Answer the questions below to calculate the number of fabric strips to cut for binding any size quilt. In fact, for tightly curved edges, you must use bias to get a nice flat binding that doesn’t cup. The final amount is the number of inches of binding you will need. I cut my cotton bindings 2 1/4" but do flannels 2 1/2". When I use thick batting, I cut my binding 2 1/2 inches. Bias binding - this is where the binding strips are cut on the bias. My 4 strips are 2-1/2″ x 42″ (the width of the fabric). Step 2. A few days ago I prepared this piece of fabric and in order to achieve the desired effect for my binding, I had to make a bias binding, with fabric strips cut on the bias. The easiest way to explain is to show you ( thanks for the images, Polly!) Follow the photos or watch the short video clips below. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, so the selvedges meet. Overlap the ends of your binding, and trim just above the pin. See many examples and go through each step with her to start binding your quilts with this fun technique. Watch Now >> Using a quilt ruler, rotary cutter and cutting mat (much better for the task than scissors), cut the strips calculated above (SIX 2½” wide strips in our sample). Once you are at the point that you are ready to bind a quilt that is backed in minky (or cuddle), trim the excess of leaving about 1″ of backing and batting. This machine binding quilt tutorial will walk you through an easy beginner friendly method. The binding is the very edge of the quilt so it will get handled a lot. Feel free to print this page and keep the free quilting instructions for your use. I decided to machine sew the whole binding on. Continue sewing the binding around the quilt, mitering corners as you go. Here's a wonderful tutorial on French-fold binding (or double-fold) binding to help you as you wrap up your next project. The binding could be wavy for a couple reasons: 1. Don’t cut the fold. There a many different ways to machine bind a quilt. I confess that I … Location: a small village about 65 miles north of NYC. Because bias binding is very stretchy, you can be use it on any edge. Step 2. Quilt Binding in Bias Grain This binding is cut at a 45 degree angle to the selvage. Let’s make quilt binding! Or better yet, put this in your favorites and come back often. Here's a quilt binding tutorial. This is a piece of fabric that measures 1.25 yards (1.14 m) by 1.25 yards (1.14 m). 1 . Bias binding is made by cutting your strips on the bias as opposed to cutting the strips crosswise from the fabric. I cut my binding strips 2-1/2 inches wide. I use to machine attach it to the back and then fold it around to the front and hand paste. For this reason, the binding is going to be a double layer of fabric. The most common way to finish a quilt's edges is to bind it. Most quilt books suggest that you cut your binding strips 2 inches wide. For this tutorial, you simply just start and stop quilting on the edge of the quilt, where it will be hidden under the binding, because if you stitch on the batting it’s hard to cut away the batting. Re: Binding questions - 2.4" or 3" strips, and 1/2" or 1/4" seam? I prefer the straight binding, made with strips cut on the grain. Binding Your Quilt: Ok. Cut binding strips 1 1/4" wide. Binding a quilt can be difficult! 1. If you have a strong preference this needs to be decided before you cut the quilt binding strips. And all can be used for either single or double fold bindings (we will discuss this another day, in a separate article). Watch this video it makes sense: Then you stitch that on your quilt and fold it over the raw edge of your quilt to finish it off. For a general overview of how to attach binding, see the tutorial on Quilt Binding Basics. It is best to use a piece of fabric that is a square or nearly a square. 2. Just remember to use numbers and be sure to write fractions in decimal form. If you cut it on the bias, it could stretch and get wavy. Using your quilting ruler, trim the end of your binding strips at a 45 degree angle, as shown below. Complete the form to calculate the amount of fabric needed to bind your quilt. To use the calculator, specify the width of the fabric (the calculator defaults to a value of 43 inches) along with the width and length of the quilt, and the desired binding strip width. Reply. Step 3. For example, if you want a finished binding that’s 1/2 inch wide, cut strips that are 2 inches wide (1/2 inch x 4 = 2). Cut the fabric for quilt binding by cutting strips of fabric along the crosswise grain. Now you’re ready to begin attaching the binding of your quilt. You cut bias binding at a 45 degree angle to the selvage. Before you attach the binding, square up your quilt. Stitch the binding tape to the quilt sandwich using a ¼” seam allowance. In fact most of my quilting buddies do this, but I feel the same way about binding clips as I do about pins. Precision in consistent seam allowances, sewing blocks the correct size, squaring-up blocks and measuring the quilt before adding borders all add to the ease with which uniform, straight binding can be applied. Start off by cutting your binding fabric into strips. An example of plaid, double-fold, bias binding. They get in my way. 5. Need just a little extra since it is a little thicker when double folded. So you’ve basted and quilted your quilt and you know what kind of fabric you need, so let’s get started. Of course, if you are binding a smaller quilt, you should adjust the size of your rulers to fit the project. Step 1: Prepare the Binding. To create a bias binding you can follow my easy steps here. Binding can be done in several ways. If you’re determined to make your own double-fold bias binding, follow these steps: Cut strips of fabric four times wider than the desired width of the finished binding. The required length of the quilt binding. Lay your fabric on a flat surface. Align the raw edges of the quilt sandwich and the binding tape. Bias binding is binding that is cut at a 45 degree angle from the selvedge. In this tutorial, I made a twin-sized quilt, so I cut my fabric into 4-1/2 inch wide strips. The equation is: [(height of quilt + width of quilt) x 2] + 10. The crosswise grain of fabric is perpendicular to the selvage edges. Quilt Binding Instructions Using Ripped Fabrics. Bias Cut Binding. 4. Once you click the Calculate button, you will see 2 calculations. All the steps of the cutting, piecing, and quilting process are important to successful binding. Strip Cutters make cutting your binding fabric easy peasy. Heather Thomas provides a unique method for binding your quilts. How To Cut Binding For A Quilt. Since binding isnt my favorite step in the quilt making process, I am always looking for variations on how to bind a quilt. Measure the length and width of the quilt with the tape measure, and add all four sides together. This can be difficult to use if your batting is thick. When you tug on bias binding, it has some stretch to it. I don’t make often quilts with curved edges so I usually stay away from it. Step 1. Apart from the aesthetics, a properly cut binding provides the quilt with the strength and stiffness it requires to last, especially for heavily used quilts like blankets and bed covers. Bias binding is a durable way to finish a quilt. Add 12 inches to this total to provide extra binding. I use 2 1/2 inch with a 1/4 inch seam. The calculator provides: The total length of the binding (the perimeter of the quilt). This chart will take the mystery out of what width to cut your quilt binding. For quilts that are lap size and up, I … Cut your binding strips as follows: 1" strip for the quilt top 2" strip for the quilt back Join strips until they are long enough for all four sides of your quilt leaving an extra 12" for joining at the end. Begin attaching the binding approximately 6-10” away from one of the corners. Cutting strips. This creates a flexible and pliable binding that can go around curves and odd angles smoothly. The dimensions that you cut your fabric to will impact how much bias binding you can make. When creating your binding, try your best to cut it on grain. Bias binding differs from quilt binding in that it’s cut from your fabric at a 45 degree angle from the selvedge. Instructions to Double Fold Bind a Quilt. There are three ways to cut strips for binding quilts – following the three different grains. You don’t need to stop quilting 1″ or 1/2″ or anything distance away from the edge…you can quilt right to the edge of the quilt. But then I got tired of that when doing so many quilts for an upcoming show. Stop the seam, leaving about 8 to 10” unsewn when you get back around to where you started. Fold the strip in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together (see a in the following figure). Piece strips together at a 45 ° angle to create one continuous strip long enough to go around the entire quilt. The most important situation where you would use bias binding is if you’re working with a quilt that has curved edges, you MUST use bias binding. Tools for trimming a quilt to prepare it for binding. Cut the number of required strips of binding, according to your pattern or calculations. You'll need some overage in order to piece the final join of the binding, typically 10-12 inches is recommended. It’s not good to be biased. Press your fabric to remove any wrinkles or folds. Align the binding with the quilted mini quilt, right sides together as shown. It still takes a little bit longer to bind than a quilt backed in cotton or flannel, but it is worth the extra expense to save yourself grief in the binding process. Quilt binding allows you to finish the edges of your finished “quilt sandwich” in a professional way. All measurements are in inches. To prep the quilt for hand sewing the back,simply press the binding out from the front side of the quilt. Trim the seam allowance to a 1/4" and press seams open. You can cut a wider binding if you wanted to add a larger width around the edge. Learn how easy this binding technique is by using ripped fabrics. Binding a quilt can be difficult! There are two main reasons why you would use bias binding. 3. Refer to chart to find the size square needed. Unless, of course, you’re talking about fabric binding. (Note: This calculator is for straight binding that will be cut across the grain of your fabric.) 02-08-2012, 08:03 AM #10 MdmSew'n'Sew. 60 + 60 + 70 + 70 = 260in binding needed to fit your quilt The perimeter divided by usable WOF is 260 / 40 = 6.5 (round up to 7) strips needed. Allow 10″ extra for turning corners and the closure. Cut the square in half diagonally (Diagram I). Enter the width and length of your finished quilt, as well as the width of the binding strips you wish to use. Crossgrain binding is also cut in strips along the grain but it is cut from selvedge to selvedge. At this point, a lot of people like to turn the binding over the sides and hold it down with little clips. Benefits: Flexibility and pliability. The best way to create a successful binding for a quilt you will want to cut the fabric on the bias. Cut away any excess batting around the edges. You can also use what is known in quilting terms as a “fat quarter” to make your bias binding strips. 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