with a little extra for securing the ends. With this quilt binding formula, you can confidently cut the perfect amount of binding for your project.
Cut Binding Strips Width
To create your quilt binding, cut strips that are 2 or 2 1/4 inches wide. This width allows for a single or double fold binding, depending on your preference. Consider the weight and composition of your quilt fabric when selecting the binding fabric. Aim for a complementary or contrasting fabric to add visual interest to your finished quilt.
Joining Quilt Binding Ends
Now that you’ve calculated the total binding length and cut your strips, it’s time to join the ends together. This is a critical step to guarantee your binding fits perfectly around your quilt.
Start by pinning the ends together at a 45-degree angle, leaving a small ÂĽ inch tip hanging off each end. Sew along the diagonal line with a ÂĽ inch seam allowance, then press the seam open.
Fold the binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press to create your long binding strip. This diagonal seam method helps reduce bulk and creates a smooth, continuous binding that will hug the edges of your quilt beautifully.
Advantages of Machine Binding
Machine binding your quilt offers a convenient time-saving option, providing a professional finish to your project. With proper setup and technique, you can achieve neat, durable binding while streamlining the quilting process.
Convenient and Time-Saving Option
Machine binding is a convenient and time-saving option for quilters. It’s easy to set up your sewing machine, select the right thread, and stitch the binding in place. Plus, you can get creative with decorative stitches to add a unique touch. No more hand-stitching – machine binding is a game-changer for efficient quilt finishing.
- Saves time and effort compared to hand-stitching
- Allows for use of decorative stitches for embellishment
- Consistent quarter-inch seam allowance for a polished look
- Versatile technique that works with various binding materials
Provides a Professional Finish
Machine binding provides a professional, polished finish to your quilt. The stitching is neat and secure, creating a clean look on both the front and back of the quilt. This method is ideal for beginners as it’s time-saving and straightforward, allowing you to achieve a high-quality result with minimal effort.
| Binding Material | Fabric Selection | Stitch Type | Quilt Back View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton thread | Match quilt fabric weight | Blind hem stitch | Neat, secure stitching |
| Polyester thread | Consider contrasting fabric | Decorative stitching | Clean, professional look |
| 80 weight cotton | Same fabric or patchwork | Machine stitching | Minimal visible stitches |
Setting Up Your Sewing Machine
To set up your sewing machine for machine binding, start by threading it with a high-quality cotton thread.
Adjust the needle tension to guarantee even stitches on both sides of the fabric.
Choose a needle size appropriate for your quilt fabric, typically a size 80/12 or 90/14.
Select a straight stitch setting with a stitch length of 2.5-3 mm.
Attach an all-purpose presser foot or a quarter-inch foot for precise seam allowances.
Ensure your machine is set to sew with the needle in the down position for easy pivoting at corners.
Gather your quilting tools, including a rotary cutter, acrylic ruler, and self-healing cutting mat, to trim the binding to the desired width.
Making the Quilt Binding
To create your quilt binding, start by cutting 2.5-inch wide strips across the width of your binding fabric at a 45-degree angle.
Join the angled strip ends together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, mitering the corners by folding the strips at a 45-degree angle.
Trim the excess fabric at the seam allowances, then press the seams open and press the full binding strip in half lengthwise.
Cutting Strips and Joining Them Diagonally
To create the quilt binding, cut 2 1/2-inch wide strips on the bias, joining them diagonally to reduce bulk. Trim the excess triangles and press the seams open. Fold the long strip in half lengthwise, creating a crease, to prepare for attaching it to the quilt.
Trimming Corners and Pressing Seams
When trimming corners and pressing seams in quilt binding, achieve precise cuts and well-pressed seams for a professional finish. Follow these essential steps:
- Trim corners to eliminate excess bulk.
- Press seams open to minimize bulkiness.
- Adjust presser foot pressure for various fabric thicknesses.
- Select appropriate machine needles for the fabric type.
- Maintain a consistent seam line along the quilt edges for neat results. (Source)
Machine Binding Tutorial Steps
For a clean, mitered corner on your quilt binding, fold the binding strip at a 45-degree angle at each corner, leaving a small triangle folded underneath. To join the binding strips, place the trimmed ends perpendicular and sew them together with a diagonal seam, creating a seamless, continuous binding strip.
Step 2: Mitered Corner
When reaching the critical step of creating mitered corners in machine quilt binding, precision is key.
Utilizing miter techniques enhances corner aesthetics.
Make sure your binding materials are ready for a seamless finish.
Machine precision aids in achieving neat, hidden stitches.
Opt for various stitching options to cater to your desired edge stitching.
Embrace the art of mitered corners for a polished quilt top.
Step 3: Join the Binding Strips
Next, join the binding strips to create one continuous length. Align the strips at a 45-degree angle, pin in place, and sew with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open to reduce bulk. Trim any excess fabric from the corners for a neat finish. With the binding joined, you’re ready to attach it to your quilt.
Mitering a Corner on the Quilt Front
When mitering corners on the quilt front, choose between two types: traditional and angled.
Verify a needle size suitable** for your fabric and binding thickness.
Opt for a thread weight that complements your project’s size and design.
Select fabric that matches or contrasts with your quilt for visual interest.
Adjust machine settings, such as stitch length and tension.
Consider using a walking foot for smooth quilting.
Secure your binding with washi tape for precise alignment.
Match your bobbin thread color to your quilt top for a seamless finish.
These little aha moments in your quilting journey can truly elevate your final piece.
The Back View of Machine Bound Quilts
On the back of a machine-bound quilt, the binding will have a clean, straight stitching line along the folded edge. Machine binding is popular because it’s quicker than hand-binding and creates a uniform, professional finish on both the front and back of your quilt.
What Does the Back Look Like?
The back of your machine-bound quilt will have a clean, professional look. The blind stitch used to secure the binding creates a hidden seam, with the needle inserted close to the binding edge. Tie off knots on the quilt back for a seamless, enhanced finish. This method elevates your quilt-making skills.
Why Machine Binding a Quilt?
Machine binding a quilt offers several advantages. It’s a time-convenient option that provides a professional finish. Unlike hand binding, machine binding eliminates bulky seams and wandering stitches. When selecting fabric, choose a weight and composition that complements your quilt. Secure the binding with a sturdy quilter’s knot, and avoid a wobble stitch for a polished look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to sewing binding on a quilt?
Just like a skillful pilot steering a craft through turbulence, you’ll expertly guide binding fabric around quilt edges. Pin, miter corners, blind-stitch the binding for a polished finish.
Should quilt binding be sewn on the front or back?
Sew binding to the quilt front first, then fold it over and hand-stitch the back. This gives a crisp, machine-sewn edge on the front.
What is the formula for binding a quilt?
For quilt binding, cut fabric strips 5 inches wide. Join strips at 45-degree angles, creating one long strip. Press and fold it lengthwise. Pin binding to quilt, mitering corners, and machine/hand stitch in place. Secure ends and you’re done!
How to join the ends of a quilt binding with a diagonal seam?
Overlap the ends at a 90-degree angle, right sides together. Stitch a diagonal seam across the intersection, trimming excess fabric. Press the seam open for a neat, bias-bound finish.
What is the purpose of using bias binding?
Bias binding provides stretch and flexibility, maneuvering easily around curves and corners for a crisp, finished finish on quilts or other projects.
How do you calculate the total binding length?
You’ll need to measure the perimeter of your quilt and add about 10 inches for seam allowances and joining the ends. This gives you the total binding length to cut.
What type of stitch is recommended for hand binding?
For hand binding, you’ll want to use a blind catch stitch. This discrete stitch grips just the backing fabric, keeping your stitches invisible from the quilt front. A tried-and-true technique that secures binding beautifully.
What are the advantages of machine binding?
Machine binding offers significant time savings over hand binding. You’ll achieve a crisp, professional look with machine stitching’s uniform stitches. Plus, machine binding is ideal for curved edges where hand stitching can be challenging.
Why is it important to miter corners when sewing binding?
Let’s get crafty and make those corners look sharp! Mitering corners when binding a quilt creates tidy, professional-looking edges where the binding meets at a 90-degree angle, giving it that polished finish.
Conclusion
Quilting is a beloved craft, and tutorialssew binding on a quilt is the final touch that elevates your project from amateur to artisan. With practice, your mitered corners will become crisp, and the machine binding will lay flat, providing a polished finish. Embrace the journey; each quilt is a masterpiece waiting to be adorned with the perfect binding.
- sewingfromhome.com
