How to Miter Blanket Binding

Bind the edges of a quilt using a mitered corner.

Sewing a binding on a homemade quilt or replacing a binding requires the use of a mitered corner, which requires concentration and patience. The process is frustrating for beginners and intermediate quilters. There are several ways to miter a binding corner, and each has its advantages. The easiest mitered corner is one in which a continuous piece of binding is used. The miter is made through a specific folding technique. Take the frustration out of sewing mitered corners by following a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Straight pins
• Blanket binding
• Quilt or blanket
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Quilter's triangle

Instructions

Attaching the Binding

1. Pin the binding to one edge of the quilt or blanket, making sure it is not in a corner. Begin to sew the binding on a side edge. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Continue to sew the binding to the quilt and stop 1/2 inch from the corner. Backstitch to secure the seam.

2. Make a 45-degree angle with the binding at the corner. Turn the unsewn tail up and away from the quilt. Place the unsewn tail so it is parallel with the next edge to be bound.

3. Carefully fold the unsewn tail down so it is flush with the next quilt edge to be sewn. Make sure to leave the 45-degree angle intact. Pin the binding into place.

4. Sew the binding into place by starting where the last seam stopped. Backstitch to secure the seam. Sew across the binding until 1/2 inch from the next edge. Do not sew the 45-degree angle at this point.

5. Make the next 45-degree angle turn and sew the binding in place. Attach all remaining binding to the quilt or blanket. Cut any threads.

Finishing the Binding

1. Clip the corners to the sewing line. Fold the binding over the edge to encase the seam. Fold it down so it just covers the stitch line on the opposite side of the quilt or blanket.

2. Pin the edges of the binding into place.

3. Tuck the fabric in each corner into the binding to form a 45-degree angle. Use a quilter's triangle to make sure the fold is at the correct angle. This is the mitered corner.

4. Sew the binding into place. Trim any threads.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to turn under and press one edge of the binding to create a finished edge. This is the second edge sewn on the binding strip. The raw edge is sewn to the edge of the fabric and encased when the binding is turned.

References

• Craft Stylish: How to Make Mitered Corners for Bindings
• Quilt University: Mitering Borders
• Amy's Creative Side: Tutorial: Mitered Corners