Simple way to bind a quilt?

These links all show the same basic method and have clear instructions and diagrams. This is only one method of many methods of binding, but a good basic finish to learn first. It might look complicated but if you do a practise piece you will quickly see how it works.

((Personally I prefer to make a 1/2" binding instead of a

1/4", but the last quilt I finished had 1 1/2" binding done using the same method, just a wider binding strip.))

One pointer - make sure you wrap the binding over to the back of the quilt tight enough to have the quilt edge "fill" the binding all the way to the binding fold. This makes your binding look firm and flat, and will help prevent uneven wear on fold points.

If this continued to confuse you try a wrap binding. Cut your backing fabric a set measurement wider than your finished top all the way around (say - 1") and - with the quilt top facing up - fold the raw edge of the backing over to meet the edge of the quilt, then fold the backing over onto the quilt top and slip stitch in place. You will need to trim some excess fabric at the corners to get a neat mitre. With this method you don't have any ends to finish because you are not using a binding strip.

I don't know what books you have been checking, but I have always found the Rodale ones to be well written and illustrated - this one covers finishing

So tell us - will this be the first of many quilts? Are you hooked? How did you come to quilting? (others here may also want to know about your chocolate and coffee preferences)

Hi Jim Can't help you much I'm afraid. I always refer to my QCO (Quilt Control Offficer) Sue when I have a question. ;-))

Newbie Eddie

Hullo Jim - and congratulations on finishing your first quilt.

Easiest binding I think is the side then top/bottom method. I expect one or more of the sites Cheryl gave you showed this method.

Measure your quilt across the centres to get the truest measurements.

I would use a quarter inch binding for a small quilt such as yours.

Cut strips 1 1/4" wide.

Once you have squared and trimmed your quilt, it might be a good idea to set your machine to zig-zag (if it does that), and sew a line of zig-zag round the edge of the quilt, at slightly less than a quarter of an inch. This will make it nice and firm and stable for you.

Make your first two strips' length equal to your top-bottom length and cut them exactly. Put right sides together and pin the ends, then the centre and you may need another in between them. You might have to do some squeezing or stretching! Sew with a quarter inch seam. Fold the remainder of the strip to the back, turn the raw edge under, and slip stitch that piece to the back - trying to avoid letting your stitches come through to the top (sorry, I always do this bit by hand). Do the other side the same.

Now measure across your quilt, including the side binding (just in case there's a tiny difference between the finished and unfinished measurement).

To this length add half an inch and cut your strips to that length.

Turn under a quarter of an inch at both ends (doing this before you sew makes things a lot easier). Then proceed just as the sides. When you have finished, you just have to slip stitch the two folded-in ends together, front to back.

Hope that's a help! .

In message , Jim Moore writes

You might enjoy a copy of Fons and Porters 'Quilters Complete Guide'. This book explains binding (and lots of other things) with pictures and understandable instructions for beginners. I just checked and there's a copy over at Abebooks.com for $7 plus $4 shipping. Buying used books suits my tightwad little heart just fine, leaves me more money to pay for the fabrics that insist on following me home. Polly

I wish I'd had these links before I put the binding on the crib quilt. :) I could have saved myself a lot of aggravation! The second link is especially helpful. Thanks for posting these.

Nancy in NS

goodness me, girl. dont you know by now everything you ever wanted to know about sex and were afraid to, oops, i mean s.e.x., oops i mean quilting and were afraid to ask is known by someone here or they can point you in the right direction. all you gotta do is ask and all will be revealed. :) jeanne

LOL Jeanne! You'd think, wouldn't you? I mean, I should know by now what a great resource this group is. Must be my stubborn, er, I mean, independent nature. :-)

Nancy in NS

um, gee, i thot one of the best things bout quilters was their sharing nature. independence when quilting is for when you make those all important executive design decisions (to cover up any oops and no time to unpick, ewwwwww, lol). stubborn? you? never...i never heard such a silly thing in my life. :)) jeanne

when/where do we all get to see pix of your first one? as everyone else sorted out the links to all the binding info you need... what is your next quilt going to be? cheers, jeanne