What Is Quilt Binding and How Is it Made? An Essential Guide to Finishing Your Quilt

Quilt binding is the final step in the quilting process, a technique that not only encases the raw edges of the quilt to protect them from wear and tear but also provides a finished look. It is made from strips of fabric that are sewn together to create a long border around the quilt’s edges. The binding can be a complementary or contrasting colour to the main quilt, adding an element of design to the finished piece.

Creating quilt binding involves cutting strips of fabric, joining them end to end to achieve the required length, and then folding the strip in certain ways to create a durable edge. The width and style of the binding vary depending on the quilter's preference and the quilt itself. There's a method to preparing quilt binding; it can be either straight grain binding, which is cut along the weave of the fabric, or bias binding, which is cut at a 45-degree angle to the weave, making it stretchier and more flexible. The latter is particularly useful for quilts with curved edges.

While constructing quilt binding, the strips are first sewn together diagonally to reduce bulk, then pressed in half lengthwise before being attached to the quilt. Sewn to the front of the quilt and then to the back either by machine or by hand, the binding not only serves a functional purpose but also offers an opportunity to add a final decorative touch.

Key Takeaways

  • Quilt binding is the process of covering the raw edges of a quilt for protection and aesthetic appeal.
  • The binding is made from fabric strips, joined to the required length, and can be either straight grain or bias cut.
  • Constructing quilt binding involves sewing strips diagonally, folding, and attaching them to the quilt's edges.

Quilt Binding Basics

Binding is the final step in quilt making, serving as a protective edge and adding a finished look. We use binding to encase the raw edges of a quilt sandwich, which consists of the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric.

Materials

  • Fabric: Typically, binding is made from strips of fabric that match or complement the quilt. These strips can either be cut on the grain or on the bias (at a 45-degree angle).
  • Thread: A strong thread that matches the binding colour is crucial to ensure a neat finish.

Methods

We use two main methods for attaching the binding:

  1. Machine Sewing: This is quicker and involves sewing the binding to the front of the quilt and then folding it over to the back and finishing by machine.
  2. Hand Sewing: This method provides a more traditional look. After sewing the binding to the front by machine, we finish by hand-sewing it to the back.

Steps

  1. Measuring and Cutting: Calculate the total length needed and cut strips of fabric wide enough to encase the quilt's thickness comfortably.
  2. Joining Strips: Sew the strips end-to-end to create one long piece.
  3. Folding: Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
  4. Attaching: Sew the binding to the quilt's edges, mitering the corners to create neat angles.

Considerations

  • Bias vs. Straight: Bias binding is more durable and flexible, especially for quilts with curved edges.
  • Width: The width dictates how thick the binding appears. Common widths range from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch when finished.
  • Colour: We choose a binding colour that either blends in or contrasts with the quilt design, depending on the desired effect.

Binding not only frames our quilt but also ensures that our work can withstand use over time, keeping the layers intact and the edges robust.

Choosing and Making Quilt Binding

When selecting the perfect quilt binding, one must consider both the fabric type and the colour that will complement the quilt's design. We recommend a durable fabric, such as cotton, that can withstand the wear and tear of edges.

Materials Needed:

  • Quilting cotton
  • Rotary cutter
  • Cutting mat
  • Straight ruler

Begin by cutting your fabric into strips. The width can vary depending on the desired finished size, but a standard is about 2.5 inches wide. The length should be enough to cover the entire perimeter of your quilt plus some extra for joining the ends.

Steps:

  1. Trim off selvages and square up the fabric.
  2. Cut strips at a consistent width using a rotary cutter and straight ruler.
  3. Join the strips end-to-end with diagonal seams, pressed open to reduce bulk.
  4. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.

Before attaching the binding to the quilt, consider if you want to machine stitch it or hand finish it for a more traditional look. Machine stitching is faster, but hand stitching can offer a cleaner finish.

Constructing the Quilt Binding

To start, we select our fabric and cut it into strips. These strips are typically between 2.25 and 2.5 inches wide and can be cut across the width of the fabric, known as "Width of Fabric" (WOF), to encompass the entire quilt perimeter. We often use a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler to achieve precise measurements.

Before joining the strips end to end, we trim off the selvages. We join the strips by placing the ends right sides together at a 90-degree angle, drawing a diagonal line from corner to corner, sewing on this line, and then trimming the excess fabric 1/4 inch from the seam. Pressing the seams open reduces bulk.

Once we have one continuous binding strip, we fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press along the entire length. This double thickness strengthens the binding and improves durability. We often make use of an iron and a pressing cloth to secure the fold, ensuring a crisp edge.

To attach the binding to the quilt, we align the raw edges of the unfolded binding strip to the raw edges of the quilt, starting about mid-way along one side of the quilt. We leave a tail of about 10 inches to allow for finishing the binding ends. We stitch a 1/4 inch seam, mitering the corners and stopping 1/4 inch before the edge to pivot, ensuring a neat corner fold.

As we approach the start point, we overlap the ends, cut them at a 45-degree angle, and join as before. Finally, we fold the binding over the quilt edge to the back and hand stitch it down to finish.

We rely on our thorough approach to produce a quilt binding that combines both form and function, resulting in a beautiful and long-lasting finish to our quilts.

Quilt Binding Advice

When considering quilt binding, it's crucial to select the appropriate fabric. Cotton is a popular choice due to its durability and ease of handling. We recommend a fabric strip width of about 2.5 inches for a balanced look and sufficient coverage of the quilt edges.

For an immaculate finish, consider using bias binding. Bias binding is cut at a 45-degree angle from the fabric grain, providing flexibility, which is particularly advantageous for quilts with curved edges. However, if your quilt has only straight edges, straight grain binding will suffice and is easier to make.

Here's a brief guide to preparing your quilt binding:

  • Cutting: Use a rotary cutter and mat for precise strips.
  • Joining: Align strip ends at 90 degrees, sew diagonally, then trim excess.
  • Pressing: Press seams open to reduce bulk. Fold binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.

When attaching the binding to the quilt, use clips or pins to secure it before sewing to ensure even distribution and avoid shifting. Sew the binding to the front of the quilt first, then either hand-stitch or machine-sew it to the back for a polished look.

Lastly, practice patience. Binding is often the final step in quilting and can be time-consuming, but careful work here can beautifully frame your quilt and ensure its longevity.