A Binding Tutorial

Ms. Sharron Evans asked me to do a tutorial on how I apply binding.  It is not my own method, but one that I was taught.  Many use this method but here is the tute anyway.

I make the binding itself by sewing 2 1/2" strips together with a bias seam -- this part is not shown -- then I press it in half with right sides out.  Now to apply:

On one side of the quilt, about halfway down, place the binding on the quilt with raw edges together and leaving about a 6-8" tail of binding behind the starting point, sew the binding to the quilt in a 1/4" seam.  I do not pin --- just place my binding as I sew.

When you arrive at a corner, stop 1/4" BEFORE the edge of the quilt and backstitch.  Remove quilt from machine.  I don't take the time to clip threads here, just leave it attached.

Now, flip your binding up as shown:

The flip it straight back down again

Place it back under the presser foot and start at the edge, backstitching a few stitches and continue on your way until the next corner.  Repeat the same process all the way around the quilt until you are on the side you began with originally.

When you get within a foot of the beginning stitching, remove from machine and lay beginning tail out flat along edge.  With remaining binding, lay it on top of tail.

Now measure 2 1/2" down from tip of tail and cut remaining binding just a hair short of that mark.  If you are using 2" binding, you would measure 2" instead.

Now, open up your binding on both ends and place as you did in the beginning to attach on the bias.  Right angles to each other with right sides together.

Stitch your diagonal seam.

Trim seam (after checking to make sure your fold will work the right way!!!) to 1/4".

Open up the seam, fold and finger press the binding.

Now, back to the quilt.  Sew the remaining binding onto the edge and you are finished with attaching your binding.  It's time to either hand or machine stitch it down.  I hope this helped.