Mastering the Art of Quilt Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Are you ready to add that perfect finishing touch to your cherished quilt masterpiece? Look no further – it's time to dive into the wonderful world of quilt binding! If you're a quilting enthusiast, you'll understand that the binding isn't just the icing on the cake; it's the frame that elevates your quilt from a creative project to a work of art.

Probably some of the most frequently asked questions I receive, center around one quilty topic - Quilt Binding! Whether you love it or hate it, it is the “present” that wraps your beautiful hard work into a finished quilt. Instead of dreading the process, I want to help you understand it better, address your challenges and improve you binding skills! I’ve created a 3-part YouTube video tutorial series all about quilt binding with your sewing machine. This also gave me a great opportunity to see the powerful features of my new Baby Lock Ballad sewing machine too!

YouTube Quilt Binding Tutorial Series

There are 3 videos in the YouTube series: the first video answers the most commonly asked questions that I receive about quilt binding and center around the basics of quilt binding; the second video is all about my process and how I bind my quilts, including all the tips and tricks I use; the third video is a fun look at how you can elevate your quilt binding with thread, decorative stitches and other tips! Check out the links to the videos below and find a step-by-step video below those! 👇👇👇

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned quilter, this quick guide will take you through the process of binding a quilt with ease and finesse. The videos walk you through all of the steps so you can follow along! So, gather your tools and let's get started on this exciting journey!

Materials You'll Need:

• Completed Quilt Top and Backing

• Quilt Batting

• Binding Fabric Strips (Coordinating or Contrasting)

• Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat

• Quilting Ruler

• Sewing Machine

• Iron and Ironing Board

• Straight Pins or Wonder Clips

• Thread (Matching or Contrasting-you’ll need to consider this for both your quilt top and the backing when attaching your binding)

Prepare Your Quilt

After your quilt is quilted, take a look at the edges. Press any wrinkled or folded edges. You can also baste or serge around the edges of your quilt to ensure you quilt sandwhich is held together nicely before binding.

Cut Your Binding Strips

Measure the perimeter of your quilt and add approximately 20 extra inches for joining the strips and the corners. Cut your binding fabric into 2.5-inch wide strips (or your preferred width). If your binding fabric is directional or has a pattern, ensure the strips are cut in the correct orientation.

Join the Binding Strips

Lay two binding strips perpendicular to each other at a 90-degree angle, right sides together. Stitch diagonally from corner to corner and trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open and continue joining strips until you have enough to go around your quilt.

Attach the Binding to the Quilt

Starting in the middle of one side of your quilt, leave a tail of about 6 inches and align the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of the quilt. Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, sew the binding to the quilt, stopping about 1/4 inch away from the corner. You can choose to attach to the back or the front first, it’s up to you! These details are covered in the video tutorials!

Miter the Corners

To create neat mitered corners, stop stitching 1/4-inch away from the edge and backstitch. Fold the binding up at a 45-degree angle, then fold it back down, aligning the raw edges with the next side. Continue sewing along the next side, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, repeating this process at each corner.

Join the Ends

When you reach the starting point, leave a tail of binding and stop a few inches before it. Trim the excess binding to overlap the width of your binding (example: if your binding strips are 2.5 inches wide, then your overlap of the two tails will need to be 2.5 inches. Open up the tails, place them right sides together and sew on the diagonal, similar to how you joined your binding edges. Want a tip for a quicker binding finish? Check out video 1 where I show you a great trick for joining your binding ends!

Finish Machine Stitching

After sewing the binding around one side of the quilt, press the binding to the opposite side, secure with wonder clips and stitch the binding down on the opposite side. Check out video 2 in the tutorial series for my hack on glue basting your binding!

Admire Your Finished Quilt!

NOW sit back and admire your beautifully bound quilt. The binding adds a professional touch and enhances the overall aesthetic of your creation.

Congratulations, you've just mastered the art of quilt binding! With practice, your binding skills will become even more polished, adding a touch of flair to every quilt you create.

Remember, quilting is a labor of love, so enjoy the process and take pride in your finished masterpiece. Happy quilting!