Scrappy Trips Challenge 2024 - Part 5 - Binding
We are at the end of our Scrappy Trips Challenge as we finish our quilts with binding.
I have a love - hate relationship with binding. It's the last step and I'm often too lazy or tired from the project to finish. After all I have to trim that quilt and get rid of all the trimmings. I have to then find appropriate fabric for the binding and double check to make sure I have enough. Then, I have to make some decisions about what type of binding and how I'll stitch it in place.
Anyone who knows me, know that "I'm lazy and impatient!". I really don't enjoy hand work. It's hard on my hands and I can't really watch TV while I'm hand stitching. So, I mostly machine stitch my bindings in place.
The project gets done and DONE FASTER!!!!
This post is going to be a mashup of information from me and a variety of tutorials I have found on the internet. There is some really great info out there and why re-create what is already working?
First up. I mentioned above that I am a little "lazy and impatient", so one of the things I've been doing for the last few years is to plan my binding as soon as I finish the quilt top. I'll work out how much fabric I need, cut the strips and package and store with the top until I quilt and am ready to bind. This eliminates the need to scramble when the quilt is done and try to find something that will work. Have I mentioned that I'm "lazy and impatient"? I will often use the border fabric as my binding and when I purchase border, I add an extra 1/2 meter for binding.
I've been working on 3 quilts and they are now ready for binding. I've decided to share 3 ways that I'll often bind my quilts and then share a bunch of links to great tutorials for you to choose what you want to do for the binding on your quilt.
Stitch the binding to the front of the quilt and hand stitch to the back of the quilt. This is my least favourite as I find it tedious and hard on my hands.
Stitch the binding to the back of the quilt and machine stitching to the front of the quilt. I think this method is my favourite as it is very straight forward, machine stitched for a stronger finish and done quickly and easily.
Stitch a Faux Piped binding to the back of the quilt and machine stitching to the front of the quilt. This requires some thought regarding the 2 fabrics to use, but is a great idea if you don't have enough fabric for a solid binding.
Each of these methods requires some pre-work, but the results are well worth it.
So, step 1 is to decide how wide to cut the binding. My go-to to to cut strips is 2 1/2" wide for a double fold binding. The double fold binding is stronger and a bit less work than a single fold binding. The only time I actually did a single fold binding, the binding started to fray within a short time. It could have been the poor quality fabric, but it was enough to turn me off single fold binding.
Step 2 is to calculate how much length of binding is needed. Add the length of the quilt and the width of the quilt together then multiply by 2. There are 2 sides and a top and a bottom of the quilt. Take this total and divide my the usable width of your fabric.
If you are working along on a lap size quilt and adding a 6" border all around your quilt should measure approximately 60" x 72".
60 + 72 = 132" x 2 = 264" length around the quilt.
I like to add a little extra length at this point. About 10".
264" + 10 = 274"
I usually work with 40 usable width of fabric.
274 / 40 = 6.775 strips
We can't really cut a portion of a strip, so in this case, I'll cut 7 strips of fabric 2 1/2" wide for my basic binding. I will use this measurement for both the machine stitched and hand stitched binding.
Now to determine if I have enough fabric for the binding. Multiply the number of strips (rounded up) by the width of the strips.
7 strips x 2 1/2" = 17.5".
I'll need 17.5" of fabric to bind my quilt.
If I were planning the faux piped binding, I'd be cutting my strips narrower.
Now on to the meat!!!! How to create the bindings. There are a number of great tutorials that I've listed below.
I'm listing them in no particular order but am adding a few comments to help you find the post you want.
Updated Tutorial : Attaching a Quilt Binding | Amy's Creative Side (amyscreativeside.com) This is a good tutorial. The only difference is I cut 2 1/2" wide strips and sew with a 3/8" seam allowance. That's usually the width of my regular presser foot.
How to Machine Bind a Quilt (No Hand Sewing!) - New Quilters This is a great basic tutorial although I am not 100% sold on the decorative stitching.
How to Cut and Join Binding - Easy and Fastest way for Beginners (youtube.com) This gives an easy way to join bindings. I'll have to try it some time.
Brilliant Machine Binding Method (youtube.com) This is a very good tutorial. I found a couple of tips that will come in handy next time. I don't usually press but when I do I'll try not to stretch the top layer. I like her tips for cutting the strips before joining the ends together.
Getting the Perfect Corner on Your Binding | Quilt Tutorial | Rachel Rossi Getting the perfectly mitered corner.
Invisible Hand Sewn Quilt Binding – Fish Museum and Circus this tutorial has amazing images of hand sewing the binding in place.
Hidden Slip Stitch for Bindings and Applique | National Quilters Circle And here's another good video on hand sewing the binding in place.
Perfect Machine Binding Tutorial for Quilts | Lella Boutique This video shows using glue to hold the binding in place so you an stitch the binding to the front and machine stitch in place on the front!
Self-Flanged Binding (kristamoser.com) These are the measurements I use for a Faux Piped Binding.
52 Quilts in 52 Weeks: Tuesday Tutorial: Susie's Magic Binding This was the first tutorial I followed with clear information.
Here's is another Faux Piped Binding that's a little bit wider.
There was a lot of information in these tutorials and videos. I hope you were able to learn something new or even be challenged to try a new to you technique.
Remember that during the summer months the studio will be open so you can drop off your quilts to be quilted or come and spend some time in the studio and quilt your quilt yourself! There is no reason that you cannot quilt your quilt on your home machine. Just "get it done"!
I will write and share one more blog post at the end of the summer with a show and tell of your finished quilts. Let's see how big of a show and tell post we can create together! Either post on social media and use #scrappytripschallenge2024 as a way to tag your quilt posts or send me an image of your quilt.
May 6: Introduction and Invitation:
May 13: Sew the Strips
June 17: Binding - I'll do a tutorial on the Faux Piped Binding
Remember, it's not a rush. Just something to encourage us to sew and use up what we have.
Happy Quilting.
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