This article was originally posted on Sew We Quilt.
I want to talk today about binding – do you think it is boring? Not anymore!
Do you pay attention to the binding you add on your quilts ? For years I considered it just a necessary thing. The raw edges of the quilt have to be hidden so adding binding is a must.
Usually I make it from one of the fabrics used in the quilt and I always choose the fabric I less like. If I have an ugly fabric then I use it for binding.
But a few months ago I took the time to make a pieced binding and now I see the binding with different eyes.
I like to make it from strips of the same length- it is easy to calculate the number of pieces needed.
I join the strips with straight seams (no bias seams!) and I press the seam allowances open.
And since I take the time to make a pieced binding, why to make it only 1/4” wide ? I want a more interesting binding so I make it wider. About 1/2” finished width. This means that I cut the binding strips 3 1/2” wide and I stitch it on the edge of the quilt about 1/2” away from edge (you have to move the needle to the left).
If the pattern used on the quilt top has sharp points (like triangles) where you have to add binding, don’t use this method, you will cut them off. You can use other method, read further.
I also like to stitch the binding entirely by machine. I turn the binding to the back and I insert pins on the front of the quilt, keeping them parallel with the fold of the binding. Then I stitch in-the-ditch along the binding, catching the binding edge on the back of the quilt at the same time.
Do you keep the binding rolled while you are stitching it on the quilt? It really helps. Do not throw to the trash the empty spools – it is very easy to roll the binding on them.
But wide binding is not just for beauty and fun. It could solve a serious problem! What to do if your finished quilt, after quilting and washing, is smaller than the size you need? Many quilts shrinks – the shrinkage depends by the materials used and the amount of quilting.
The good news is that you can add a few inches to a quilt – just make a wide binding.
You have to trim the batting and backing larger than the quilt top.Measure from the edge of the top.
Naturally, you need more fabric for a wider binding.
The double folded binding below is about 1 1/2” wide. I made it with 6 1/2” wide strips. I trimmed the batting and backing 1 1/4” larger than the top.
Binding on front of quilt
Binding on back of quilt
Two more tips:
- Too wide binding doesn’t look good.
- Always use walking foot when adding the binding.
Here are a few quilts I made recently with wide binding.
I love strippy bindings but I don’t add them on all my quilts. On this quilt below there are so many colors and I thought a plain binding would look better.
Have fun making binding for your new quilts!
Geta
Lovely quilts Geta and thanks for making it so easy to try this!
I am in awe of your quilting on all these quilts ! Fabulous job!
Oh…I just love your quilts, colors and tutorial helps.
I must try your pinning technique. Looks like it would cut down on not catching the back of the binding, which is what always happens to me.
Your quilts and tutorials are always super! Thanks.
Do you wash (shrink) your quilt before binding it?
I've started doing this type of binding and of course it ALWAYS works out that they join together with like two inches of one color, when all the other blocks of color are like four times longer.
I love it – thanks for the tutorial!
Love the tutorial,,first time I have seen this site,I will be watching for more,great job