Turning a Corner & Making a Point : : Quilt Binding Tutorial

Call me strange ... I love to bind quilts! I have even been known to volunteer my time to bind king size quilts for my friends. I love the exact science of sewing the binding on. I love to make that perfect mitered corner and I love to hand sew the binding in place on the back. It's therapy for me!

I know so many quilters that hate binding their quilts because of those darn mitered corners. Well, here you go ... my foolproof binding tutorial.

Here's what you do:

 Cut strips of fabric between 1 ¼ inches for single-layer binding and 2 ¾ inches for double-layer binding.

Pieces the strips together and press the seam allowance open. 

Press the entire length of binding in half. 

Fold back the beginning of the binding ¼ inch. Starting midway on one edge, pin then stitch the right side of the binding to the right side of the quilt, using ¼ seam allowance. 

Remove the project from the sewing machine and clip threads.

 

 

 

  Continue working your way around the edges, using the same process for and additional corners.

When you near the starting point, cut the remaining binding strip off at a diagonal and stitch your binding strip over the folded starting edge of binding. 

Clip the corners at a diagonal.

Fold the binding edges to the back. Turn under the raw edge just enough to cover the seam that you just stitched. 

Create diagonal folds at the corners and pin in place. 

Working from the back, use a slip stitch to attach the binding to the binding. 

And you are done!

And here's a bit more info on binding that you might want to consider.

Single binding is my favorite way to finish quick and easy projects.  If I am binding a quilt that will be get lots of wear and tear and washed often then I will use a double-layer binding, but the basic steps are the same.

Bias binding or straight of grain binding?

 Binding made from strips that are cut on the bias and are called just that, bias binding.  If the project that you are binding has curves and rounded shapes, then bias binding is the only choice. The bias cut will allow the fabric to form to those organic shapes, without creating cracks and tucks.  I learned years ago that double-layer bias binding is the only method that should be used when binding a quilt that will be washed often because the fibers in the binding running at a diagonal will hold up to more abrasion then fibers that are all lined up and straight as in straight of grain binding.

 Binding made from strips that are cut with the grain of the fabric is called straight of grain binding.  Either single or double-layer straight of grain binding works great for quilts with straight edges.

Happy quilting ... Happy Sewing ...

Happy binding!

 

Comments

[Charade]

Thank you so much for the photos, the clarity, and the calm. I can't tell you how many projects I've avoided because of a history of less-than-pleasant mitered corner experiences. Now I can't wait to jump in again! Thanks again.

[donna!ee]

oh my...ditto, what an awesome step by step of photos, clarity & CALM! ... thank you much! :)

[Sharon MLS]

Great tut! When turning the corner, stitching from the edge of the quilt, instead of starting 1/4" in, helps get that crisp mitered corner. Glad to see you do it that way.
I love binding too! Binding and a movie. :-)

[Regena]

I guess I have the same disease as you....I LOVE to do the binding too. I don't care for cutting bias, so I use s.o.g. 90% of the time.

[Linda Linard]

Great info! I remember this by when I fold the binding up it is "1st gear" when I pull down it is "2nd gear" and I drive on..

[Barbara]

I have just found your step by step single binding instructions. I'm going to give it a go as I have been struggling with double binding and mitred corners. This will be the third attempt on a small wall hanging.

[Jane Elliott]

Can you help please? I always bind as you have described, but I am now trying to bind around a rectangular hole that I have made into a quilt (I am making a cover for my sewing machine and am making the opening on the top for the handle to come through. Because I am binding around the inside rather than the outside of the fabric (if you see what I mean) I can't work the mitred corners. Any suggestions please?

[Linda Flaig]

I am still a beginner. I have tried and tried to make pointed corners with the binding. It just doesn't happen. I was not back tacking and after the fold starting fresh at the corner going the other way. I think this will make the difference. Thank you so much. Pictures are great and you explain it perfectly.

[Cynthia Shaffer]

Hi Linda ... Hope this helped ... did you try it yet? Let me know if you have questions! Cynthia

[quilting block patterns]

Hi
Today i want to tell you about the vice versa of block quilting. Knowing what you are going to use the block quilt for when it is done is the first step in selecting a quilting pattern. Some patterns look better on smaller projects. To know more visit- quilting block patterns

Thanks
Shamim

[shirlee sim suan see]

Thank U so much for the clear pictures. Tremendous help in exchange for all my unpicking..:P

[E. Lancour]

Thank you!!!! I have made over ten Christmas table runners and place mats and had left the binding go as I just couldn't get how to do it. Your explanations are excellent and very much appreciated. Hopefully I will get them done in time for Christmas.