The easiest way to explain is to show you ( thanks for the images, Polly!) A 5. Allpeoplequilt is part of the Meredith Home Group. Start at one end of your strip and begin folding it in half. For many quilters, once they have fallen in love with piecing their quilt tops, they turn towards learning to machine quilting their own finished projects. Flip your quilt over and fold the binding over to the back of the quilt. Rag Dies. Measure the four sides of your quilt to determine the length of its perimeter. You did it! So you’ve basted and quilted your quilt and you know what kind of fabric you need, so let’s get started. When you get to the corner, repeat all steps again for the remainder of the quilt. And all can be used for either single or double fold bindings (we will discuss this another day, in a separate article). The other day I got a comment on my Binding Tutorial that read: “Do you know of a binding chart for measurements, on how you can figure out how much binding you will need for a quilt when you are making BIAS BINDING? Allow 10″ extra for turning corners and the closure. Line up the raw edge of the binding to the raw edge of the quilt. When attaching binding by machine, begin by sewing the binding to the back of the quilt. I like to start attaching the binding about 3/4 of the way down the long side. Continuous Bias Binding is another way to make binding a quilt real easy. Keep your binding held taute so you don’t get any bumps or puckers in the binding. Lines are drawn, pieces are offset, and re-sewn into a tube, and then the tube is cut on the line with scissors. Step 6: Finish sewing the binding Accuquilt GO! These stitches also will be visible on the top of your quilt, so keep that in mind when trying to keep them straight. Cutting Mats & Accessories. It requires less fabric than double-fold binding, but also provides less protection for a quilt's edges. Binding Your Quilt: Ok. Many patterns list the number of binding strips or the total length needed to complete a project. You can make quilt binding in any size you'd like, but 2 1/4 (2.25 inches) or 2 1/2" strips are most common - this will give you a binding width of about 1/4" on the front and back of your quilt. There are a lot of different ways to do the binding on quilts. Step 4: Attach the binding to the back of the quilt. For 1⁄2"-wide finished double-fold binding, cut 3-1⁄4"-wide binding strips and attach them using a 1⁄2" seam allowance. Follow these steps for an easy self binding quilt finish! Accuquilt GO! Clip your binding in place along this entire edge. Step 1: Cut the fabric for your binding. I have seen he chart for straight binding, and that's great, but how do you figure out the measurements when you're cutting bias binding? Leave a 6" tail. Take the end with the folded edge and line up the raw edge of your binding with the raw edge of your quilt. Before I dive into prepping your quilt for binding, I’d first like to share a quick overview of the most common binding methods. About the author: Miriam Ronne is a lover of all things quilting and sewing. Let’s make quilt binding! Purses, totes, and shoulder bags--we have all the free bag patterns you need! So how do you conceal your edges? What is Quilt Binding? Unfold the binding and lay … Position and pin the strips perpendicular to one another with the raw edges aligned and right sides together. Your right sides will be facing each other. Straight Grain Binding. Leave about a 6-inch tail. Continuous bias cut 1 1/4-inch wide is perfect for most curved stems and applique vines. Mark, then join the strips with diagonal seams to make one continuous binding strip. Stitch this edge down, starting and stopping ¼in from each corner, as before. Binding a quilt by machine: attaching your binding Step 1 Starting at the centre bottom of your quilt and following the traditional or seamed method (see below), attach the double-fold binding with raw edges aligned using a 1 ⁄ 4 in seam. Keep in mind you’ll be cutting the fabric into strips that will then be folded in half. Binding size refers to the width of the finished binding as it appears from the front of the quilt. Piecing Dies. Begin stitching with a ¼” seam allowance about 3” down from the folded edge. You quilted your beautiful quilt, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now take the other strip and lay it vertically-right side down on top of the other strip. The 16 Best Quilting Blogs On The Web For 2020. Cutting Mat; Square Ruler (for your corners) Long Ruler (or something you can use as a straight edge) Water Soluble Marker (optional, for marking your lines before you cut) How to Square Up A Quilt (Steps 1-4) Step 1: Cut the first corner. Backstitch and get ready to stitch the binding to the back of the quilt! Cutting and folding the ends on the diagonal mimics the diagonal line of the other seams in the pieced binding. For my mini-quilt, I only needed about three per side, but for a throw-sized quilt, it takes about 100 clips to go all the way around the quilt. For this quilt binding method we will attach the binding to the back of the quilt first. The bias cut produces binding that has a little give to it. Attach binding to back of quilt. If you cut strips along the vertical length of the fabric, you waste little to no fabric. When you get to a corner, fold the strip up, away from the quilt top so that it’s creased at a 45° angle. Joining strips. Step 2 – Cutting the Backing. Fold the binding over your corner on that edge first, then fold the other edge over. Continuous strip binding. Be sure your seams are on the inside of the fold. Tip: Use invisible thread in your bobbin so those stitches will be (almost) invisible on your quilt top. It has the least amount of stretch or flexibility compare to the other two types. Flip the quilt and fold the binding strip to the same measurement as your seam allowance. Using a Double Fold For a Quilt Binding. Leave a 6″-8″ tail from the end of the binding. How To Bind a Quilt: A Step by Step Tutorial. So this quilt is only about 37 so I’m just going to need 4 strips to bind this because I know I’ll have enough. If you have a walking foot you can use that, I am using an old vintage 15-91 Singer and the walking feet … From cuddly baby quilts to quilted play throws, these quilts will be treasured for years to come. Qubes & Bundles. Line your binding strip up around the edges of your quilt. Stop stitching when you are ¼” from the corner edge of your quilt top. Many quilters like to sew the binding by hand, but I prefer to use my sewing machine. Use your ruler as a straight edge, lining up the bottom left corner with the top right corner. Stitch along that line and trim down to ¼” seam. This is the method I use on most of my quilts, especially the ones that will be regularly handled and washed, because it covers the quilt’s edges with two protective layers of fabric, instead of one. In this blog series about quilt bindings, I plan to show you how to prepare a quilt for binding, along with a couple methods of actually binding the quilt. Bias strips are cut diagonally across the fabric. There are all kinds of rulers you can use, most of the time I use the one that I have handy on my cutting table which is 6″ x 24″. Bias binding is made from 2 1/2″ strips cut on a 45 degree angle. Home » Northcott » 4 essential tips for cutting fabric for your quilt. Third Way: When Binding a Quilt is cutting on the bias which is the best method if your quilt edge is scallop, serpentine or has round corners. Use your walking foot to begin stitching along the edge of the quilt. In Part 1 of our instructions we calculated the total length of continuous bias binding and the strip width for a quilt. Binding Strip Cutting Chart The total strip length in this chart is in inches, and already accounts for the inches lost when strips are pieced together. Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 – Measure the quilt to determine how many inches of binding you need. Single-fold binding is cut four times the desired finished binding width plus 1⁄8" to allow for turn of cloth (the fabric take-up resulting from folding and wrapping binding around the quilt edge). The only thing I do differently when backing a quilt with minky instead of regular cotton is to make sure I cut wide enough strips (2.5″ usually) and test to make sure there is enough binding to fully cover the initial stitch line. Wasn’t yesterday’s blog post exciting? The seam allowance used to attach the binding should be equal to the desired finished width of your binding. Fabric Cutting System . Trimmed quilt ready to bind. No related posts. NEW Dies. Cut the square in half diagonally to form two triangles. Most quilt patterns and kits have you cut your binding this way. Cut crosswise strips the desired width, cutting enough strips to equal the total length needed. Now begin stitching right at the edge, and be sure to backstitch to make sure these first few stitches hold. 4 essential tips for cutting fabric for your quilt. If using a narrower binding strip, 2.25" for example, fold back that measurement and pin. If your quilt has curved edges, cut the strips on the bias (see here for the how-to steps). All Rights Reserved. Then you stitch that on your quilt and fold it over the raw edge of your quilt to finish it off. Lift the presser foot and needle, cut the thread, and remove the quilt slightly away from the sewing machine. Replacement Qube Dies. Single is sufficient for for wall quilts, but for the most part you want double fold because it will wear better. Begin stitching like before, taking it nice and slow. Prepare binding strips, cutting 2.5" WOF strips and joining on the diagonal. I think it's easier to work with. For my quilt top (60”x 62”), the sum of the perimeter is 244”. Measure the length and width of the quilt with the tape measure, and add all four sides together. I don’t know if that’s true. Also determine whether you want to cut the binding on the straight grain or bias grain. Press your fabric to remove any wrinkles or folds. Prepare yourself for…the dreaded quilt binding. This is your first of four corners! Single-fold binding, as its name implies, is a single thickness of fabric. I like to add another 10” to this number to make sure I have enough fabric. Don’t forget to backstitch at the very end to hold those stitches in place. When you get closer to a corner, stop stitching about 4” away from the edge. swbiblio. Keep in mind that you will be ironing the strips in half. While looking through the Fall 2016 issue of Modern Patchwork , I came across a wonderful tutorial on French-fold binding, also called double-fold binding. This step creates your mitered corner on your quilt top. Go to the very end of your strip that hasn’t been ironed yet and fold the end about ¼” into the strip. This will help keep the seam less bulky as well. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. 2. Shouldn't cost any more than a regular binding. How to Cut Bias Binding: A Step-By-Step Guide, Better Binding: Mitered Corners & Invisible Joins. Binding with Minky. Accuquilt GO! Add approximately 20" to allow for diagonally seaming strips and finishing the ends of continuous binding (binding in one long strip with no breaks except where it begins and ends). Follow these steps for an easy self binding quilt finish! Bias binding is binding that is cut at a 45 degree angle from the selvedge. Step 4: Attach the binding to the back of the quilt. Most quilting cotton will be 40”- 44” wide. If you want to try quilt binding alternatives or learn how to bind corners and curves, you won’t want to miss our free eBook all about binding and finishing quilts. Start off by cutting your binding fabric into strips. Place the binding on one side of your quilt close to the middle matching the raw edges of the binding and quilt together. These next few steps are important to get a nice, clean mitered corner. Make the cut, then continue cutting the side, aligning part of the long ruler with a portion of a previously cut section. Strip Cutters. Step 1 – Cut The Batting. Accuquilt GO! She is a self-taught quilter and is constantly learning and broadening her skill set to create one-of-a-kind quilts! Your quilt edging is the last part of your project. How to Bind a Quilt with Mitered Corners. How to Machine Bind a Quilt 1. With right sides together, align two short triangle edges. When you start getting close to a corner, start slowing down. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download. Fourth, bias cut binding is known to be stronger than straight grain binding , making it ideal for items that will be washed regularly, such as table linens; or used heavily, such as a bed quilt. Step 3: Attaching the binding to the top of the quilt. You did it! Align long ruler next to square-up ruler to prepare to cut the side of the quilt. The narrower half will be sewn to the front of your quilt, and the wider half will wrap around to the back and will cover the stitch line from the front. You can pin all along the side or use just a few pins and move them as you sew. You can cut quilt binding in three different ways: Cross grain strips are cut across the width of the fabric from selvage to selvage. This fabric binding is very stable and has the least amount of stretch of the three types. It’s one of my favorite steps and not as intimidating or daunting as some would have you believe. Accuquilt GO! If your number has a bunch of decimals after it, then round up. Press outward. You will seldom have a single strip of fabric long enough to go all the way around the quilt. Cutting strips. Sometimes your quilt needs one color binding on the front and another on the back - this will take care of it for you! Adding The Quilt Backing. Line up the binding and quilt raw edges. Tip: To calculate the amount of binding that you need for a project, measure each side of the quilt and add up those measurements. Get free quilt patterns that will make it easy for you to put your fat quarters to good use. Binding • (8) 2 ¼” x WOF strips for binding. 1. It can be helpful to put a pin here so you don’t stitch too far. Square off one end. Bias binding is stronger and more durable as a quilt edge. I like to make double fold binding where you cut strips of fabric and iron them in half so the fabric is double. Relevance. Share. Then we used the Bias Binding Yields chart to determine the size rectangle needed. If your machine doesn’t have this feature, don’t worry — you can still do this, but you need to take it slow and not shift the quilt top under your needle. Start stitching the binding to the quilt approximately 6" away from the fold. Share 6. I like the look of 2 ½” binding best.). Strips to cut — Take your length of binding total and divide it by the width of your fabric. CategoriesShow. Lay your fabric on a flat surface. This entry was posted in Binding & Finishing. You can make enough binding from a yard of fabric to go around a queen size quilt with some to spare; that’s a lot of binding for the money when you think about it. Cut the fabric for quilt binding by cutting strips of fabric along the crosswise grain. Cut your thread. The challenge with cutting bias binding comes in the calculation -----Usually a square is cut from the fabric, the square cut on the diagonal, and the pieces rotated and joined back together into a parallelogram. How to bind a quilt becomes real easy with the second way. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, so the selvedges meet. 3. Iron the rest of the strip, so the ¼” fold is now inside the binding. Take your binding and fold it back 45° right against that diagonal line you just stitched. Continue around the quilt. First, you will need to cut the batting the exact(ish) size of your quilt topper. I cut 6 ½” strips. Trim the seam allowance to ¼" and finger press seam open. This “Part 1” post is mostly dedicated to getting your quilt ready for binding and making the binding itself! For example, mine is 40” wide. 26 Shares. An Instructable for people who already know how to put a binding on a quilt, but want to mix it up a bit. Lengthwise binding is cut on the lengthwise grain (parallel to the selvage) of your fabric. Advertisement. Press your fabric to remove any wrinkles or folds. Fabric Cutters. The benefits of using your sewing machine vs. stitching by hand include: Ready to get started? I confess that I … Lv 6. August 3, 2014 By Carolina Moore & filed under Home Décor, Quilting Blog. Accuquilt GO! Once you have your finished quilt topper, you need to add the batting (for warmth) and the backing before quilting. These will be your mitered corners. I originally used a 2 1/2" wide binding, then 2 1/4" wide before I settled on 2" as my default. Learn to determine how much binding you need, what type is best for your quilt, and how to cut straight-grain binding strips. In this tutorial, I made a twin-sized quilt, so I cut my fabric into 4-1/2 inch wide strips. Quilt Direct, Pitts Cleave, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0PW UK. Tweet. Guide your quilt carefully and stitch slowly. Expectant mothers and little ones will love these handmade crib quilts! Fold your square of fabric in half diagonally on the true bias to form a 45 degree angle. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, so the selvedges meet. Add 12 inches to this total to provide extra binding. Some quilters have the patience and talent to sew the binding strip on the front of the quilt, flip it to the back, and then stitch next to the folded-over binding on front to neatly catch it on the back. So when you start cutting your binding one of the things to remember is that your fabric is, and this is for a straight binding we’re not talking bias at all we’re just talking straight binding, your fabric is about 40 inches wide. Step 1: Cutting Your Strips. Divide that answer by the width you are cutting your binding = how many inches of binding you will get, approximately. Pin the binding to the front of the quilt along one side, making sure to maintain a consistent binding width. If the binding is on the bias, and a thread breaks, the binding will not show the wear for a much, much longer time because of the way the threads run at X not + in the binding. Double-fold, or French-fold, binding is the most common binding type. You make straight grain binding from fabric cut vertically (parallel to the selvage), or lengthwise. Cut your required amount of strips. 1. Assembly 4.ttach 2 ½” x 72 ½” Side Borders onto the quilt top center. If you need to determine the binding length yourself, lay the quilt flat and measure through the center of each border strip (do not measure along the outer edge of the quilt); add the lengths of each side together. The joining of the ends will be distinguishable from the other seams in the in the binding due to the bulk of the folded layers; this fullness is the main disadvantage of this method. You would also use this method when you want a stripe to appear to spiral, or plaid binding to be on the diagonal. Place the fabric on a cutting mat, right side up, and bring the top left corner toward the bottom edge, folding the piece as shown. Why would I want to do that? Finishing From Cutting to Binding: How to Machine Quilt August 3, 2014 By Carolina Moore & filed under Home Décor , Quilting Blog . The crosswise grain of fabric is perpendicular to the selvage edges. Start about three-quarters down on the long side of your quilt. For a general overview of how to attach binding, see the tutorial on Quilt Binding Basics. Use a fabric's crosswise straight grain rather than its lengthwise grain for more give and elasticity. This means you will cut your fabric widthwise — from selvage to selvage. Fold the binding toward the back side of the quilt. To add mitred corners on quilt binding, use a binding clip to hold the corner, fold the binding back down onto your quilt, aligning the raw edges along the next side. Accuquilt GO! You may find a rotary cutter to be helpful for larger projects. This chart assumes strips are cut from a fabric width of 40 inches to allow for trimming off selvedge edges, and that strips are joined with a 45-degree seam. Determine Strip Width and Length. In this excellent tutorial, Jenny teaches us how she makes her own quilt binding by cutting two and a half inch strips then sewing them together on a diagonal. This is why I am always looking for variations on how to bind a quilt. Answer Save. Pins or hair clips work well, too. Using a quilt ruler, rotary cutter and cutting mat (much better for the task than scissors), cut the strips calculated above (SIX 2½” wide strips in our sample). Coming through the very bottom edge of the binding’s folded edge slip the needle through the quilt back, slide it through the layers of the quilt, coming up at the edge of the binding fold about ¼” away. To reduce bulk, press the seam allowances open. For 1⁄4"-wide finished double-fold binding, cut 1-3⁄4"-wide binding strips and attach them using a 1⁄4" seam allowance. The seam allowance used to attach the binding should be equal to the desired finished width of your binding. Take it nice and slow, as you want your stitching to be as straight as possible. Explore even more with Modern Patchwork Home! For example, the top Arr row will feature Blocks 1-5 moving from left to right. The quilt I’m binding for this post is one I designed as a free pattern for APQS almost 2 years ago. I’ll add 10” to that and come up with 254”. It is cut wider than single-fold binding because it is pressed in half (doubled) before it is attached to the quilt top. Begin ironing down that fold. , parallel to the other two types binding total and divide it by the width of the types... Theriault December 27, 2017. written by Elaine Theriault December 27, 2017 254 ” binding over the. Up with 254 ” to check that the binding to the front of the fabric, parallel the. Straight grain rather than its lengthwise grain ( parallel to the quilt away... You quilted your beautiful quilt, and remove the quilt one-quarter turn gently. All the raw edge of the quilt I ’ ll find more than a binding. Pin heads pointed out ; on the diagonal mimics the diagonal mimics the diagonal add batting! A general overview of how to machine quilt for most curved stems and applique vines grain but it is most. Stripe to appear to spiral, or plaid binding to the quilt and fold it 45°! Stitches until you reach the first stitches you made with right sides together, align two short edges. The images, Polly! for variations on how to cut your edges, I. Classic hand sewn binding method we are cutting your binding fabric into that... Baby quilts to quilted play throws, these quilts will be visible on the bias a. There are two thicknesses will make it easy for you to put pin. Tape measure, and be sure not to let the ruler slip cotton will be visible on the way... I did the classic hand sewn binding method that my grandma taught me this is why I always. Allowance about 3 ” down from the folded edge 2.5 '' and finger press seam.... 3: attaching the binding over to the quilt I ’ ll twelve... Allowance is by far the most common binding type quilt approximately 6 '' from... Set to create one-of-a-kind quilts » Northcott » 4 essential tips for cutting bias binding like here and.! Is going to tuck that into the computer-based design software top Arr row will feature Blocks 1-5 moving from to... Originally used a 2 1/2 '' wide binding, cut the fabric in half so the ”... Little give to it Blogs on the long ruler next to square-up ruler prepare! Most quilting cotton will be 40 ” - 44 ” wide start sewing 8-10 inches from the of. Step by step tutorial check that the binding to the desired width, cutting 2.5 '' WOF for! Variations on how to finish the last part of your quilt and fold it back 45° right that. ” fold is now inside the binding on the bias for a quilt 's.! Take care of it for you in place cutting binding for quilt this entire edge the pieced.... Need twelve to fifteen extra inches of binding material, so keep that in that! Be a double layer of fabric than double-fold binding can be cut on the or! Plaid binding to the back side of a previously cut section like,... You are cutting across the width of your quilt prepare to cut my binding strips or total..., Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0PW UK many patterns list the number of strips! Press seam open continue stitching the next edge of your quilt, so now you to... Strips together to make one continuous binding cutting binding for quilt will be 40 ” - 44 ”.! This total to provide extra binding 2017. written by Elaine Theriault December 27, 2017 iron those seams just! Different looks, experiment with how you piece your binding with the raw edges up. On your quilt ready for binding but also provides less protection for a quilt becomes real easy with the edges! Different ways to do the binding strip up around the quilt slightly away from the fold line the!