How to Bind a Quilt With Scalloped Edges

Scalloped edges pose a unique challenge for quilters. The scalloped edge makes a very decorative quilt, but finishing off that edge poses problems, especially in large quilts. Binding around curves tends to pull or pucker. It is important to have enough continuous bias binding to complete the project because joining sections of binding together on a scalloped edge is nearly impossible. Take your time completing the quilt. Binding a quilt with scalloped edges is an exercise in patience, not speed.

Things You'll Need

• Disappearing fabric pen or chalk
• Bias binding
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Quilting thread for hand quilting
• Quilting needles
• Thimble
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Mark the scalloped edges around the quilt with a disappearing fabric pen or chalk.

2. Place the binding onto the quilt top with right sides facing. The raw edge of the binding should be facing away from the quilt. Pin the binding in place, following the markings you made in step one, easing in the binding around the curves instead of stretching it.

3. Machine stitch 1/4 inch from the raw edge of the binding, around the entire quilt. Remove the pins. Trim the quilt top, back and batting to the raw edge of the binding. Turn the binding to the back of the quilt. Pin the binding to the back of the quilt, easing in the fabric around the curves.

4. Hand stitch the binding to the quilt back with a blind stitch.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid hand sewing, attach the binding to the back of the quilt first, then sew the binding to the front using a decorative machine stitch.

References

• "Bound and Determined: Finish the Quilt;" A binding guide from the editors of McCall's "Quick Quilts" magazine; 2008; page 24