I’ve always finished my binding by sewing the beginning end to the ending end using a diagonal seam. But trying to get the two ends right sides together at right angles, then drawing and sewing on that diagonal line (see our previous post: Quliting Tips: Binding) can be difficult and a bit unwieldy. This past weekend, I used a method I’ve found in quite a few books over the years: tucking the ending end into the beginning end.

Here’s the method: cut the beginning end of the binding strip at a 45˚ angle. Fold that end approximately 1/2″ to the wrong side and press.

Cut end at 45˚ angle and press 1/4"–1/2" to wrong side.

Now fold the entire binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.

Press in half lengthwise.

With raw edges even, pin the binding to the edge of the quilt. Start sewing approximately 6″ from the beginning of the binding strip with a 1/4″ seam allowance. This leaves the beginning 6″ of the binding free.

Sew your binding onto your quilt as usual (again see our previous post: Quilting Tips: Binding). Stop sewing a few inches before you reach the beginning of the binding. Overlap the ends of the binding by about 1/2″ and cut the ending end square. Be sure to cut the binding long enough so that the square-cut end will be covered completely by the angled end. Slip the squared end into the angled end. Pin the joined ends to the quilt, and finish sewing the binding to the quilt.

Finish sewing binding to quilt after tucking squared end into angled end.

Turn the binding to the back of the quilt, covering the raw edges. Stitch the folded edge to the back of the quilt. Also, blind stitch the fold of the angled end to the part of the binding it overlaps.

Not only was this method quicker and easier for me, it provided a beautiful finish to my binding. I encourage you to experiment and see which method you prefer.