How to Bind a Quilt Without Binding

Quilt edges can be finished with topstiching instead of binding strips.

Most quilt edges feature binding, a long strip of cloth a few inches wide that fully wraps the front and back edges of the quilt and is sewn in place like a border. Some quilters prefer a simpler finish that doesn’t involve sewing on a strip of binding material. This finishing method is achieved by topstitching around all four sides of the quilt.

Things You'll Need

• Quilt top
• Batting
• Quilt backing material
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Hand-sewing needle
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Tape measure
• Iron
• Iron-on bond adhesive

Instructions

1. Measure the quilt top and backing material, making sure each piece of fabric is the same size. With scissors, trim any excess material, if necessary. Cut a piece of batting one-half inch shorter in both height and width than the outer surfaces of the quilt.

2. Heat the iron, and then use it to iron under a quarter-inch hem around all four edges of the quilt top. Repeat with the quilt backing, so that each side features a quarter-inch hem fold. Carefully position the batting on top of the wrong side of the quilt backing material and smooth it out flat. Fold the hem on the quilt backing over the edges of the batting, so that the batting’s edge is totally tucked under the hem on all four sides. Then lay the quilt top, front side up, on top of the other two layers, making sure each side and corner line up perfectly.

3. Choose one of two ways to temporarily secure all three layers together. Either sew by hand with a basting stitch, which can easily be pulled out after the final machine sewing is complete. Or, use the iron to apply a soft, iron-on bond adhesive to create added security in keeping the entire quilt together.

4. Thread the sewing machine, and utilize its zipper foot to carefully stitch through all three layers of fabric. Be sure to keep the stitch as close to the edge of the material as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Use straight pins to secure all three layers of material together before proceeding with the hand-basting stitch or the application of iron-on bond adhesive.

• Some iron-on bond adhesives create a thick layer of glue that cannot be sewn through. Be sure to choose an adhesive that is made to be sewn over.

• Only use this technique for finishing small quilts or smaller quilted items, such as placemats or pillow covers. It can be difficult to achieve perfect alignment when topstitching larger pieces.

References

• Craft and Fabric Links: Quilt Finishing

Resources

• Needlepointers.com: The Alterntaive Finishes Series