Binding

[Debapril]

I would like to know what your thoughts are on the two types of putting binding on: (1) using one long piece of binding and back-tacking at the corners to get the mitered corners vs. (2) using four strips of fabric (one for each side) and then mitering the corners after they are sewn on.

[Susie]

I have done it both ways. For some reason if I do it by using the long piece of binding it turns out looking much better and neater.
I suppose everyone has their favorite method!
Happy Quilting,
Susie

[PamM]

I also find that using one long piece of binding works best. It seems to be a little easier, for me, to turn the corners and not have to try to deal with getting two pieces, at each corner, to fit and look right. But, I'm also one of the quilters that find no use for bias strips for binding either, unless you have severe curves.
Good luck with the binding, Pam

[purrfect-lady]

I also use one long strip, though I used to do it with four. And I only use bias strips if it's a scallop edge or rounded corners. Mainly because it takes more fabric to cut the bias strips.

[TheKid]

I cut my binding on the bias, put it all in one long strip, and not always the same width. I really don't like the 2 and 1/2 width. I prefer the 3 inch or a 4 inch binding.I know this takes more material, but I feel like the framing of the quilt looks better and more finished. The baby quilt would not take the wider width. But, you need to play around with it, and find your feeling as to how you really like it to look. You don't have to follow a book or what someone else has done. Go for it. Have fun doing it.

[CoyoteQuilts]

You can get a lot if inches of bias binding with just 1/2 yard of fabric. Take 1/2 yard fabric and cut it on the bias and sew together. I thought it would look funky with all the join spots, but it really doesn't. I cut mine 2 1/4 inches, sew on the BACK of the quilt with a scant 1/4 inch seam, do El's way in the corners (it is in her books under 'finishing the quilt' area), and join the beginning and ending Fons and Porter way (with the their ruler). I then flip to front and MACHINE sew down the binding. I use a decorative stitch. I do this with quilts that are going to be used a lot. Only the really fancy ones get a hand stitched binding.

No quilt police here. Find what works best for you and go for it....

Sharon V.

[Debapril]

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I'll try doing one long binding on my next quilt. I was puzzled on how to end it - I'll check out the Fons and Porter way for doing that. I also like the idea of sewing the binding on the back and flipping it to the front. I do many baby quilts for charities - perfect for them!