How to Finish Ends of Binding on Quilts
Constructing your own quilt involves several different steps, some more intimidating than others. The very last step in making that quilt, sewing the binding around the edges, is often the most intimidating step, especially when you get back around to where you started attaching the binding and find yourself wondering how to join the two ends. Putting together those ends, however, is a much simpler task than it may seem and, when done properly, gives your quilt a professional finish.
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Instructions
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Stop sewing the binding to the quilt 8 inches from where you started attaching the binding. Trim one end of the binding so the two ends overlap by an amount equal to the width of the binding. So, if your binding strips were 2 1/2 inches wide before you did any folding, then the two ends need to overlap by 2 1/2 inches.
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2
Unfold the two ends of the binding; your binding strip would have been ironed folded in half before you begin sewing it on the quilt. Put the two ends together at a 90-degree angle (like you did when creating your one long continuous strip of binding) with the right sides of the fabric together. Sew the two strips together diagonally from one outside corner to the other outside corner.
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3
Trim the seam allowance down to 1/4 inch and iron the seam allowance open. Refold the binding strip (now one continuous strip) in half. Finish sewing the strip along the edge of the quilt to close the gap between the start and finish of the seam you were sewing.
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4
Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt to encase the raw edges of the fabric and batting. Iron the binding in this direction so it lays smooth against the quilt and easily reaches around to the backside.
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Sew around the quilt again with the top side of the quilt facing up. Sew right in the ditch where the binding fabric and the top fabric of the quilt meet. This hides the seam on the top side of the quilt while catching the binding on the back side.
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Tips & Warnings
You can pin the binding as you fold it over the edge of the quilt if you are worried about the binding staying in place well enough for the seam to catch it.
