How to Replace Binding on an Old Quilt

Update a quilt with binding or double-fold bias tape.

A quilt can provide years of comfort and warmth for you and your family. Sew new binding to extend the life of an old and beloved quilt. Stitching ready-to-use blanket binding or double-fold bias tape saves you time and effort. These bindings encase the quilt’s raw edges and reduce fraying. A stitched binding offers an attractive finish smooth to the touch.

Things You'll Need

• Seam ripper
• Iron
• Packaged blanket binding or double-fold bias tape
• Straight pins
• Thread
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Table or chair
• Hand-sewing needle (optional)

Instructions

1. Using a seam ripper, cut the threads that secure the old binding to the quilt. Remove any stray threads and binding pieces.

2. Set the iron to a temperature for the binding fabric. Press the new binding to remove wrinkles and seal the folds.

3. Encase the raw edge of the quilt in the binding’s fold. Insert straight pins to hold the quilt between the two layers of binding. Extend the binding 3 to 4 inches at each end of the quilt edge.

4. Tuck the extended tails under for a neater finish. Trim the excess binding to reduce bulkiness against the quilt. Pin in place.

5. Support the the quilt and binding at the sewing machine with a table or chair next to the machine to keep the quilt off the floor.

6. Select a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch on the machine’s selector. Machine-stitch close to the binding edge. Remove each pin as the fabric feeds across the needle plate.

7. Backstitch over the last few stitches to help secure the thread. Trim the thread close to the last stitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Hand-sew each end of the binding to encase the quilt corners.

• To bind all four edges, you may need to sew two or more pieces of binding together to encase the quilt’s perimeter. Finish sewing to the end of one edge of the quilt. Encase the second edge of the quilt with the binding and pin in place. At the first covered corner, fold down the excess binding at a 45-degree angle. This fold points to the corner. Machine stitch the binding parallel to the second edge of the quilt. Continue pinning and folding the remaining edges.

• Blanket binding is a potential choking hazard to small children and pets. Do not sew binding on a baby's blanket.

• Keep the iron, pins, needles, seam ripper and scissors away from small children.

References

• Make It and Love It; Piecing and Binding a Quilt; Ashley
• Wrights: Applying Double-Fold Bias Tape