How to Finish Scalloped Edges on a Quilt
A scalloped edge on a quilt is a stylish option that produces a wavy, curved border. The finishing required for this edge, using binding material, is more difficult due to the lack of straight lines. The binding creates a border for the quilt, hides the unfinished edges and prevents fraying. The method for finishing is similar to that for regular quilting, with one very important difference involving the way the material is cut.
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Instructions
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1
Cut the binding material into strips that are two inches wide across the fabric bias with a pair of sharp scissors. Cut enough strips so that when they are joined from end to end the strips encircle the entire quilt. Fold each strip in half and press it with a hot iron.
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2
Position the quilt so that the front side is up. Unfold the binding material and place it on top of the quilt so that the edges match up. Use pins to secure the binding material in place. Overlap the material when a strip of binding runs out and a new strip is needed. Iron the binding at the edge that overlaps the edge of the quilt so that it lies flat.
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3
Sew the binding to the top of the quilt using a sewing machine equipped with a sturdy quilting needle and quilting thread. Locate the seam 1/4 inch from the edge.
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4
Remove all the pins and fold the binding over to the back of the quilt along the fold that was created during ironing in Step 1. Iron the binding with a hot iron and secure it in place to the back side of the quilt using pins.
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5
Hand stitch the binding to the back of the quilt. Use blind stitching to prevent any additional stitching from showing on the front of the quilt.
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Tips & Warnings
Cutting the binding material on the bias provides enough give and stretch in the material that it easily curves around the scalloped edges. Cutting on the grain, used with straight-edged quilts, does not provide this give in the fabric.
References
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