OK, so Im doing a quilt for a friends baby shower in 1 week. Ah, everything was going ok until I attempted to put the binding on. I dont get it at all! Does anyone know how to put binding on in simple terms? Thanks for any advice!
Not sure what you're using for binding. If it's the same or coordinate fabric make a 2" strip as long as the quilt for each side. Fold it in half and iron it (each side 1") Then fold each edge under and iron so you have a 1/2" binding. If your quilt allows for a wider binding you can cut a wider strip. You can use a wider strip for the top and bottom if you like. On the back side pin your binding on with one of the raw edges flush with the edge of the quilt (right side to right side of fabric). Sew on the ironed seam line up each side at the 1/2" ironed line. Then wrap the binding over to the top and your 1/2" seam is already folded under so you can top stitch it close to the edge. Do the same for the top and bottom except leave 1/2" or more extending out past the quilt. Fold each end under flush with the edge at the corner. I don't do the satiny bindings that are one flat piece so maybe someone else can help if that's the case. I have always made my own binding from the same fabric. It's not complicated at all that way. Hope it helps a little and best of luck!!
Just another tip for next time. When I make a quilt I always leave my backing wider than the top side of the quilt. Then I trim it to however wide I want my binding allowing for the raw edge to be turned under. That way all you have to do is fold over your backing and use it as your binding so it's all one piece and not so many layers to sew through. Not to say I didn't learn the hard way but it got easier with each quilt.
I would do that but my backing is 45' and my quilt is like 53, so Im gonna have to cut the top smaller as it is. I can't seem to find any fabric wider, uhhh. Another question...do you sew ontop of the quilt around the edges before doing the binding or just quilt, then bind? haha, i didnt think it would be this confusing....lol
If you are using quarter inch seams, it would really give it some reinforcement to just run a zigzag stitch around the edge. I have done that with fabric I thought might ravel. Or you can use a zigzag in a contrasting (or the same) thread color to reinforce the binding close to your straight stitch. You'll never have to worry about the binding coming loose if you do that.
my cousin made me a quilt for christmas, I adore it... she made it out of tie dyed material, it looked so great! That'd be a craft I'd love to get into one day...
Something I should have added as a little tip. When you add a backing sometimes (unless you have something unique or have to have) it's better to buy a flat sheet. That way you don't have to worry about the backing being too small and no seams to match plaids or prints on when you're trying to sew two 45" wide sections together for bigger quilts. Do however prewash and dry before attaching it. They're cheaper sometimes to buy than fabric. Peace.
