newquiltmama

I am a fairly new quilter. I have only made a couple smaller quilts. I have one for my son that I just need to bind. I have been wondering how you all have such pretty binding. Do you all hand sew the binding? Does that not take forever for larger bed size quilts? I use the package binding from JoAnns (not real confident to cut my own). I sew it on with my machine in the same or close colored thread. But I want to know if I am wrong and how you all do it. Thanks!!

nativetexan

I'm sure we do binding all sorts of ways. i used to hand stitch mine on the back on every quilt. now i tend to machine stitch them down. much faster and works for most quilts.
have fun!!

watterstide

i find the packaged stuff hard to work with..i have no idea why..i just do.

i cut my strips around 2 to 2.5 inches..width of fabric. i like to use what is left over from the project at hand..just me.
you sew on the binding on the front, then some hand sew to the back.

some find it relaxing..i have hand issues, so i don't do it that way..i machine sew them on, or barter the job with my friend, 'she hates cutting! works for me!
there are so many videos out there, tutorials, it is easy to watch and then do.

campion

I cut mine 2 1/2 inches and double,machine stitch on to front then hand stitch down on the back with mitered corners,it's easy really.
I use whats left off the quilt,I don't think we can buy pre cut binding in England.

ktbb

Cutting your own binding is just as simple as cutting strips the width of the fabric. Doing it yourself lets you get a double layer of fabric, which will last longer, and ou can be sure to get a fabric of the same quality as the rest of the quilt. I sew mine on by machine all the way...I hate handwork!

carolaug

I tried the package binding...I did not like it. I ended up cutting fabric to machine sewed then hand sewed the back. I do not like hand sewing but it goes fairly fast. I have some tutorials on my blog. http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/

deema

i cut my own too - 2 1/2", fold in half, machine stitch to front and back. really not hard at all.

Shelbie

I always cut my binding 2 1/2" wide and I use the continuous tube method. Bias binding is just a little more forgiving than using straight strips. If I'm making a utility quilt, one that is going to get a lot of hard use and frequent washing, I often cut the backing a little larger and turn it to the front and top stitch. I like it to finish just a little wider too, probably 1/2". I try to make the binding suit the quilt or wall hanging and no one method fits all quilts.

Kitsie

There are many tutorials on the net. Just google for binding. A lot of us now machine stitch as usual for the front side, then fold the back over, press and pin it and then SID the front. Should be able to catch the edge of the binding at the back and hey, presto and done!

fabric_fancy

this is what i do but i use elmers glue on the back to hold it in place while i SITD instead of pinning.