A quilt is created when pieces of fabric are cut and sewn together in a pattern and covered with padding.The last step after sewing a quilt is to bind the edges with fabric to give it a finished look.The process for binding strips is explained in this article.
Step 1: Pick a binding fabric.
The binding of your quilt can be designed to make a statement or blend in with the pattern.As you make your fabric choice, imagine how you want your finished quilt to look.A fabric with a crosswise grain is a better choice for binding.A split in one area will not run along the entire length of the binding.It will end at the seam where the binding joins the quilt.Sturdy binding can be achieved with bias binding strips.Since the grain does not run the length of the fabric, a split in it won't travel as far.
Step 2: Take a look at the numbers.
The amount of fabric you need depends on how large your quilt is and how much binding you want to use.You can choose the width of your binding.If your quilt has a built-in border, you may want thinner binding.If you want the binding to act as a border, you may want it to be wide.You will be folding the fabric in half after cutting it into strips.Measure the four sides of your quilt.You need at least twelve to fifteen extra inches of binding material.
Step 3: The binding fabric can be cut into strips.
For larger projects, a rotary cutter may be helpful.There are fabric scissors that do the trick.
Step 4: Once you have a binding strip long enough to outline the perimeter of the quilt, sew the pieces together using the following method.
To create an inverted "L" shape, lay two strips at a right angle with the ends overlap.Use a straight pin to pin the strips.There is a diagonal line across where the two strips meet.The two strips should form a straight line if the top strip is pulled down.The extra fabric triangle on the outside of the seam has a 14” seam allowance.Continue until you have one long strip.If your binding strip is long, iron it straight and flat.To make a crease in the middle of the fabric, fold it in half and iron it again.
Step 5: The quilt has to be prepared for binding.
You can use your sewing machine to make a straight line from the edge of the quilt to the center.The layers of the quilt should stay flat during the binding process.To make sure the quilt is neat and even, trim any rough edges or excess batting from the perimeter.
Step 6: The binding has to be sewn.
The raw edge of the quilt should be lined up with the binding strip.The binding strip should be on the inside of the quilt top.When sewing from the corner, leave an unsewn tail that will be tucked into the binding later.The seam allowance is what fits the look of the quilt.14” is the most common seam allowance.The fabric can bunch up if you use the walking foot on your sewing machine.You should reach the same distance from the corner as your seam allowance by sewing along the first side of the quilt.Stop stitching from the corner if you are using a 14” seam allowance.Cut the threads by backstitching a few centimeters.
Step 7: The first corner needs to be Bind.
If you want the binding to run parallel to the next side of the quilt, fold the long tail up.A 45 degree angle can be formed by the lower edge of the strip.Keeping that folded angle in place, fold the tail down to align it with the next side of the quilt.The corner is being mitered.Start sewing a new line at the right angle.To make sure it stays in place, backstitch over the corner.
Step 8: The edges and corners should be sewn.
Continue sewing the binding along the edge of the quilt, using the same seam allowance you used on the previous edge.Stop stitching from the edge as you approach each corner.Continue sewing along the last edge after removing the corner.
Step 9: The first side needs to be sewed.
When you reach the place where you began binding the quilt, trim the tail and leave just enough fabric to overlap the starting place by about four inches.To tuck the other tail at the beginning of the binding underneath, fold the fabric at a diagonal.Continue stitching along the edge of the quilt and sew over the original seam.You should backstitch and trim your thread.
Step 10: The quilt should be turned over to bind the sides.
The binding strip should be the same measurement as the seam allowance.The binding strip should be folded over the edge of the seam allowance.Stitch along the edge of the quilt with your walking foot.Stitch slowly as you guide your quilt.Make sure your seam is straight by adjusting the quilt.Be careful when you reach the corner.Lay the binding strip flat along the next edge after folding it under at the corner.The quilt should be pivoted in the sewing machine at the corner.This is how to sew the edges and corners of the quilt.Continue stitching over the place where you started.Cut the thread with a backstitch.