Doggramma

I really don’t like hand sewing the binding. I sew the binding to the back using exactly 1/4” inch. Then I flip it to the front, and use a blanket stitch to sew it on the front. What I found is that it’s important to only pull it to the front where it just covers the 1/4” stitching line. It also helps to move your needle over so the edge of the binding “rides” right along the inside edge of the #20 foot. And I also use a 2 1/2” binding.

Barb in Louisiana

My bindings are similar to Doggramma's with the exception of a couple of things. One is that I use a straight stitch 1/8" in from the edge of the top for the final stitching. Two is that I do just cover the 1/4" stitching on the front with the binding (about 1/8" over), but I add the step that I make sure the back seam is covered with the extra fabric. In other words, I roll all the extra binding fabric to the back so that the binding is full and flat on the front.

I, then use my small Clover Clips to make sure the stitching will be 1/8" in from the fold on the back and the front. My 1/4" foot is one of those cheap ones from Wal Mart and it has the 1/8" leading edge. I use that 1/8" edge to line up on the edge of the top fold and verify with my Clover clips that I am on the binding both front and back with my predicted needle placement and usually love the results. The Clover Clips are what makes this work for me.

Watson

I use 2 1/4" binding, sew to the back with a 1/4" seam and then bring it to the front and sew 1/8th" along the edge of the binding. This usually gets me right where I want to be on the back. (Usually, as in about 80% of the time and that's OK with me. If I wanted it perfect, I'd hand sew it. )

Watson

Blueridgebeverly

Some really good tips here! My arthritis won’t tolerate hand stitching anything bigger than a mug rug. Like someone else mentioned, after sewing the binding on, I press it to help me keep it in place. I’m nowhere near Watson’s 80%, but working on it.

I like the idea of using the blanket stitch or serpentine stitch.

Rhonda K

Make a sample square quilt square to practice the stitch width. I keep my sample by my machine with the setting written on it.The sample is about 7x7 inches.

I use 2 1/4 binding. Sew it on the back of the quilt and bring to the front. One tip is to put a straight pin right into the seam allowance on the back and poke to the front. You will "see" where that back line falls.

If I use binding that is 2 1/2 inches I use a 3/8 seam to sew the binding onto the quilt. When the binding is folded to the front, it is more even.

I love using flange binding too.

Quiltwoman44

anymore i do machine stitching and sew to the front and turn to the back, then take long pins and insert pin along the sewing line on the front, catching the binding on the back. i check every pin to make sure it caught the back. once in awhile i miss a corner a bit and go back and hand stitch that closed. I use clips when hand quilting binding.

newbee3

I sew the binding on the back first. then do the front trying to make sure the the thread colors match the fabric pretty well I use 2 1/2' use a walking foot and my needle can be moved so adjust that it is not a race but it is faster then hand sewing

geevee

I haven't tried it yet (I keep forgetting to try it out) but I like the idea of Donna Jordan's method, using a 2 1/2" binding and a seam allowance in between 1/4" and 1/3", sew the binding to the front, finger or iron press the seam, fold the binding to the back and stitch in the ditch (on the front seam) to sew the binding to the back. Here's her video showing how, you can start at about 11:45 if you don't want to watch the entire process:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQgjp4Upt8w

Quiltwoman44

I just watched a video from Missouri Star quilts on binding. she mentioned Appliglue. put tiny line of glue where your binding will fold over and press with hands. then iron it. when dry you can sew. I must look for that!

SusieQOH

Sooo many great tips! Thank you all