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.
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4 Comments
Love to have you in my binding class. It really is a lot easier then the books and tool makers are trying to make it. I don’t like the way this one looks when finished. Sorry for the negative comment. I’m sure this works for some folks, just not for me.
There are many ways to finish your binding. Everyone’s different and we like to post options to suit a variety of quilters. For a method you may prefer, see our tip at http://www.ctpubblog.com/2009/03/23/quilting-tips-completing-a-binding-with-an-invisible-seam/. There’s a great video there, as well.
This is almost the same as the way I learnt to do my binding, I have never done it any other way. I am pretty happy with the way it turns out, and have been making quilts for about 10 years now.
I start with the binding with a turned in, 45 degree angle, but I don’t fold it over yet. I sew down the first 4 ” or so, just sewing down the one side, and then I fold it up and start sewing the rest of the binding as usual. That way, when it comes to overlapping the two end, I can open the first fold and see what is going on.
It is a bit hard to describe – I need to draw a diagram or two ;-).
I have problems matching the binding ends to cut on an angle, so I love this idea of tucking in the end on the angled beginning. Thanks so much.