What sort of binding?

I always use cross grain binding. I always thought that you'd use bias binding only if you needed curves (rounded corners, double wedding rings and stuff like that).

One argument I saw was that straight grain would have a single thread exposed right on the edge the whole length of the binding, and so high risk of wearing through. But then, the argument went, who cuts that straight anyway? :-)

About folding to the back: I think the main argument for an "applied binding" is again wear (design elements aside!!!) - but if your edge wears in 15 years instead of 30, maybe someone can apply a binding at that point? I haven't done this, but I don't think it would be a real problem.

Hanne in CPH

If it is a straight edge quilt, Janner, I would definitely use a straight cut binding.

Thing is, if you use a bias binding on a straight/square cornered quilt, you might find it difficult not to stretch. Even the smallest stretch would mean that the binding at that point was slightly narrower than the rest. Keeping a regular width would slow you down!

Folding top edges to the back and stitching down would probably work on the sides themselves, as long as there isn't too much quilting; but the corners would be difficult to get neat, and you'd have to carefully trim the batting so that you weren't folding back a very thick layer. All in all, I would just do straight binding - sides, then tops and bottoms for speed. If you are preparing for an exhibition, now would probably not be the time to try straight, continuous mitred binding for the first time >g<

If you decide to do the straight/sides and top binding, there is a way of making the corners neater than just oversewing when finished. E-mail if you would like me to try to describe that to you - it's a bit long for the NG. (Lots of words for a non-difficult procedure, as usual!) . In message , Janner writes

I use straight grain binding as a rule and bias binding as an exception. Works just fine.

Nann

Somehow, continuous bias binding always turns out the most professional looking for me, but straight works just as well - I think I'm not as careful with straight. I've also folded the top or bottom fabric to the other side and stitched it - did my very first quilt that way - and it works just as well!

LOVE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE!!!!

Musicmaker

I used bias on all my quilts. Instructions on my site below my signature, make it easy to make.

Glad DD is doing well. As for binding - I almost always use 2 1/4" WOF strips, ends sewn together at 45 degrees (reduces the bulk at the joins) and I do the start/end like this:

I only use bias strips when binding with a striped fabric to get the angled candy stripe effect.

Lizzy

Janner, if your quilt has straight edges (no curves), cutting your binding from the cross grain works just fine. For curves, though, you do need bias binding.

Absolutely!

That's so good to hear! And yes, chocolate mousse would go a long way towards making me feel better, too.

Good luck with the quilting and the packing! :D

To be honest I only used bias binding once and that was cuz it was store bought. Now I just cut straight strips and use. Never had a problem. In fact if it's for a wall quilt I don't even double it. Actually some of the baby quilts I didn't either. Usually the baby out grows the quilt before the binding gives. I do use a walking foot to put it on though, maybe that's why it doesn't puckers or wave.

I put my on by machine. I sew to the back first the fold it over to the front and sew down. You will see the stitching through on the back but all my back have been solid colors so it doesn't really show. I think it's more important that the front looks great.

Guess I should also say that I don't sew the binding together to make one long strip and then sew on. I cut four the length of each side of the quilt and then sew on. It also leads to me forgetting to give it the mitered look. So most have the boxed look in the corner.

I must say though I have three quilts that have now g> OK, I've put binding on quilts before, always made my own bias binding.

Here is the links to my quilts so you can see what I talked about. Take Care Joanna

Howdy!

Yeah, what Nann said. ;-)

W/ mitered corners: much less bulk; learn to do mitered corners, it's not difficult, looks good.

R/Sandy

Howdy!

THE best instructions for bias binding, EVER! Thanks, Rita!

Love, Ragmop/Sandy

You're more than welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!