How to do Curved Quilting Borders

Finish the curved edges of any quilt with a special binding tape.

You have finally completed that quilt you have been working on for ages. You have sewn the pieces together and even transformed the corners of the quilt into gentle curves for a slightly different finish. Now you have to finish the quilt with a border to cover up those rough edges and the good news is the project is even simpler than making the quilt. The curved corners of the quilt are finished with a bias binding tape. The bias binding strips will bend around the curved edge of the quilt, whereas cross grain and lengthwise strips will not.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing tape measure
• Double-fold bias binding tape (or single-fold)
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Measure the perimeter of the quilt. Add about 3 to 4 inches to the length and cut a piece of double-fold, bias binding tape to this length. Use single-fold bias binding tape if you prefer a slightly ragged finish for the quilt.

2. Open the layers opposite the fold on the binding tape and slide the edge of the quilt into the fold. Start about halfway along one side of the quilt. Pin the binding tape to the quilt.

3. Continue along the side of the quilt, inserting the edge of the quilt in between the layers of the binding tape. When you reach the first corner, the binding tape will curve easily around. Pin as you go.

4. Continue sliding the quilt edge into the binding tape, all the way around the quilt. When you get back to where you started, allow the ends of the tape to overlap about 1/4 inch and trim off the excess.

5. Sew a straight stitch around the quilt to join the binding tape. Start at the halfway point at the same side as you began. Sew until you reach the first corner, lift your foot off the sewing machine's petal foot, turn the quilt to begin the curve and press down on the petal foot again, sewing slowly around the curve. Do not tug on the binding tape as you sew. This will prevent the curved corners of the quilt from laying flat.

6. Sew the tape all the way around the quilt, moving slowly and turning the fabric at each curved corner.

References

• "The Border Workbook"; Janet Kime; 2006
• "Borders, Bindings & Edges: The Art of Finishing Your Quilt"; Sally Collins; 2004