Joining Binding the Easy Way!

Do you struggle to join quilt binding ends? Can't figure out how much binding length to leave, or which direction to sew the diagonal seam? 
Then struggle no more! Today's class is for you, and I'm going to change your quilting life forever with a tutorial for joining binding ends the easy way.

My original tutorial on this subject, Joining Binding in 3 Easy Steps, is my #1 viewed tutorial, which tells me the binding struggle is real. And what I'm showing you today is such an awesome technique, it bears repeating. So say goodbye to complicated measuring, confusing angles, and binding that doesn't fit. Just try this method for joining quilt binding once, and I guarantee you won't look back!

Before we get started, let's talk about binding width. I cut all of my bindings to a 2 1/2" strip width, which gives me enough to turn to the back and catch when finishing with a machine stitched binding. Some quilters like less, and if that's you, just be sure to fold back the same amount as your strip width in the first step.

Step 1: Fold back the binding end

Fold back 2 1/2" (or your strip width) at the binding beginning and pin. Start stitching approximately 6" away from the fold. 

Continue all around the quilt, stopping the stitching within 6" of the folded binding.

I like to leave as short a gap as necessary, 

as I've found that a larger gap can cause the binding to ripple toward the end of the final stitch down. 

Step 2: Trim the binding where it meets the folded piece.

Lay the quilt flat, then adjust the binding flat against the quilt. Trim the free end where it meets the fold. I usually trim that end piece a wee bit less - no more than 1/8" - which helps to make a snugger fit along the quilt edge. 

Step 3: Join the binding ends

Unpin, unfold, and open up both pieces. Don't twist them - just let them open naturally. Overlap the pieces, right sides together, at right angles, with the piece that had the 2 1/2" folded end on top of the piece that was cut. Line up the two outer edges, placing a pin to hold them together. 

If necessary, mark a diagonal line to follow when stitching, from strip tip to strip tip. Notice the direction of the line creates excess to trim off. Any other direction is incorrect as there is no excess created.

Stitch along the diagonal line, then check the length against the quilt for snugness. Now is the time to make adjustments before trimming. When the length is good, then trim the excess and finger press the diagonal seam open. 

Step 4: Finish attaching the binding to the quilt top 

Pin the binding in place,

and finish stitching it on. Fold it to the back of the quilt and either machine stitch, or hand stitch it in place.

Wasn't that easy? I know this technique has changed my quilting life - it's so simple that I don't fret over bindings all!

And if you would like to improve your binding corners, check out my Reduce Bulky Corners tutorial - it too will change how you finish a quilt. 

Feel free to share your new-found quilting knowledge with all your friends - Happy Quilting!

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.

• 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!

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.

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

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!

Connecting Binding Ends

New! This binding technique has been further simplified! Check out Joining Quilt Binding in 3 Easy Steps - I'm sure you'll love the update!

I want to share a really easy way to connect the ends of binding that I just discovered. Previously, I used a method that required a lot of thought and attention, because of the folds and the angles. But a fellow quilter showed me this technique, and it's so simple, that it really deserves a tutorial!

Attach the binding as usual, leaving at least 15" unstitched between the two ends. It will be easier to sew the ends together with the more space you have. Fold the ends so that they meet in the middle, butting snugly up against each other, with no slack. See the arrow.

Finger press to form a crease.  Cut the bottom piece at the crease.  Do not cut the top piece yet. 

Open up the bottom piece, 

and line the side edge up with the fold of the top piece (arrow).

Pin the two together, and mark a line from corner to corner.

Sew on the line, and check the fit before trimming.

Trim the diagonal seam to 1/4", and finger press open. 
Continue attaching the binding to the quilt.

Perfect!

So there you have it!  A quick, easy, binding join.
Hope you give this a try--it really is super easy! 

Want to explore more binding techniques? Check out these tutorials:
Machine Binding using glue
Piped Binding
Super Simple Binding
Two Color Binding
Matching Binding to the Piecing 
Reducing Bulky Corners
Matching Angled Binding
No Show Binding
Joining Quilt Binding in 3 Easy Steps - my all time favorite!

Happy Quilting!

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