MaryAnna

The process is much shorter than all the pictures! This is one of the 'old methods' from long ago. I've seen old antique quilts with this binding many times. When you actually see one in person, you understand how it was done. I figured it out and have been using this method for many quilts. Bias binding might be more appropriate for some quilts.
Note that the quilt used in this tutorial is my 'practice' quilt that I keep around. The backing is muslin and NEVER use muslin backing in this method! This Self Binding method is for nice backing fabric!
Step 1. When top quilting, end your quilting about 1/8 of an inch before the edge. In other words, don't go right to the edge and definetly not over the edge as you won't be able to bring the backing to back for pinning.

Step 2. Pin backing edges to the back of the quilt as close to the middle as possible. You don't want floppy backing edges, so make sure it's all pinned on the back.

MaryAnna

Step 3. Now turn over quilt and square up your border edges & cut batting, making sure your backing hasn't moved into the way of your rotary cutter.

Step 4. Now that you're done with squaring up, un pin your backing

MaryAnna

Step 4. Un pin backing flip around so that the top is facing you and smooth out as best as possible, and you might have some waves or ripples to your backing edges- that's ok, it will work itself out later so don't worry about it.

Step 5. Cut backing 1 inch from edge of quilt.

MaryAnna

Step 6. Press down 1/4 inch edge. You may want to press down 1/2 inch edge, all depending on your likes or size of quilt. The 1/2 pressed down edge will give you a smaller binding on the front. You can adjust to your needs. I do like some gadgets, one I picked up from Nancy's Notions Dritz EZ-Hem is great for pressing specific seams, or if you're experienced and know a 1/4 inch hem, then do it freestyle if you like! Press all your edges down.

MaryAnna

Step 7. Finding the top & bottom of your quilt. Find your seams from your inner & outter borders. They should be seamed in the same direction. You will need to follow these seams. The seam that you see on your quilt is the last seam sewn, which should be your sides. When you put your borders on, it should be top & bottom, then sides. You will follow your borders and do the top & bottom binding first, then the sides.

MaryAnna

Step 7b- Bring top & botton edged backing to the front and pin in place. Sew starting on the sandwich beginning. I like to place a pin backwards at the starting point and finishing point. You will finish at the edge of the sandwiched edge- do not start before your sandwich nor go past your sandwich end as you will have stitching showing up where you don't want any.

Step 7c- Note your walking foot and either place a mark with permanent black marker on it or just make a mental note of where you'd like your edge stitching to be. I make sure the edge of the binding is right at the curve of my foot, you might like yours closer to the edge.

MaryAnna

Step 7 b & C more photos

MaryAnna

Step 8. Bring backing edges to the front of the sides. You may have to 'play' with the edges to make sure they are straight as they overlap the binding from the top & bottom. Stitch the sides down edge to edge, back tac at each edge to secure.

You're done!

Please excuse my imperfections! Of course when you do a tute, it's the sloppiest work!

It really turns out very lovely when you're not doing a tutorial!

I like to use monofilament thread on the front or matching thread.

MaryAnna

Give it a try! It's an oldie but easy to do! Just make sure your backing is nice- don't use the muslin! ;-)
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

sharon b

WOO HOO THANKS :thumbup:

Great Job on the Tute , there were a couple spots where I was lost with just the words , but as I told you before I am a visual person and the pics really cleared it up :lol: :shock: :lol:

Can't wait to try this have three quilts pinned and will try this with the next one I quilt :wink: