How to Trim Quilt Edges
Once you've spent the time piecing and quilting your project, you'll want to apply some type of binding or trim around the edge for a finished look. Add an attractive, durable edging to your quilt by attaching a seam binding with mitered corners.
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Things You'll Need
- Bias quilt binding
- Iron
- Scissors
- Pins
- Hand sewing needle and thread
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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1
Choose the binding. You can make your own or purchase a ready-made seam binding. Pick binding wide enough to enclose the edges of the quilt and have enough left to lap over to the front.
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2
Sew the binding around the parameter of the quilt with a ¼-inch seam allowance. With the right side of the quilt and binding together and starting about 8 inches from one corner, sew through all thicknesses to within ¼ inch of the corner. Keep the needle in the down position, lift the presser foot, turn the quilt and start sewing down the other side. Continue all the way around, working each corner the same way.
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3
Cut the excess binding off, leaving enough to turn under and cover the raw edge where you started.
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4
Trim the point of each corner off to remove excess fabric and bulk. Working from the front side of the quilt, use the tip of a hot iron to press out the corners. Work it into the corner to push out the point for the miter.
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Fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and begin pinning it in place. When you reach the corner, use your finger or a pin to hold the corner of the binding down, forming a fold. Point it towards the inside of the quilt.
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Begin folding the other side of the binding, bringing the edges of the two points together to form the mitered corner. Follow the same procedure to fold, pin and miter the rest of the binding.
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Sew the binding in place by hand with a blind stitch or use your sewing machine. If you use your sewing machine, do some good pinning or basting and sew from the front, in the ditch of the seam. Be sure that you're catching the binding on the back of the quilt with your stitching.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider a binding with the same fiber content as your quilt. This is especially true for a baby quilt that may require frequent washing and drying.
Measure the distance around your blanket and add a little extra, when buying you seam binding. It's better to have a little extra than not enough.
