KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
BINDING
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KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
BINDING: The Finishing Touch for Quilts and Sewing Projects
Welcome to the Knowledge Base of Basics Series, where we explore sewing and quilting terms, techniques, and tools to help make our sewing journey easier and more enjoyable!
Today, we are looking at binding — an important finishing technique used in quilting and many other sewing projects.
What Is Binding?
Binding is a strip or strips of fabric used to cover and finish the raw edges of a quilt or other sewing project. It gives the edges a neat, clean appearance while helping to protect them from fraying and everyday wear.
In quilting, binding is most commonly used around the outer edges of a finished quilt. It covers the raw edges of the quilt sandwich, which consists of the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric.
Binding can also be used on placemats, potholders, table runners, bags, and other fabric projects.
Why Is Binding Important?
Binding serves several purposes:
Finishes raw edges: It covers the unfinished edges of your project.
Helps prevent fraying: It protects the edges from wear.
Adds durability: Properly sewn binding helps a quilt withstand regular use.
Adds decoration: Binding can complement, contrast with, or frame the colours and patterns in your quilt.
Creates a professional finish: It gives your project a polished, completed appearance.
Types of Quilt Binding
There are several ways to prepare and attach binding. The best choice depends on your project, the fabric, and the finish you want.
1. Straight-Grain Binding
Straight-grain binding is cut parallel or perpendicular to the fabric selvage, along the lengthwise or crosswise grain.
It is a popular choice for quilts with straight edges because it is relatively easy to cut and sew.
Best for: Quilts, table runners, placemats, and projects with straight edges.
2. Bias Binding
Bias binding is cut diagonally across the fabric at approximately a 45-degree angle to the selvage.
Because the fabric has more stretch along the bias, this binding is useful for curved edges and rounded corners.
Best for: Projects with curves, rounded edges, and some decorative finishes.
3. Single-Fold Binding
Single-fold binding is folded once, with the raw edges enclosed or covered according to the method used. It can be suitable for lightweight projects where a less bulky finish is desired.
Best for: Selected small sewing projects and lightweight items.
4. Double-Fold Binding
Double-fold binding is folded in half lengthwise before it is attached. This creates two layers of fabric around the edge and is one of the most common methods used for quilt binding.
It is durable, practical, and suitable for many quilts.
Best for: Quilts, potholders, placemats, and table runners.
What Is the Difference Between Binding and Bias Tape?
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.
Binding describes the fabric finish used to cover and secure the raw edges of a project.
Bias tape is a strip of fabric cut on the bias and folded into a particular shape for sewing. It can be used as binding, especially on curved edges, or for other finishing and decorative purposes.
Not all binding is cut on the bias, and not all binding needs to be bias tape.
Basic Steps for Making Quilt Binding
Here is a simple overview of the traditional double-fold binding method.
Step 1: Prepare your fabric.
Choose a fabric that coordinates with your quilt. Decide whether you want the binding to blend in or stand out.
Step 2: Cut the strips.
Cut strips to your preferred width. A common starting point for double-fold quilt binding is 2½ inches wide, although the ideal width depends on your seam allowance, batting thickness, and desired finished width.
Step 3: Join the strips.
If you need several strips, join them together, commonly with diagonal seams, to create one continuous length. Trim the excess fabric and press the seams open or to one side.
Step 4: Fold and press.
Fold the long strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
Step 5: Attach the binding.
Place the raw edges of the binding against the raw edge of the quilt, usually on the front. Sew the binding in place using an appropriate seam allowance, commonly ¼ inch.
Step 6: Manage the corners.
At each corner, stop before the edge, secure your stitching, and fold the binding to create a neat mitred corner. Continue sewing along the next side.
Step 7: Finish the back.
Fold the binding over the raw edge to the back of the quilt. Hand-stitch it in place for a traditional finish, or carefully machine-stitch it.
Step 8: Give your project a final press.
Check the corners, inspect the stitching, and make sure all the raw edges are covered.
Tip: Practise on a small quilt sandwich or placemat before binding a large quilt. It is a great way to learn how to handle corners and achieve an even finish.
Quick Reference Table: Binding
| Binding Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Straight-grain binding | Fabric strips cut along the lengthwise or crosswise grain |
| Bias binding | Fabric strips cut diagonally across the fabric |
| Single-fold binding | Binding prepared with a single fold |
| Double-fold binding | Binding folded in half lengthwise to create two layers |
| Mitred corner | A neat angled fold at a corner |
| Binding strip | A strip of fabric used to finish raw edges |
| Continuous binding | Joined strips forming one long length of binding |
Helpful Binding Tips for Beginners
Measure your project carefully before cutting your binding strips.
Allow enough binding to go around all the edges, including extra fabric for joining the ends.
Use clips or pins to keep the binding in place.
Take your time at the corners; neat mitres come with practice.
Choose a thread colour that blends in or complements your fabric.
Check that the binding covers the raw edges on both sides.
Press carefully, following the fabric's care instructions.
Remember, binding does not have to be perfect the first time. Each project gives you another opportunity to practise and improve your sewing skills!
Final Thoughts
Binding is often called the finishing touch because it frames a quilt and brings the entire project together. Whether you choose a matching fabric, a contrasting print, or a colourful patchwork design, binding can make a simple project look special.
If you are new to quilting, start with a small project such as a placemat, potholder, or table runner. Once you become comfortable with the process, you can move on to larger quilts.
Keep learning, keep practising, and enjoy every stitch!
Thank you for joining me for another instalment of the Knowledge Base of Basics Series here at Sewing With Shirley-Ann Pearman.
Happy Sewing and Quilting! 🧵🪡❤️
Blog: https://sewingquiltingbyshirleyann.blogspot.com/
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Here is your next blog post for your Knowledge Base of Basics Series, ready to copy and publish on your Sewing With Shirley-Ann Pearman blog. ❤️
KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
BINDING: The Finishing Touch for Quilts and Sewing Projects
Welcome to the Knowledge Base of Basics Series, where we explore sewing and quilting terms, techniques, and tools to help make our sewing journey easier and more enjoyable!
Today, we are looking at binding — an important finishing technique used in quilting and many other sewing projects.
What Is Binding?
Binding is a strip or strips of fabric used to cover and finish the raw edges of a quilt or other sewing project. It gives the edges a neat, clean appearance while helping to protect them from fraying and everyday wear.
In quilting, binding is most commonly used around the outer edges of a finished quilt. It covers the raw edges of the quilt sandwich, which consists of the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric.
Binding can also be used on placemats, potholders, table runners, bags, and other fabric projects.
Why Is Binding Important?
Binding serves several purposes:
Finishes raw edges: It covers the unfinished edges of your project.
Helps prevent fraying: It protects the edges from wear.
Adds durability: Properly sewn binding helps a quilt withstand regular use.
Adds decoration: Binding can complement, contrast with, or frame the colours and patterns in your quilt.
Creates a professional finish: It gives your project a polished, completed appearance.
Types of Quilt Binding
There are several ways to prepare and attach binding. The best choice depends on your project, the fabric, and the finish you want.
1. Straight-Grain Binding
Straight-grain binding is cut parallel or perpendicular to the fabric selvage, along the lengthwise or crosswise grain.
It is a popular choice for quilts with straight edges because it is relatively easy to cut and sew.
Best for: Quilts, table runners, placemats, and projects with straight edges.
2. Bias Binding
Bias binding is cut diagonally across the fabric at approximately a 45-degree angle to the selvage.
Because the fabric has more stretch along the bias, this binding is useful for curved edges and rounded corners.
Best for: Projects with curves, rounded edges, and some decorative finishes.
3. Single-Fold Binding
Single-fold binding is folded once, with the raw edges enclosed or covered according to the method used. It can be suitable for lightweight projects where a less bulky finish is desired.
Best for: Selected small sewing projects and lightweight items.
4. Double-Fold Binding
Double-fold binding is folded in half lengthwise before it is attached. This creates two layers of fabric around the edge and is one of the most common methods used for quilt binding.
It is durable, practical, and suitable for many quilts.
Best for: Quilts, potholders, placemats, and table runners.
What Is the Difference Between Binding and Bias Tape?
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.
Binding describes the fabric finish used to cover and secure the raw edges of a project.
Bias tape is a strip of fabric cut on the bias and folded into a particular shape for sewing. It can be used as binding, especially on curved edges, or for other finishing and decorative purposes.
Not all binding is cut on the bias, and not all binding needs to be bias tape.
Basic Steps for Making Quilt Binding
Here is a simple overview of the traditional double-fold binding method.
Step 1: Prepare your fabric.
Choose a fabric that coordinates with your quilt. Decide whether you want the binding to blend in or stand out.
Step 2: Cut the strips.
Cut strips to your preferred width. A common starting point for double-fold quilt binding is 2½ inches wide, although the ideal width depends on your seam allowance, batting thickness, and desired finished width.
Step 3: Join the strips.
If you need several strips, join them together, commonly with diagonal seams, to create one continuous length. Trim the excess fabric and press the seams open or to one side.
Step 4: Fold and press.
Fold the long strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
Step 5: Attach the binding.
Place the raw edges of the binding against the raw edge of the quilt, usually on the front. Sew the binding in place using an appropriate seam allowance, commonly ¼ inch.
Step 6: Manage the corners.
At each corner, stop before the edge, secure your stitching, and fold the binding to create a neat mitred corner. Continue sewing along the next side.
Step 7: Finish the back.
Fold the binding over the raw edge to the back of the quilt. Hand-stitch it in place for a traditional finish, or carefully machine-stitch it.
Step 8: Give your project a final press.
Check the corners, inspect the stitching, and make sure all the raw edges are covered.
Tip: Practise on a small quilt sandwich or placemat before binding a large quilt. It is a great way to learn how to handle corners and achieve an even finish.
Quick Reference Table: Binding
| Binding Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Straight-grain binding | Fabric strips cut along the lengthwise or crosswise grain |
| Bias binding | Fabric strips cut diagonally across the fabric |
| Single-fold binding | Binding prepared with a single fold |
| Double-fold binding | Binding folded in half lengthwise to create two layers |
| Mitred corner | A neat angled fold at a corner |
| Binding strip | A strip of fabric used to finish raw edges |
| Continuous binding | Joined strips forming one long length of binding |
Helpful Binding Tips for Beginners
Measure your project carefully before cutting your binding strips.
Allow enough binding to go around all the edges, including extra fabric for joining the ends.
Use clips or pins to keep the binding in place.
Take your time at the corners; neat mitres come with practice.
Choose a thread colour that blends in or complements your fabric.
Check that the binding covers the raw edges on both sides.
Press carefully, following the fabric's care instructions.
Remember, binding does not have to be perfect the first time. Each project gives you another opportunity to practise and improve your sewing skills!
Final Thoughts
Binding is often called the finishing touch because it frames a quilt and brings the entire project together. Whether you choose a matching fabric, a contrasting print, or a colourful patchwork design, binding can make a simple project look special.
If you are new to quilting, start with a small project such as a placemat, potholder, or table runner. Once you become comfortable with the process, you can move on to larger quilts.
Keep learning, keep practising, and enjoy every stitch!
Thank you for joining me for another instalment of the Knowledge Base of Basics Series here at Sewing With Shirley-Ann Pearman.
Happy Sewing and Quilting! 🧵🪡❤️
Blog: https://sewingquiltingbyshirleyann.blogspot.com/
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Suggested blog labels
Knowledge Base of Basics Series, Binding, Quilting Basics, Sewing Basics, Quilt Finishing, Quilting Tips, Beginner Quilting
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Learn about quilt binding, including straight-grain and bias binding, single-fold and double-fold binding, mitred corners, and simple steps for finishing quilts and sewing projects.
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Suggested image title: Quilt Binding: The Finishing Touch
Suggested alt text: Double-fold fabric binding being sewn around the edge of a patchwork quilt, showing how binding finishes and protects the raw edges.
Amazon.com : supplies for binding in quilting or sewing
