How to Finish Quilt Without Binding Using Fusible Batting

Use fusible batting when quilting in a hurry.

Using fusible batting inside a quilt allows you to skip the tedious tacking portion of quilting and go straight to assembly and completion. Fusible batting has a webbed adhesive on each side that softens under high temperatures. When an iron is used on the quilt fabric the fusible batting underneath will respond to the heat and merge the layers together. Quilting with fusible batting removes the need for tacking and binding the quilt with bias tape.

Things You'll Need

• Quilt top
• Quilt backing
• Fusible batting
• Scissors
• Pins
• Iron
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Spread the quilt top on a flat surface with the “right” side facing down. Cut the fusible quilt batting to size and place it on the quilt top. Lay the quilt back, with “right” side facing up, on top of the other quilt layers.

2. Align the quilt top with the quilt backing, sandwiching the fusible batting between these two layers. Begin pinning the quilt from the middle, working toward the outer edges. Place pins five inches apart in straight rows so the iron will fit between the pins.

3. Iron the quilt backing from the center toward each edge. Don't drag the iron, as doing so might create wrinkles. Instead, lift the iron and press it down firmly on each spot. Hold the iron in place for the manufacturer's recommended time limit. Stop ironing 2 inches from each edge to turn these edges and make the seam. Turn the quilt over and iron it in the same manner on the quilt top.

4. Fold the edge of the quilt top and bottom inside one-half inch along each edge. Pin these edges together, using several pins to keep the folded hem secure. Sew a straight stitch along the edge of the quilt using a one-quarter inch seam allowance.

5. Remove the pins. Iron the whole quilt a second time on the front and back to ensure the fusible batting is secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the wool setting on your iron; the heavy steam will fuse all layers of the quilt at one time.

• Let the quilt cool completely before adding decorative tie tacks.

• Use a round, ballpoint needle if you intend to machine-stitch designs on the quilt.

References

• June Tailor: FAQ -- Quilter's Fusible Batting