How to Make Binding For a Quilt

A binding finishes the edges of a quilt to make it complete and smooth, with no raveling edges. You can buy quilt bindings in the ribbon or trim sections of many fabric stores, or you can make your own. Ready made quilt bindings can be quicker and easier to use, but making your own can save you money and give you a much wider variety of choices for how you want the binding to look. You may want to choose a binding fabric that closely matches the quilt, or use a contrasting binding. Cotton fabrics, such as plain broadcloth and printed calicoes, work well for quilt bindings. You’ll need enough fabric to cut strips as long and as wide as the quilt. Make sure to wash, dry and iron the fabric before making the binding.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Quilt
• Pins
• Sewing machine

1. Cut two strips of fabric, each at least 2 inches wide and a few inches longer than the sides of the quilt. Cut two more strips of fabric at least 2 inches wide and a few inches longer the top and bottom of the quilt.

2. Place one strip right side down on the ironing board and turn each long edge over 1/2 inch toward the wrong side. Press the folds in place. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, so that the raw edges are on the inside, and press the strip again.

3. Repeat step 2 for the other three strips.

4. Place the binding strips over the edges of the quilt, so that the folded edges of the bindings wrap around and cover the edges of the quilt. Pin the binding strips in place, making sure to catch both the front and back of the binding in the pins.

5. Fold the corners of each binding strip under, so that the corners of the binding form 45 degree angles, with no rough edges. Pin the corners in place.

6. Stitch along the inside edge of the binding, making sure to catch both the front and back of the binding in the stitching.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to preheat the iron to an appropriate temperature for the fabric. Most cottons take a high iron temperature. You may want to use steam, or a spray bottle of water, to help press the folds firmly in place.
• Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and sewing machines.