Quilt Binding Basics - Part 1

Binding Tutorial Posts
Perfect Binding	Basics Post #1
Binding Flange	Basics Post #2 - Bias Binding
How to bind curves	Basics Post #3 - Scrappy Bias Binding
How to bind 120° angles
Single Fold Binding (for mini quilts & small projects)
What do you want to know about binding?

---

It's no secret that I love binding!! While many people dislike this step I enjoy each part of it. From selecting the fabric, to making the binding, and all the way to sewing it on by hand!! I get a lot of questions about binding and as a result I thought I'd put a few posts together that have "binding basics" information. This is a long post that goes over many topics. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them in an upcoming part of this series.

As a response to all of the amazing questions brought up over the weekend I filmed a video to answer some of them.

Included in the Video - Bias vs. Straight of Grain - Mitered Corners - Binding Clips - Hand Stitching Tips

--

What is binding?

Binding is the last step in completing a quilt. It serves the purpose of covering the raw edges of the quilt top, backing, and batting by encasing them.

I'm a personal fan of stripes cut on the bias for bindings.

Straight of Grain or Bias Cut?

Remix stripe cut straight of grain and on the bias

I get asked this question very often. I've learned the difference between the two over the years by working at a quilt shop, taking classes and reading many books. The #1 reason to use bias cut binding over straight of grain binding is strength. Please look at the video for a full explanation on why bias is stronger.

Here is a table that shows the pros & cons of straight of grain binding versus bias cut binding. Keep in mind I use both and let the project decide which is best. Also note that the design of a print may also dictate which one is best.

Straight of grain	Bias cut
Easy to cut	A bit harder to cut
Limited waste	More waste if you don't plan well
Less strength	More strength
Less stretch	More stretch
Straight sides only	Works beautiful with curves

Here is my personal recommendation. Use SOG for wall quilts and things that will not get a lot of use. Use BC for bed quilts, lap quilts as well as anything you plan on washing frequently.
I will show a few options on how to cut bias strips in Part 2. 

--
How to calculate binding
Unless you are making a tiny quilt, chances are you'll have to piece multiple strips together to make the length you need of binding. To calculate the length of binding you'll need add all the sides of the quilt up and add 10" to that number.
Ex: A Quilt that is 64" x 42" = 212" + 10" = 222" Binding
If you are making SOG binding take that number and divide it by the useable WOF of your desired binding fabric. In general I use 38" to account for seams and error on the side of making more rather than cutting it close. Round up to the next whole number and that is the number of binding strips you need to cut.
Ex: 222" / 38" = 5.84 - Cut 6 Binding Strips
The method for finding out how much binding you'll need is the same for SOG and BC. Bias cut binding can be made from single bias cut strips added up to the length needed or in a continuous manner. I'll go over how to make continuous binding strips in part 2. 

Below are 3 ways you can piece the strips together.

How to piece Straight of Grain Binding
1. Match SOG pieces as shown and sew a diagonal line to piece the strips.	2. Trim off the excess fabric.
3. Press the seam open.	4. This is the result
How to piece Bias Cut Binding There is also a method for making BC binding that is  continuous and I'll show you that in Part #2.
1. Match ends RST as shown and sew a 1/4" seam.	2. Press the seam open. If you have "dog ears" at the ends of your seam as shown below trim them off.
3. This is the result
How to piece using straight seams
1. Sew end to end with a 1/4" seam and press the seam open.	2. Fold the binding in half as usual. Note that this method does show more bulk and is not recommended.

Once the binding strips are pieced together I iron them in half WST since I do double fold binding. Often I'll wrap the binding around an empty spool of thread until I'm ready to put it on the quilt.

Still to come in Part 2, Part 3... etc.
- Step by step photos of how to do mitered corners as shown in the video
- Machine binding
- Odd corner angles, scalloped and curved edges
- Self binding
- Choosing binding fabric
- Options for cutting bias strips
- Binding width options


--
This post is in addition to the other 2 binding tutorials I've done. The goal is to fill in lots of questions I've been asked as well as  go over the basics for those just getting started in quilting.

Personal Note:

Every teacher teaches things different & every book shows you things in slightly different ways. At the end of the day there really is no right or wrong as long as you are happy with the result.

© 2011-2022 Julie R. Herman. All rights reserved.

No part of this tutorial may be reproduced without written consent of Jaybird Quilts.

For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/