Quilt in a Day Forums

Gals, All this time I've been making table runners, I've quilted them and then trimmed the edges before I put the binding on. Should I sew the binding first then trim? or does it matter?


Oh and here's another question... has anybody ever quilted with a double needle? I'm thing of trying it just to see how it looks!

Marymargaret

I've done the trimming both ways. Usually I do the machine part, trim, then do the hand sewing. Seems to work best for me.

I am not a very experience quilter but I sew the binding on one side, trim, then turn the binding and hand sew it on. I have seen a Fons and Porter show where they emphasized that it's important to sew it on first and then trim.

I trim before I sew on the binding. I would think the excess would get in the way. Go with what ever suits you best. Lori

I do what LynnS and Leetec do. Then I can be sure the backing is out there far enough. Marge

Another cyber-quilter said the double needle doesn't work well because of how it appears on the back. I've never even used a 2X needle, so I don't know anything more than that. LOL

I usually trim then sew on the binding. But I'm going to try it the other way next time. I have learned to put in a basting stitch close to the edge before I put on the binding.

Carol in MI

I always trim first it is esier to square up the corners if it needs it then put the binding on

I usually trim first so I can square up if needed. Normally, I leave about a 1/4" of batting and backing beyond the edge of the quilt so it fills the binding. I hand stitch onto the back. But now with baby quilts I have decided to sew the binding on the back and bring it around to the front and machine sew it with a decorative stitch.

Diane

I love the idea of sewing the binding on the front with a decorative stitch. I shall do that the next time I make a baby quilt.
Joyce

I would only use a double needle if I didn't care what the backside looked like. I haven't used a double needle lately, but it does look nice on top. Maybe use it on a book cover where people don't see the backside, or a wall hanging. Or maybe a busy enough print to hide the stitches on the back.

I also trim before sewing on the binding. It does make it easier to square up. Invest in the largest square up ruler you can afford. I have an 18 1/2" ruler. Got it by accident. LQS owner ordered me a 16 1/2" ruler but the company sent the larger one by mistake. What with postage being so high, it was cheaper to not send it back and they sold it to me for the price of the smaller one.