How to Bind a Quilt With Satin Blanket Binding
Few things make novice quilters tremble more than the idea of finishing and binding a quilt. However, once a few simple techniques are mastered, quilt binding is nothing to fear. Many quilters enjoy making their own binding, but when time is limited, ready-made blanket binding works well. The key is knowing how to reduce bulk in the corners, creating a neat, mitered finish.
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Things You'll Need
- Quilt
- Measuring tape
- Ready-made blanket binding
- Pins
- Threaded sewing machine
- Hand-sewing needle and thread
Instructions
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1
Measure the outside edges of the quilt. Add 4 inches to the total measurement. Cut the ready-made blanket binding according to this measurement.
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2
Fold the blanket binding over the edge of the quilt, with the narrow side of the binding up, beginning about 3 inches from one corner. Pin it into place. Continue until one edge of the quilt has binding pinned to it.
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3
Stitch close to the woven edge of the blanket binding with your sewing machine, stopping ¼ inch from the corner.
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4
Keep the needle down in the fabric and turn the quilt 45 degrees. Continue sewing at a 45-degree angle until the stitches run off the edge of the fabric.
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5
Cut the sewing threads, but do not cut the binding.
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6
Fold back the blanket binding 90 degrees. This will result in a 45-degree fold that follows the stitching made in step 4. Press down this fold with your finger.
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7
Hold the fold securely while simultaneously folding down the blanket binding so it comes straight down along the next edge of the quilt, creating a flap of fabric in an "L" shape. Pin the binding securely. Continue pinning the binding in place along the edge, as you did in step 2.
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8
Stitch the binding in place, as you did for step 3, stopping ¼ inch from the corner.
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9
Repeat steps 4 through 8 until all the binding is applied to the edges of the quilt.
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10
Hold onto one corner and fold the excess flap of fabric on the top side of the quilt underneath the binding, creating a fold on a 45-degree angle. The resulting corner of binding will have a fold running from the tip of the corner toward the center of the quilt.
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11
Stitch the corner closed using a slipstitch. To sew a slipstitch, insert a threaded hand-sewing needle into the fold you've just created at the corner, hiding the knot on the bottom of the fold. Draw the needle point out at the very edge of the fold and pull the needle through the fabric. Reinsert the needle on the opposite side of the binding, just ahead of where the needle came out. The stitch should be no longer than 1/8 inch. Draw the needle to the top of the fabric and repeat until the opening is closed.
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12
Fold and slipstitch every corner as directed in steps 10 and 11.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Step 4 is optional, but helpful in getting the fold right. If you wish, you may omit this step.
