A quilt binding is a finishing touch to your quilt. It protects the edges of your quilt and gives it a nice, finished look. Sewing on a quilt binding can be a little intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite easy. This article will show you how to sew the binding on a quilt step-by-step.
It’s a narrow strip of fabric sewn to the edge of the quilt top, covering the raw edges of the fabric and batting. Binding can be made from a variety of fabrics, but most quilters prefer to use fabrics that coordinate with the quilt top.
Binding a quilt is the process of finishing the raw edges of the quilt top, typically with a strip of fabric. Binding is traditionally sewn to the quilt by hand, but many quilters now machine sew their bindings. Either way, it’s important to take your time and sew accurately for a professional-looking finish.
Let’s get started with some tips to remember while sewing binding on a quilt.
Table of Contents
Tips to Remember While Sew Binding on Quilt
Sewing binding on a quilt is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to remember while sewing binding on a quilt:
- Use a walking foot: A walking foot helps to feed the fabric through the machine evenly, preventing it from getting bunched up or wrinkled.
- Sew slowly: This will help to prevent mistakes and ensure that the binding is sewn on evenly.
- Be precise: Measure twice and cut once to make sure that the binding is the correct size and fits well around the quilt.
- Finish the corners: Carefully sew around each corner, ensuring that the binding folds meet neatly in the corner. Trim any excess fabric away before moving on.
- Press the binding flat: Once you have sewn it all the way around, press the binding with a hot iron to make it lie flat.
Tools and materials needed
For binding a quilt, you will need:
- Iron
- Pins
- Scissors
- A ruler
- Binding strips
- Backing fabric
- Binding tape
- A rotary cutter
You will also need a sewing machine equipped with an all-purpose foot and the correct needle for the type of fabric you are using.
How Sew Binding On Quilt – Step by step
Sewing binding onto a quilt is a simple process that can be done by hand or machine. By following these steps, you can finish your quilt in no time.
To sew the binding by hand:
- Start by Cutting your binding strips at a 45-degree angle. It will help the corners of your quilt lay flat when finished.
- Sew the binding strips together end to end, using a diagonal seam. Press the seams open as you go.
- Trim away the excess fabric at each corner, leaving about 1/4 inch of fabric beyond the point of the corner.
- Fold the binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
- Fold the binding in half lengthwise, right sides together, and press.
- Pin the binding to the edge of your quilt sandwich, with the raw edges aligned.
- Stitch the binding onto your quilt by hand, using a long stitch length for durability.
- Fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and press.
To sew the binding by sewing machine:
- Sewing binding onto a quilt can be done by hand or machine, but doing it by machine is much faster.
- To sew the binding by machine, iron the binding strips in half lengthwise.
- Then, align the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of the quilt top and pin them in place.
- Start sewing the binding to the quilt top using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, starting and stopping a few inches from each corner.
- When you get to a corner, stop sewing with the needle down, lift the presser foot, turn the quilt 90 degrees, lower the presser foot, and continue sewing.
- Repeat this process for all four corners. Once you’ve sewn all four corners, continue sewing along the remaining three sides of the quilt.
- If you’re using a ½-inch seam allowance, start and stop sewing a few inches from the corner on all three sides.
- Then, cut off the excess fabric, so you’re left with just the ¼-inch seam allowance.
Conclusion
The process of binding a quilt is not difficult, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure a beautiful finish. Following the above basic instructions, you can create a professional-looking quilt that will last for years. With a little practice, anyone can do it. So, get out your sewing machine and give it a try. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
I hope you got something from this post.
