Quilt in a Day Forums

I am getting ready to put the binding on a quilt top. Is the standard strip that you start with 2 or 2 1/2 inches? I have seen both in my books. Are there any tricks or hints that I should know. I know I am going to machine sew it to the front of the quilt and then turn it over and hand sew the back. This is going to be a stupid question so please excuse me, but when I got to cut the strips how do I tell what the bias of the fabric is? Is it important to cut the strips on an angle? Thanks so much for any advise.
Thanks again to everyone who offered helpful tips and suggestions. I got the binding on the front of the quilt. My corners aren't the best, but I will work with them as I hand sew the back. THANK YOU

The only time I cut strips at an angle (bias) is when I have to go around a curve, like scalloped edges. Bias has give in it. What I like is 2 1/2" for binding. I also sew the strips together using a 45 degree angle. That way the seams create less bulk.

Here's a video showing Eleanor sewing on binding:
http://www.quiltinaday.com/television/v ... inding.asp

Here's some info on binding:
http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQuilt ... gfive.html

http://quilting.about.com/od/bindingaqu ... strips.htm

I ditto Evie. I use the Fons & Porter Binding Tool. It is used when sewing together the two tails of the binding - they come out perfect every time. I also like to hand stitch the binding to the back.

I echo Cindyg's comments about the Fons & Porter Binding Tool. It's a God send!!!!!! Easy to use and soooo worth it.

Sue

I usually cut mine 2 1/4 inches, doing a French fold (doubled) binding. I just finished my Day and Night project last night and it says to do them 3" and I did. Don't like it. The corners mitered well, but I had to fold a lot to the back to have a filled binding. Someone told me that the reason I had trouble mitering was that my bindings were not filled and to cut them narrower. So I will experiment on some charity quilts I have to do.

Hi Chrissy,

Here is an additional binding tutorial that is nice. Valerie also has a sashing tutorial that might be of interest to you.

[url]http://www.valeriecustomquilting.com'>http://www.valeriecustomquilting.com[/url]

Jani

Thank you everyone so much for the advise and the websites. I am going to start this evening. I have my binding cut, sewn and ironed.

You might want to watch this binding lesson, too.
http://quiltinggallery.com/2008/05/15/b ... hool-glue/

In order to make sure my binding is full, I do not trim my quilts until I have sewn on the binding. I can then experiment until the binding is full and I then know where to trim my excess batting and fabric. This is a hint I learned from a fellow quilter in my quilting class I go to.

BarbieJean--you just solved my problem!!!