Quilting "How-To" Class

The Importance of Binding

 by Debra Feece

Binding - the finishing touch, the grand finale, the icing on the cake - whatever you call it, the binding on a quilt is as important as any of its other elements. It's not just a way to finish the edges or something you have to do to "get the quilt done." It matters.

Choosing the right fabric so the binding complements the quilt is critical. The binding can draw attention and become another design element or it can be subtle and harmonize with its neighboring fabrics. The width of the finished binding is also a consideration. When judging the quilts in the Miniatures from the Heart Contest, we look for "Binding that is uniform in width and in proportion to the size of the quilt." For most miniatures, a 1/4" finished binding is appropriate but for a tiny quilt you might want to consider a narrower one. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule.

As for construction, the part I am most passionate about, a well-done binding can be the perfect finish to a perfect quilt. I have seen many "not so great" bindings on beautifully pieced and quilted quilts which leads me to wonder if maybe some quiltmakers don't take the binding as seriously as the rest of the quilt.

I'd like to share a few of my tips for a better binding. First, I never trim the backing and batting until I've sewn the binding on. Having the extra width around the edge of the quilt prevents the layers from sliding and you don't have to worry about whether o not the backing is aligned with the quilt top. Second, I always hand baste a scant 1/4" from the edge around the entire perimeter of the quilt top. Pull the stitches tight, but not so tight as to cause puckering. Third, be very, very careful when sewing the binding on, making sure it doesn't stretch. Whether it's bias or straight, the binding strip should lay flat and "fit" the quilt top. A stretched binding makes a wavy-edged quilt. On the contrary, a binding that's too tight will cause the quilt to puff up, a bit like a parachute.

For a nice mitered corner, be careful to fold up the binding the proper distance. That amount depends on the width of the binding. If your binding is to be 1/4" finished, fold the strip 1/4" from the stitching line.

If the binding is not folded up enough, a "rounded" corner will occur.

If the binding is folded too much, you'll get a very pointy corner.

To finish the ends, Stitch a diagonal seam. Stitching diagonally distributes the bulk so you won't have a bump in the binding and leaves an almost invisible seam. If you sew the ends together in a straight seam end to end, the multiple layers caused by the seam allowances all fall in the same place and make a unsightly lump.

After sewing the binding on, trim the backing and batting even with the edge of the quilt top. I always test the width first by starting on one side and trimming a bit beyond the edge for just a couple of inches.

Then fold the binding to the back, aligning the edge with the stitching line, and check to make sure the batting will fill the binding all the way to the fold. If the pressed edge of the binding doesn't reach the stitching line you will then need to trim a bit more of the backing and batting away. It's better to have to trim again that to trim too much the first time. You can't put it back on! When you pinch the folded edge of the binding, you shouldn't feel any empty space. If you do, you trimmed too much. This is another element we look for when judging the miniatures contest; "Binding edge is filled with batting."

"Mitered corners should be well done and identical." When folding corners for mitering, fold the front and back seam allowances of each corner in opposite direction. This distributes the bulk and helps to keep the corner even. Fold the binding until you get a nice 45º angle and the corner is square. Pin in place.

Lastly, "Edge stitches are small, tight, and close." This really is self explanatory. Hand stitches should be almost invisible and the binding should cover the stitching line. Stitch up to the corner and then stitch the miter closed on both sided if the quilt. Use very small, hidden, stitches.

Try these techniques for a perfect binding on your next quilt. I think you'll find it's worth the extra time to give your quilt the happy ending it deserves.

Debra Feece, co-editor of Miniature Quilts and Quiltworks Today magazines, is one of the judges of the Miniatures from the Heart Contest. She is also the author of "Folk Art Fun - Mini Quilts and More! To order your copy click here.

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