Binding for Dummies 101

Chrissy1 · Post by **Chrissy1** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 2:03 am

With some great help from two new friends here on QIAD and all the encouragement from members here, I have completed a toddler/baby size nine patch except for the binding. I have been reading on it but what I am wondering is, okay you sew the binding to the front by machine, and then you hand sew it to the back????? Also why do the patterns say to have a 4" larger batting and backing while quilting and then cut it off? Thank you and have a wonderful day

ctherrie · Post by **ctherrie** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:42 am

I always sew by machine to the front and then hand sew down the back using a thread that matches the binding. I think they tell you to keep the batting and backing four inches longer is because when you quilt the quilt it shrinks up a bit and you don't want to be short anywhere, but I am not sure. Also quilters who use hoops to quilt like the extra so they can quilt right up to the edge of the quilt. Are you using a bias binding? I think they lay better and then you can do mitered corners.

CaroleJ · Post by **CaroleJ** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 4:52 am

Sounds like you already got the answer you needed...but I wouldn't go with a bias binding if you are a new quilter. Just getting it cut out may make you want to quit!

With bindings cut on the straight grain, you are going to have a little tuck every now and again as you sew them on. I usually hold the binding strip in place and pin about every 4-6 inches...then CAREFULLY stitch over the pin, leaving a little tuck. The tucks don't show when you fold the binding over the edge.

I sew bindings to the top of the quilt, fold them over the edge, and hand stitch them down. Gives a nice neat finish, even though it's time consuming.

cindyg · Post by **cindyg** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 9:14 am

I only do bias binding if I'm doing a curved edge, otherwise I just cut on the straight of grain. I sew mine down on one side with the machine and hand stitch it down on the other side. I use Fons & Porter's Binding Tool to put the two tails together. Works perfect every time.

Evie · Post by **Evie** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 12:41 pm

Click on this link. Eleanor gives a quick demo (3 1/2 minutes) on how to sew binding on.

http://www.quiltinaday.com/television/v ... inding.asp

ctherrie · Post by **ctherrie** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:49 am

I know a lot of quilters that sew to the back of the quilt when making baby quilts and then using a decorative stitch to sew the front down.

Chrissy1 · Post by **Chrissy1** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 1:47 am

Thank you everyone for the helpful suggestions. I ended up making the 9 patch into a quilt for my friends toddler size dollie for a prezzie. I have a lot to learn but as a sweet lady told me last evening who has been quilting almost forever, the dollie will love it!!!! My nieces suggestion about turning the backing forward and binding, not something I would try again. Thanks again

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Binding for Dummies 101

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