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!

Summer Picnic Sans Borders

Summer Picnic, just one of the contemporary quilt patterns in the Book of the Month selection, Strip Savvy, (affiliate link) is a finish!

The pattern does include two borders, which I chose not to add on because the quilt would be quite large. I'm intending this as a baby quilt, and it's pretty big already - 48" x 48". Borders or no, I highly recommend this strip quilting pattern as a great way to use up strips or yardage.

Let's see some closeups, shall we? Look at the fun fabrics that make up this quilt -

all yardage from my stash. The initial fabric pull was the dark blue/green prints, with other prints containing green added in. Just goes to show that yardage can be cut to make your own 'jelly roll'. 

And with the easy panto, Paperchase, 

the quilt is soft and cuddly!

Since the color scheme makes this quilt for either a boy or a girl, a fun alphabet flannel makes up the backing.

It also has a lot of teal and green in it, coordinating well with the front.

Here's a fuller view of the quilt, still resting on the inviting white wrought iron swing. Doesn't it just say, "Come picnic with me!"

Enjoy a Summer Picnic and have a great weekend!

Summer Picnic Sneak Peek

Give me some fabric, a few hours, an easy pattern, and good things happen! Here's a sneak peek at Summer Picnic, 

a quick pattern from Strip Savvy (affiliate link).

Talk about a great pattern for jelly roll strips or yardage from the stash! I might have to make another - then I could get new fabric. Woohoo!

Today, I'll work on a backing and get this one quilted. Still some yardage left, so I'll see how I can use up the rest. Stay on the lookout for the big finish. 

Just goes to show that when you set your mind to do something, good things happen!

Happy Quilting!