Monday, August 7, 2017

Joining Quilt Binding in 3 Easy Steps

Struggle with joining quilt binding? A lot of quilters do, as did I, until I learned these 3 easy steps to make the process of joining quilt binding ends super simple.



I've given tuts on this before, but being such an awesome technique, it bears repeating. Say goodbye to complicated measuring and confusing angles. Once you try this method for joining quilt binding, your quilting life will change forever - let's get started!

  • Start with a 2 1/2" fold.



Fold back 2 1/2" at the binding beginning and pin. Start stitching 6" away, continuing all around the quilt, stopping the stitching within 6" of the folded binding.

joining quilt binding-start with a fold

  • Trim the binding end piece a bit shy of the folded piece.



Trimming that end piece a wee bit less - no more than 1/8" less - than meeting at the fold, will make for a snugger fit along the quilt edge. The last thing we want is for the quilt binding to bunch up, creating a fold or crease, where the stitching meets up!

joining quilt binding-trim at the fold

Now comes the fun part -

  • Joining the quilt binding!



Unpin, and unfold both pieces. Lay the bottom piece (the one that was folded) on top of the other at a right angle, matching the two outer edges. Mark a diagonal line to follow when stitching, if necessary, from the top corner to along the bottom of the strip. That second point matches up with the corner of the other piece.

joining quilt binding

Stitch, then check for length against the quilt for snugness. It should be a perfect fit! 

joining quilt binding-checking length



Trim the excess, finger press, and stitch down for a excellent finish!

Wasn't that easy? I am so thrilled with this method for joining quilt binding ends that I don't even think about the process anymore - it's so simple! 

If you enjoyed this tut, feel free to share it with your friends and have a great day!

13 comments:

  1. I've never seen this method before. It's perfect timing. I'm drinking my morning coffee and catching up on my blog reading. Then its off to the studio to finish attaching the binding on my current project.

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  2. The method I use is similar, but I am going to give yours a try.

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  3. I use this method and almost always goof up and stitch the binding together and it is twisted. I am saving your picture because it shows exactly how I should be sewing. Here's hoping I get the next one right on the first try.

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    1. Nothing like a great visual to help you - good luck next time!

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  4. This looks like a great method and I will try it on my next quilt. That 2 1/2" fold would be specific to the same width of the binding, right? Would that measurement change if you had 2 1/4" binding for example?

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    1. Yes, the 2 1/2" fold is specific to binding width. So if you are using 2 1/4" wide binding, make the folded back piece 2 1/4".

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  5. Ann Dunn, I have this method in one of my quilt books and it does say that. I hope someone answers this question, as I'm wondering too? This would be a lot better. And the picture in my book is NOT this clear. Thank you Susan!!

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    1. Sharon - see my answer to Ann above. The folded measurement corresponds to the binding strip width.

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  6. it makes fo so much better a finish when it is done this way though I do struggle to cut it the right size thanks for clear instructions

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  7. I've done it a 100 of times more than needed because I did it wrong lol. Great tutorial

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  8. Great tutorial. Thank you! Never tried this way, but something similar. I'm glad I saw the comment about the folded back piece being specific to the width of the binding strip. Maybe it would be a good idea to make that specification part of your tutorial.

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  9. Great method and tutorial. Just tried it on a quilt and it worked GREAT!

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Thank you so much for commenting...you just made my day!