How to Connect the Quilt Binding

Make beautiful quilt bindings with these easy steps.

Like a picture frame, quilt bindings are the finishing touches that highlight the quilt and seal in the raw edges of the quilt layers. Proper binding for quilt shows suggest that the binding be plump, as it is believed that creases on the edge of the binding will show wear more quickly than the rest of the quilt. Keep this in mind as you purchase or make your binding.

Things You'll Need

• Finished, layered quilt
• Measuring tape
• Purchased binding or fabric for binding
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Measure the outside of your finished quilt and add ten inches for corners and finishing to the measurement. Purchase that amount of quilting binding at a fabric store or make your own. If you make your own, cut strips of fabric to double the finished width of binding you want, generally 2.5½ inches wide, for a finished one-inch binding with a quarter-inch seam allowance.

2. Iron the unfolded purchased or made strips flat. Fold lengthwise halfway with wrong sides together and iron again.

3. Pin the raw edges of the folded binding to the front side of the raw edges of the quilt. Begin about a third of the way from the bottom of the side of the quilt so the binding connection will be less conspicuous.

4. Fold the raw end of the binding at a 45-degree angle and begin sewing your quarter-inch seam allowance. Sew to a quarter inch of the quilt corner, backstitch a couple of stitches, and cut the thread.

5. Pivot the quilt around to prepare to sew the binding along the next edge of the quilt. Make a 45-degree angle with the binding by folding the binding straight up away from the quilt. Hold the 45-degree angle down with your finger and bring the binding straight down along the edge of the quilt. There will be a fold in the binding that should align with the previously stitched edge of the quilt side. Pin these folds in place.

6. Stitch a quarter-inch seam allowance from the top corner of the quilt, over the folded binding, down the side of the quilt. This creates a mitered corner for the quilt. Repeat this sequence for all sides and corners of the quilt. When you reach the starting point of the sewn binding, overlap the beginning stitches, backstitch and cut the threads.

7. Fold the binding over the raw edges to the back of the quilt. Pin the binding so that it hides the machine stitching line. Blind stitch the folded edge of the binding by hand to the quilt. Make sure stitches do not show on the front of the quilt.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a thimble to protect your fingers when hand stitching.

References

• How to Attach Quilt Binding by Machine; Leah Day
• HGTV; Tips on Finishing a Quilt
• Heather Bailey Design: Quilt-binding directions