How To Sew Binding On Quilt With Machine?

Quilting is a time-honored craft that has been passed down through generations. It involves sewing together layers of fabric to create a warm and decorative textile. The art of quilting not only showcases creativity and craftsmanship but also holds deep cultural and historical significance in many societies.

One crucial step in completing a quilt is binding. Binding refers to the fabric strip that is sewn around the edges of the quilt to enclose the raw edges and provide a finished look. This quilt does two important things: it makes it strong and pretty.

In this article, we’ll learn about making quilts and see why finishing the edges is important. We will address the query, “How To Sew Binding On Quilt With Machine?” guiding you through attaching binding to a quilt using a sewing machine. So, whether you are a novice or an experienced quilter, read on to discover the techniques and tips for achieving a beautifully bound quilt.

Understanding Quilt Binding

Quilt binding is the final step in finishing a quilt. It refers to a narrow strip of fabric that is used to cover and secure the raw edges of the quilt sandwich (quilt top, batting, and backing) to create a neat and polished look. 

Binding in quilt making has two important jobs. First, it wraps up and safeguards the quilt’s rough edges, so they don’t fray or wear out. This keeps the quilt strong for a long time.

Second, it keeps all the layers of the quilt in place and stops the edges from falling apart. Plus, binding makes the quilt look nice by creating a pretty border around it.

Different Types of Binding Materials

Fabric Binding:

Fabric binding is made from the same fabric used in the quilt top or a complementary fabric. It can be cut in straight grain or bias grain strips. Straight grain binding is cut parallel to the fabric’s selvage, while bias binding is cut at a 45-degree angle to the selvage. 

Straight grain binding is less stretchy and more stable, while bias binding has more flexibility and is ideal for binding curved edges. Fabric binding offers endless color, pattern, and texture possibilities, allowing for a cohesive and integrated look.

Bias Tape:

Bias tape is a pre-made binding available in various widths and materials, such as cotton, polyester, or satin. It is manufactured by cutting fabric on the bias (45-degree angle to the selvage), which gives it stretch and flexibility. 

Bias tape is used for garments but can be used for quilt binding. It saves time and effort in cutting and preparing binding strips, and the ready-made options provide a consistent and uniform look. However, the limited range of colors and patterns can be a drawback compared to fabric binding.

Double-fold and Single-fold Binding:

Both fabric binding and bias tape can be categorized into double-fold and single-fold binding. Double-fold binding is created by folding the binding strip in half lengthwise, encasing the raw edges of the quilt, and then stitching it down. 

Single-fold binding involves folding the binding strip in half, pressing it, and then attaching it to the quilt with one raw edge exposed. The double-fold binding provides extra durability and a finished look on both the front and back of the quilt, while the single-fold binding is more straightforward and more suitable for wall hangings or quilts with minimal wear.

Importance of Measuring and Calculating Binding:

Accurately measuring and calculating the amount of binding needed for a quilt is crucial to ensure you have enough material and avoid running out or wasting excess. Here’s why it is essential:

Sufficient Material: 

By measuring the perimeter of your quilt and calculating the required length of binding, you can ensure that you have enough fabric or bias tape to cover all the edges. Running out of binding material mid-process can be frustrating and may result in an unfinished quilt.

Consistent Width: 

Calculating the amount of binding needed also helps maintain a consistent width throughout the quilt. It ensures that the binding looks even and balanced, enhancing the overall appearance of the finished quilt.

Cost and Efficiency: 

Accurate measurement and calculation of binding requirements help optimize fabric or bias tape use, reducing wastage and saving costs. It lets you purchase or cut the necessary binding material, avoiding excessive leftovers.

To calculate the binding length, measure the quilt’s perimeter, add a few extra inches for joining the binding ends, and consider the binding width. Patterns or tutorials often guide the binding needed based on quilt size and preferred binding width.

How To Sew Binding On Quilt With Machine? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Sewing binding on a quilt with a machine can be straightforward, adding a polished finish to your beautiful creation. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to sew binding onto your quilt with ease and precision, turning it into a cherished masterpiece.

Preparing the Quilt for Binding

Trimming the Quilt Edges:

1. Lay your quilt on a clean, flat surface. Make sure all the layers (quilt top, batting, and backing) are smooth and appropriately aligned.
2. Use a ruler or quilting square to check if the edges of your quilt are straight and even. If they are not, mark the excess fabric with a fabric marker or pins.
3. Carefully trim the excess fabric using sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter. Follow the marked lines or use the ruler as a guide to ensure straight edges. Take your time and make precise cuts to maintain a professional finish.

Pressing the Quilt Top and Backing:

1. Before binding, pressing the quilt top and backing is essential to remove any wrinkles or creases. This step helps the quilt lay flat and gives a polished look to the finished product.
2. Set up an ironing board and plug in your iron. Adjust the iron to the appropriate heat setting for your fabric.
3. Start with the quilt top. Lay it face down on the ironing board and gently press with the iron, moving from one section to another. Avoid dragging the iron, as this may stretch or distort the fabric.
4. Once the quilt top is wrinkle-free, flip it over and lightly press the front side. Be careful not to flatten any quilted designs or seams.
5. Repeat the same process for the quilt backing, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free.

Creating Mitered Corners:

1. Mitered corners give the quilt binding a clean, professional look. To create them, start by folding the binding over one edge of the quilt.
2. Stop sewing a few inches at the first corner before you reach the edge. Backstitch to secure the stitches.
3. Fold the binding up, forming a 45-degree angle. The raw edge of the binding should align with the next edge of the quilt.
4. Fold the binding back down, aligning it with the next edge, creating a neat corner fold. Pin it in place to hold it securely.
5. Start sewing again at the next edge, beginning from the corner. Backstitch to secure the stitches and continue sewing along the remaining edges.
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for each corner, ensuring the mitered folds are neat and even.
7. Once all the corners are mitered and sewn, finish sewing the binding around the quilt edges.

Creating and Attaching the Binding

Binding is an essential finishing touch for quilts, providing a clean and polished edge. In this guide, we will discuss the process of cutting and preparing the binding strips, joining them with a diagonal seam for a seamless appearance, and attaching the binding to the quilt using pins or clips for stability.

Cutting and Preparing the Binding Strips:

• Start by deciding how wide you want your binding strips to be. Many folks choose a 2.5-inch width, but you can go wider or narrower for a unique style.
• Consider the fabric grain while cutting the binding strips. It’s generally recommended to cut the strips parallel to the fabric selvage (the finished edge of the fabric). This helps the binding maintain its shape and stability over time.
• Measure the perimeter of your quilt and calculate the total length required for the binding strips. Add a few extra inches to ensure enough length to go around the entire quilt.
• Cut the fabric into continuous strips. If the required length exceeds the fabric width, you can combine multiple strips using diagonal seams.

Joining the Binding Strips:

•  Lay two strips of binding fabric right sides together at a 90-degree angle, forming an L shape. Ensure that the ends of the strips align.
• Create a diagonal line connecting one corner to its opposite, forming a triangular outline.
• Stitch along the marked line, ensuring to sew back and forth a few times at the beginning and end for added reinforcement.
• Trim away any excess fabric, but leave approximately a quarter-inch of surplus material along the seam.
• Open and press the seam open or to one side. This diagonal seam helps distribute the bulk evenly when the binding is attached to the quilt, resulting in a seamless appearance.

Attaching the Binding to the Quilt:

• Start by pressing the binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, to create a crease.
• Put the loose edges of the binding close to the loose edges of the quilt, starting in the middle of one side.
• Attach the binding to the quilt’s edge using pins or clips. Make sure it’s flat and smooth. Put the pins on the quilt’s edge and the clips on the folded part of the binding.
• Continue pinning or clipping the binding around the quilt, mitering the corners by folding them neatly.
• Once you’ve confirmed that the binding is securely attached, proceed to stitch it onto the quilt with a 1/4-inch space. You have the option of using a simple stitch, an intricate decorative stitch, or even hand-sewing it in place.
• When you reach a corner, pivot the quilt and fold the binding to create a mitered corner. Ensure the folded edge aligns with the adjacent quilt edge.
• After stitching the entire binding, fold it over to the back of the quilt and hand-stitch it, concealing the raw edge.

Sewing the Binding

Sewing the binding is the final step in completing a quilt, adding a beautiful finishing touch. 

Step 1: Preparation

Before sewing the edge, check that your quilt’s top is even, and all the layers are firmly pinned together. Get your binding strips ready by connecting them at a slant to make a long, unbroken strip.

Step 2: Aligning and Securing the Binding

Start by folding the binding strip in half, like a hot dog bun. Make sure the side that doesn’t look right is touching. Give it a gentle press. Next, find the middle of one side of your quilt. Match up the rough edges of the binding with the rough edges of the quilt from there. Leave a little extra binding (about 6-8 inches) hanging loose. Start sewing with an ¼ inch space from the edge.

Step 3: Stitching the Binding

Keep sewing in a straight line along the quilt’s edge. Make sure you sew through both the binding and the quilt layers. Use a stitch length of about 2.5mm to 3mm, which is usually a good size, but you can adjust it based on your sewing machine and what you like.

Step 4: Sewing Around Corners

Stop stitching a ¼ inch away from the edge when you reach a corner. Backstitch to secure the stitches. Fold the binding strip away from the quilt top, creating a 45-degree angle. Then fold it back down, aligning the raw edges with the next side of the quilt. Start stitching again at the edge and backstitch to secure the corner.

Step 5: Joining the Ends

When you approach the starting point, stop stitching a few inches before reaching it. Trim the excess binding, leaving a tail that matches the length of the loose end. Open up the loose end and the tail, placing them right sides together. Sew along the unfolded binding edges, using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Trim the excess seam allowance, and then finish stitching the binding in place.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Fold the binding over the raw edges to the back of the quilt, ensuring that it covers the stitching line. Secure the binding to the back of the quilt by hand stitching it with a slip stitch or using a decorative machine stitch.

Finishing the Binding

Joining the Ends of the Binding Strips:

• Cut off the extra material from the edge, but keep a little bit sticking out, about a quarter of an inch, on each side.
• Put the two ends of the material together so they make a ‘V’ shape. Make sure the rough edges match up.
• Draw a slanted line from the top corner to the bottom corner of the joined material.
• Sew along the line, making a few stitches at the start and end.
• Cut off the extra fabric, but leave about a quarter-inch of material next to the stitches.
• Flatten the seam by pressing it open.

Folding and Pressing the Binding to the Back of the Quilt:

• Fold the binding strip away from the quilt top, creating a 45-degree mitered corner.
• Fold the binding strip back down, aligning the raw edge with the quilt’s edge.
• Pin or clip the binding in place.
• Continue folding and pressing the binding around the entire quilt, mitering the corners as needed.
• Press the folded binding well to create crisp edges.

Hand-Stitching the Binding to the Back of the Quilt:

• Thread a hand-sewing needle and knot the end of the thread.
• Insert the needle through the fold of the binding, hiding the knot.
• Take tiny stitches along the fold, securing the binding to the back of the quilt.
• Continue stitching, spacing the stitches evenly, and ensuring they catch the backing fabric.
• Knot the thread on the backside of the quilt when finished.

Machine-Stitching the Binding to the Back of the Quilt:

• Attach a walking foot or a binding foot to your sewing machine.
• Fold the binding to the back of the quilt and secure it with clips or pins.
• Align the folded edge of the binding with the edge of the quilt, ensuring the raw edge is concealed.
• Select a straight stitch or a decorative stitch on your sewing machine.
• Stitch along the folded edge, removing clips or pins as you go.
• Pivot at the corners, taking care to create crisp, mitered corners.
• Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching.
• Trim any excess threads.

Final Touches

Inspecting the Binding:

When it comes to the final touches on your project, it’s essential to inspect the binding for any flaws or loose stitches. A well-executed binding ensures durability and gives your project a polished look. Here are some tips to help you examine and fix any issues:

Visual Inspection: 

Start by visually examining the binding. Look for any loose threads, frayed edges, or uneven stitches. Pay attention to the corners and edges, as these areas are more prone to wear and tear.

Tug Test: 

Tug on the binding to check for any loose stitches or weak spots. If you notice any areas where the binding feels loose or gives way, it indicates potential problems that should be addressed.

Reinforcement: 

If you come across loose stitches, reinforce them by sewing over them with a needle and thread. Make sure to match the color and type of thread used in the original binding. It will help strengthen the stitching and prevent further damage.

Patching Up:

You may need to patch them up for more considerable flaws or holes in the binding. Cut a piece of matching fabric or binding tape and carefully sew it over the damaged area. Care to align the fabric’s pattern or grain with the existing binding to maintain a cohesive look.

Trim Excess Threads: 

After addressing any flaws or loose stitches, trim excess threads to give your project a clean and professional finish. Use sharp scissors or a thread snipper to carefully cut off stray threads without damaging the binding or the fabric.

FAQs

How wide should my binding be?

The width of your binding strip is typically 2.5 inches for double-fold binding and 1.25 inches for single-fold binding.

Should I prewash my binding fabric?

It’s recommended to prewash your fabric to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding.

How can I ensure my binding is securely attached to the quilt?

To ensure a secure binding, stitch close to the folded edge of the binding and check that both sides are caught in the stitching. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the binding for added reinforcement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of sewing binding on a quilt with a machine requires practice and dedication. Recognizing the significance of investing time and effort to achieve a professional finish is essential. 

One can elevate the quality of their quilt by paying attention to details, such as precise stitching and careful alignment. However, while perfecting the technique, embracing the joy of creativity and the pleasure of the binding process is equally important.

 Binding a quilt allows individuals to infuse their personal touch, making each piece unique and meaningful. So, let your imagination soar and explore different design possibilities. Enjoy the journey of transforming fabric and threads into a masterpiece, creating a legacy of warmth and comfort for generations to come.