how to do "binding" on a quilt?

Question

need instruction on cutting the binding for a quilt

Answer 1

There are a lot of different ways to do the binding on quilts. First, do you want single or double fold binding? Single is sufficient for for wall quilts, but for the most part you want double fold because it will wear better. Single fold means that only one layer of fabric goes over the edge of the quilt. Double means you fold the fabric in half lengthwise before sewing the binding on the quilt. This gives you two layers of fabric over the edge, which wears better. I think double fold is actually easier.

Next, do you want straight grain, cross grain or bias binding? Straight grain is cut parallel to the selvage, while cross grain is cut perpendicular to the selvage. Cross gives a little more stretch and flexibility. Bias is cut on a 45 degree angle to the selvage, and has the most stretch and flexibility. This is important if you have a scalloped edge on your quilt.

For double fold binding, cut the fabric strips between 2" and 3", depending on how much binding you want visible. Beginners usually start a little wider, then reduce the width as they become more comfortable with the process. I use 2 1/4", although I started at 2 1/2". How you cut it depends on if you want straight, cross or bias grain. Sew the strips together to create one long strip. Fold it in half, wrong sides together, and press.

You can sew your binding on a couple of ways. There's a mitered version that looks much nicer, but is a little more complicated (not that bad, actually - this is how I do all of my quilts). It involves one long strip, folding the edge back at the corners and then forward to form the corner. The link below has illustrations that makes this much easier. You can also do a non-mitered version where you sew the sides on in four separate pieces, finishing the edges by folding them under before sewing it to the quilt.

Finally, you can attach the binding to the quilt either entirely by machine, entirely by hand (if you've hand sewn everything else), or partly machine, partly hand. In the last option, you place the open edge of the binding at the edge of the quilt so the binding lays on the front of the quilt. Sew along the edge to attach the binding. Lift the binding and fold it to the back. Clip it in place (I like to use four or five of those silver springy hairclip things, moving them as I complete a section), then hand sew the folded edge of the binding to the back of the quilt so your stitches are hidden in the binding. Match your thread to the color of your backing fabric.

For a faster version, machine sew the binding to the BACK of the quilt, then fold it over to the front and machine sew VERY CAREFULLY just above the folded edge of the binding. You need to keep this perfectly even. Make sure your bobbin thread matches your backing fabric. The top thread should match the binding fabric to make it less visible.

There's a great set of instructions below that tell you all of this info with illustrations. Her website has instructions on all sorts of other things, including a boatload of blocks, but the navigation isn't real slick. Click the drop down menu (it says "Where do you want to go today?"_ from the main page (second link) to see what else is there.

Answer 2

Alex Anderson had a program called Simply Quilts which is still re-run on HGTV. I've included the link to a great page of hers with color photos showing binding technique.
And I've included a link to a very useful site, quiltuniversity, along with craftandfabriclinks which has a variety of binding methods.
It is way easier than you may think: in summary cut strips about 2" wide, sew them together to equal the length of the perimeter of your quilt, iron the strip wrong sides together and place it on the right side of the quilt with all the cut edges aligned. You just sew it on (but the pictures on the links will help with the corners), fold it over and adhere it to the back. You'll do great!

Answer 3

I am including a link. I have difficulty doing this myself, so I take it to a quilt shop which does it for a fee. Looks great! :)

Answer 4

Binding is a clickable link halfway down this page:
http://quilting.about.com/od/stepbystepquilting/a/make_a_quilt.htm

Answer 5

the correct way sewing the end binding to geather