How to Join Quilt Binding Strips
Binding a quilt is the final step before completion. When you are set for this task you can use a store-bought binding or you can cut your own binding. Cutting your own binding allows you to choose fabric that complements the design of your quilt. You can even choose to use fabric left over from construction. If you do this, you need to know how to join the binding strips so they are long enough to go all the way around the outside edge of your quilt.
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Things You'll Need
- Strips of binding fabric
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Iron and ironing board
Instructions
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Straight Method
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1
Lay two of your binding strips on top of each other with the right sides together. Make sure the long edges of both strips line up.
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2
Pin the short end of the strips together.
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3
Sew the narrow end of the strips together using a 1/4 inch seam.
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4
Unfold the strips and press with an iron to flatten the seam.
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5
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 until the binding is long enough to go around the perimeter of your quilt with at least 8 inches left over.
Diagonal Edges
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6
Lay one binding strip down flat on your work area with the right side of the fabric facing up.
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7
Lay the second binding strip right side down so that it forms an L-shape with the first strip. Form a right angle between the two strips.
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8
Sew the two strips together with a 45-degree angle across the corner of your L. Your line of stitching should be opposite the interior 90-degree angle.
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9
Cut outside of the sewing line leaving 1/4 inch of fabric to hold the seam. Save the triangles of scrap fabric for another project.
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10
Unfold the fabric and trim any excess that shows past the edge of the binding.
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11
Iron the seam flat and repeat Steps 1 through 5 until your binding is long enough to go around the perimeter of your quilt with at least 8 inches left over.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Diagonal edges look more polished on a finished quilt than straight edges and do not take much more time.
Only use a rotary cutter on a self-healing mat. Using one on a table will ruin your work surface.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
