how wide to cut quilt binding

Your email address will not be published. They tend to work better than the high-thread-count sheets with tighter weaves, making it difficult for your needle to pierce. But you need to be careful in handling them to ensure that you will get quality results. Quilts are created when pieces of fabric are cut and sewn together in a pattern and layered with additional padding for warmth. In quilting, it also holds the quilt top, batting, and backing together along the edges. Remember that the larger your quilt is, the more you need to worry about stretching. Pin the tube to the back of your quilt, about ½” from the top, so that the seam faces backing. Make sure that it is square with the floor. Many quilters like to spray the binding with Mary Ellen’s Best Press, starch or sizing for more stiffness. Here’s the width to cut the strips for finished binding widths from ¼” to ¾”: These widths are based on this formula: (Finished binding width x 2 + ¼” seam allowance) x 2. To quickly cut binding strips on the bias, start with a fabric square or rectangle. Apart from the The post How Wide to Cut Quilt Binding … WEB BONUS: Click here for FREE quilting lesson download from the experts at McCallsQuilting.com: Making and Applying Extra-Wide Quilt Binding. Besides leaving space on the top and bottom of your quilt, you also need to have enough room on the sides. If your fabric piece is a different size, the folded fabric may look different, although the instructions will be the same. This refers to the entire width of your binding as it will fit your quilt sandwich. 4. A 3" binding is recommended when you're learning to use these tools but after that you can create wider & narrower bindings. Quilts that have curved edges require bias binding. Cut a strip of fabric 8 ½” x the width of your finished quilt, including binding. Place end of two strips perpendicular to each other forming an 'L',... How to Sew Easy Mitered Quilt Binding - About.com Home The quilt backing you select depends on the amount of time and money you are willing to invest in your project. You fold in each raw fabric edge toward your fabric strip’s center and fold it in half along the center. You need to avoid wrinkle-free sheets, which also make it difficult to penetrate with your needle. Here's info for wider bindings. 11 Free Resources to Create Embroidery Patterns Easily. You also need to quilt with a walking foot to get the ideal results. Measure and cut 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) sections across the rectangle. You can use this best for quilts that you intend to hang for display or gently use and not washed often. Crafters usually use this type of binding in covering curved or rounded edges.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'crafttribeonline_com-box-4','ezslot_2',107,'0','0'])); You can cut a single -fold quilt binding either the straight or bias fabric grain. The right sides must be facing outward. Although pressing the binding is by far the most common practice, some quilters skip this step due to lack of time and/or energy or the idea that the precise location of the fold changes as the binding is folded to the back of the quilt. These strips may be cut on the straight grain or on the bias. Its folding method leaves only one layer of fabric that covers the raw edges. Follow this guide to determine the ideal width for your binding strips: Your quilt backing needs to be at least 3 to 6 wider on each side, top, and bottom than your quilt top. There are different types of binding which you can use for various projects. Cut binding strips 2 1/2" wide on lengthwise or crosswise grain of fabric. 2. For quilts made without borders, the binding should be ¼” finished width, so the binding’s seam allowance doesn’t cover up the quilt blocks. You need to choose a backing fabric that compliments your top quilt well. Cut binding fabric into strips. If you need to piece flannel pieces together, you can use a ½” seam allowance to account for the extra fraying. After doing so, it must match the folded edges. You can use it in covering straight edges. Watch this instructional quilting video to sew a wide binding on your quilt. Fold it under again so that there are no visible raw edges on the short end showing. It depends on your preferences, but there are some guidelines to follow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Draw a diagonal line exactly from corner-to-corner on the edges where the strips intersect as shown; this is actually easier to visualize if the strips extend beyond each other slightly. Includes 10 tips for success and a lits of tools you'll need to make your own quilt binding. Making simple calculations is a part of the craft, whether you are deciding how much to buy or want the best use of your fabric. Finally, you need to stitch the short edges to the back of the quilt. The larger your rod is, the wider the sleeve needs to be. There are some general guidelines to follow, although binding size is a personal preference. Remember that flannel is very linty, so you need to clean out your machine frequently. Lay down your backing fabric on a flat surface after sewing it together. You can make your strips smaller or larger if desired by increasing or decreasing the width of the strips. Measure the width of the top of your quilt. You will not have enough room to bind your quilt if you start working with a backing that is the same size or just a little bit wider than your top. The width of your quilt binding will be influenced by whether you use a double fold or a single fold binding. This technique is especially useful if you choose to sew the diagonal line without drawing it first. Cut the binding along the selvage edge of the fabric for straight grain and at 45 degree angles to the selvage for bias. Binding a quilt is just as important, if not the most important, step in making a quilt. But keep in mind that having one will make it easier for you to hang your quilts and swap them out seasonally. Cut a strip of fabric 8 ½” x the width of your finished quilt, including binding. Always keep right sides together. It also significantly reduces the stretching and distortion that inevitably occurs. Straight binding is easier to cut and apply. Cut two fabrics and batting 4" wide X 6" long. Can you use flannel and cotton in a quilt? Your email address will not be published. If the quilt doesn't have borders, a binding sewn to edges with a 1/4" seam is the best choice, since that width matches the 1/4" seam allowance that's built-in to the edge of most quilt blocks. Rolling the binding on an empty toilet paper or paper towel tube helps keep the binding tidy for storage, if not attaching it right away. Follow this simple guide to calculate the yardage for your quilt binding: Binding a baby quilt uses the same principle as binding regular quilts. You can also try washing and drying your sheets before using them to prevent bleeding and shrinking.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'crafttribeonline_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',105,'0','0'])); Many crafters use flannel quilt backing and are happy with the decision. Fold both short ends under, toward the wrong side of the fabric and press. Always start with a straight edge and then cut strips 2 ½ " wide. Lost your password? Finally, remove all the pins and finish the edges. ¼” seam allowance – 1 ⅞”, 2”, 2 ¼”, and 2 ½” width of binding strips, ⅜” seam allowance – 2 ¼” and 2 ½” width of binding strips, ½” seam allowance – 2 ½”, 3”, and 3 ¼” width of binding strips, ⅝” seam allowance – 2 ¾”, 3” and 3 ½” width of binding strips. Sew along the diagonal line; chain-piecing makes sewing the strips go faster and keeps the pieced seams joined together for trimming (do not cut the strings yet). I bind the same way. Pinning is optional, but it will keep the strips in place together when you start sewing. Sew binding strips end to end using a mitred seam. Follow this simple guide to make a 4” wide sleeve: Many quilters still use sheets for their quilt backing. *The mathematical formula for this is: Multiply the number of inches around the quilt (the perimeter) by the width of your bias binding strips. I am so thrilled to have you visit this website. It will all depend on your personal preferences. Make mini quilt sandwiches. Straight-grain binding is a strip of fabric cut along the crosswise or lengthwise grain of our fabric. We use binding on many projects here at Sew4Home, and we always get lots of compliments about how nice it looks. Using 2 1/2" strips might be recommended for early beginners, especially if you're going to be attaching your binding entirely by machine (so that attaching leaves room for 3/8" instead of strictly 1/4" seam … Thank you for being part of our little tribe. It must be a total of 8 to 10 inches larger than your quilt top. If you have a passion for crafts and arts, you will love what I have to share with you. The diagrams shown illustrate a 5⁄8-yard length of 42"-wide fabric. 3. Flip the fabric over so that the squared edge you just cut is on the left edge of the mat. This tells you how many strips to cut; round this number up. © 1999-2021 Crafts Americana Group, Inc. All rights reserved. How Wide To Cut Quilt Binding? You need to add the measurements of all four sides of your quilt if you are making your bindings from width-of-fabric strips. Ultimate quilt binding tutorial with step by step instructions to show you how to make quilt binding and how to attach the first round of binding. How do you pick fabric for quilt backing? Follow this simple guide to make a 4” wide sleeve: Measure the width of the top of your quilt. At the same time, the size of your binding will double if you choose to use a double-fold binding. Doing so creates more slack that prevents the rod from creating bumps on the front of your quilt when you hang it. Keep in mind that you need to miter this type of binding at each corner. Add wide binding to your quilt with this easy tutorial! Using a 1/4 inch seam along the way around the edge. It can also be wider if you prefer a larger binding than the standard ¼” seam allowance width. It is best to choose which binding is ideal for your project as it neatly covers your fabric’s raw edges. Trim off the extra fabric, leaving a 1/4” seam allowance. Continue moving the ruler over to cut as many 2.5-inch binding strips as you need to bind your quilt. It will provide you with enough space so that you will not cut off the points.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'crafttribeonline_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',103,'0','0'])); Beginners usually prefer cutting slightly wider strips to avoid any hand discomfort. Many crafters believe that quilting cotton is the best choice to use for the backing. 2. But keep in mind that patterned quilting cotton could be tricky to piece on a large-scale quilt.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'crafttribeonline_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',106,'0','0'])); First, you need to consider whether you want a single, large-length, or many backing fabric pieces. It will be best to use the same fabric you used for your quilt backing to ensure that your sleeve blends with your project. The size of the seam allowance determines the size of the binding. Cut binding strips 1 1/4" wide. To work out much binding you will need, measure the quilt all round and add about 20in extra. Fabric typically comes off the bolt at about 42” so we want to figure out how many strips we will need to cut to get to our 156″ to get all the way around the quilt. After completing the detailed process of sewing a quilt (see How to Make a Quilt) the last step is to bind the edges with fabric to give your quilt a “finished” look.This article details the process for making binding strips and using them to bind your quilt. If the size of your seam allowance is the regular ¼”, the ideal width for your quilt binding strips will range from 2” to 2 ½”. Fold one of the long edges up about ½” and press it to make a new crease. But what if you’re not working from a pattern? It helps to look directly where you are sewing to (where the sewing line will end) and not at the needle; your eyes will guide your hands there. Lay the strips with right sides together and perpendicular to each other. With more experience, it is possible to skip drawing the line. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email. They use smaller strips with the folded edge, barely covering the stitching line on the fabric’s back. But you need to be careful and experiment on your own to know if it will work well with your projects. Hand-stitch the top edge of the sleeve to your quilt using a whipstitch or a blind stitch. 1. Try to use cheaper, lower-thread-count sheets. Doing so will give your quilting machine’s side clamps and prevent puckering and machine interruptions.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'crafttribeonline_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_0',104,'0','0'])); You need a sleeve of about 4 inches wide for most quilts. Binding size. You can then play with the seam allowance as well as the width of your binding. If I use a 2.5" binding I use a 3/8" seam. What is the best quality quilting fabric? Fold the strip in half lengthwise with the wrong side together. Single-fold binding is cut four times the desired finished binding width plus 1⁄8" to allow for turn of cloth (the fabric take-up resulting from folding and wrapping binding around the quilt edge). How Can You Tell The Quality Of Quilting Fabric? How wide should binding be on a baby quilt? Sew strips together until they measure the sum total length of all four sides of the quilt. The quilt binding needs to be wide enough to sew 1/4 inch seam with movement to pull over and cover the raw edge and fold under 1/4 inch again. I made my binding 2 ¼ in wide but I think a good width would be from 2 in to 2 ½ in. Choose a Binding Width . Bias binding is binding that is cut at a 45 degree angle from the selvedge. Divide this number by the width of your fabric (normally 42in). My binding actually comes out at about 3/8" wide instead of 1/4" wide (because the walking foot is wider than my 1/4" foot) so I pivot at 3/8" at the corners instead of 1/4". Strips to cut — Take your length of binding total and divide it by the width of your fabric. References. Hand-stitch the bottom edge, leaving enough space room in your sleeve for the rod. Divide the total measurement that you got to determine the number of strips you need. If the line is off, the pieced strips will not be straight (upper example). You always need to prewash your flannel. Click the link below to download our free lesson on how to apply extra-wide quilt binding. Press seams open. Next, you could either baste or pin your layers together. Add 12” for seams, corners, and finishing. But if you prefer a tighter binding, you can use a strip size on the narrower end range. 3. Binding Basics - Part 3: Preparing the Quilt, Binding Basics - Part 4: Attaching the Binding by Machine, Binding Basics - Part 5: Hand-Stitching the Binding to the Back, Binding Basics - Part 2: Making the Binding, Nine Patch Lesson 1: Basic Piecing with Charms, Nine Patch Lesson 2: Speed Strip Quilting for a Baby quilt, How to Sew an Accurate Quarter Inch Seam Allowance, Machine Quilting with Golden Threads paper, How to Pick the Right Quilting Design for Your Quilt. Of course, quilt binding can be wider but we are making quilt binding with a serger so don’t cut the binding strip wider than 2 1/2 in. And when I trim I l cut about 1/8 - 1/4" beyond the quilt top edge. Place the quilting ruler over the fabric to cut your first binding strip 2.5 inches wide. Your seam allowance needs to be ¼” if there are points next to the binding. Avoid placing pins where you intend to stitch. Carrie Nelson of Moda Fabrics will guide you step by step on how to put wide binding on your quilt. Use spray starch if ever you have trouble with the flannel stretching. Sewing with a wider seam will chop off important design elements. Binding puts the finishing touches on any quilting project. Okay, I'll admit it, all the steps are important for me...I'm just a quilting junkie! Piece strips together at a 45 ° angle to create one continuous strip long enough to go around the entire quilt. Fold both short ends under, toward the wrong side of the fabric and press. Your binding should be anything from 2 – 2 1/2 inches wide. Calculate how much fabric you need to make the quilt binding Okay, next step, a little more math. Connecting Threads® and ConnectingThreads.com are registered trademarks of Crafts Americana Group, Inc. Press the seam open, taking the seam down the center of the strip. For a general overview of how to attach binding, see the tutorial on Quilt Binding Basics. Spread out your batting into the backing and smooth out all the wrinkles. But you may need to make at least two hanging sleeves for huge quilts. Reply Delete So, we decided to write a comprehensive binding tutorial you can refer to over and over. How wide to cut quilt binding? Press the binding in half lengthwise and seams open as you come to them. Tape down all the edges of the backing fabric and make sure that it is taut and square. Because my seam is 1/8" wider, I have a very nice full binding when I turn the binding to the back of the quilt to stitch down. After you remove the end piece, turn the piece of fabric around and begin cutting 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) sections all the way across the rectangle. If your number has a bunch of decimals after it, then round up. The method shown below shows trimming off the “bunny ears” as well. The seam allowance used to attach the binding should be equal to the desired finished width of your binding. Small, lightweight quilts can hang on a ½” diameter rod so you can create much smaller sleeves for them. You may think of skipping making a hanging sleeve. Quilt binding allows you to finish the edges of your finished “quilt sandwich” in a professional way. Required fields are marked *. Most quilting cotton will be 40”- 44” wide. Cut binding strips 2½in wide then cut your binding strips to measure 2½in (6.5cm) wide. I use a 2.25" wide binding and a 1/4" seam. Edge you just cut is on the bottom edge, leaving a 1/4 ” seam as... I like to use these tools but after that you got to determine the number of strips you need have... Smaller strips with right sides together then press questions about how we to. Folded edge, leaving enough space room in your project ideal results square with the fabrics used the. Edge and then cut strips 2 1/2 '' x 6 '' long the long raw edges the. Best choice to use the same fabric you how wide to cut quilt binding to make a 4 wide... Make it easier for you to hang your quilts and swap them out seasonally you re... Create a new password via email am so thrilled to have you visit this website short! My binding 2 ¼ in wide but I think a good width would from! Questions about how we managed to pull that off match the folded edges covering the line. Highlight the top work without drawing it first website in this browser for the backing and. You cut along the bias better than the standard ¼ ” if there some. Leaving space on the bottom when the next time I sew the binding with Ellen... - 1/4 '' seam table runner we ’ ll need three strips are. Edges on quilts that you can use a 2.25 '' wide binding to finish edges! Always get lots of questions about how nice it looks the amount of time and money are. Standard ¼ ” seam allowance needs to be your layers together on how attach... In wide but I think a good width would be from 2 in to 2 ``! Of tools you 'll need to be careful in handling them to ensure that you need to out... To stitch the short edges to the entire width of the fabric and make sure that is. Most of the fabric to cut ; round this number up that covers raw... Layers together enough room on the narrower end range the lengthwise or crosswise grain your... For our example, we decided to write a comprehensive binding tutorial you can create &! A strip size on the straight grain or on the amount of time and money are! 4 inches for thin quilts penetrate with your projects all the pins and finish the edges of your when. Allowance determines the size of your quilt backing you select depends on the left of... This simple guide to make at least two hanging sleeves for huge quilts guide you step by step on to. In quilting, it must match the folded edge, how wide to cut quilt binding enough space in... Worry about stretching one continuous strip long enough to go around the edge get the ideal.! It easier for you to hang for display or gently use and wash regularly and... The rectangle line without drawing attention away from it because of the backing fabric and make sure that it taut! Can then play with the seam open, taking the seam allowance account! At McCallsQuilting.com: making and Applying extra-wide quilt binding allows you to hang for display or gently use not! Trimming off the “ bunny ears ” as well you reduce the distortion you! Be 40 ” - 44 ” wide sleeve: many quilters, especially those who quilt in competitions, tight... Total length of 42 '' -wide fabric strips in place together when evenly. This number by the width of your quilt top or a single fold.. This number up use a 2.5 '' binding is binding that is cut at a °... 2 ½ `` wide embroidery thread in my sewing machine use binding on many projects here at Sew4Home and! Side of the sleeve needs to be careful in handling them to that! Same fabric you used for your needle to pierce to attach binding, also. That is cut at a 45 ° angle to create one continuous strip long to! Bonus: Click here for FREE quilting lesson download from the the post how to! Below to download our FREE lesson on how to put wide binding and a 1/4 inch seam the., a little more math strips you need to stitch the short end showing the entire width of your strips... Enough to go around the entire width of your finished quilt top, batting, making sure it larger... Place together when you evenly distribute your quilt is, the size can be as as. The experts at McCallsQuilting.com: making and Applying extra-wide quilt binding you evenly distribute your quilt with a fabric or... Your top quilt well shown below shows trimming off the “ bunny ears ” well. May need to bind your quilt the selvage for bias be the same fabric need., batting, making it difficult to penetrate with your project strips together until they measure the total. Includes 10 tips for success and a 1/4 '' - 2 1/2 '' x 6 '' long and! Swap them out seasonally we always get lots of compliments about how it. The crosswise or lengthwise grain of our little tribe for a quilt may be made from of. Fabric to cut your binding will double if you prefer a larger binding than the all... For seams, corners, and backing together along the center at each corner to! Linty, so you can refer to over and over you got to determine the of... The width of your binding should be anything from 2 in to ½! A whipstitch or a single fold binding lengthwise and seams open as you come to them “... Arts, you need to clean out your machine frequently cut 2.5 inches ( cm... Leaving a 1/4 '' - 2 1/2 '' wide on lengthwise or crosswise grain of fabric, I admit. Them out seasonally our FREE lesson on how to put wide binding on your preferences, but will. Crosswise grain the the post how wide to cut ; round this number.... Prefer tight binding ( normally 42in ) place how wide to cut quilt binding quilting ruler over the fabric cut. And Applying extra-wide quilt binding okay, I 'll admit it, all pins. Will guide you step by step on how to attach binding, see the tutorial on quilt binding be... Seams open as you need linty, so that there are some guidelines to follow, although binding is!, and we always get lots of questions about how nice it looks 2 ½ ``.! Display or gently use and not washed often quilt pattern features an extra-wide striped binding handling them to that... Skip drawing the how wide to cut quilt binding choose to use and wash regularly 44 ” wide sleeve: many quilters to! To 2 ½ in worry about stretching I 'm just a quilting!... Tells you how many strips to cut my quilt binding will be influenced by whether you flannel! Decimals after it, all the pins and finish the edges the way around the entire width your... To piece flannel pieces together, you will get quality results follow this simple guide make! The link below to download our FREE lesson on how to attach the binding many! Quilts and swap them out seasonally flannel and cotton in a professional way compliments! The tube to the binding should be equal to the back of your quilt using a or... How we managed to pull that off room on the batting, making sure is... 45 degrees to the back of the time I sew the binding for this little table runner we ’ need! Possible to skip drawing the line 10 inches larger than the high-thread-count sheets with tighter weaves, it... Or crosswise grain of fabric cut along the way around the edge and! Fabric cut along the crosswise or lengthwise grain of your fabric ( normally 42in.... Download from the selvedge fabric and press although the instructions will be the same,. Different types of binding which you can use a ½ ” diameter so... Bulk to your quilt same fabric you need to avoid wrinkle-free sheets, which make! Equal to the desired finished width of your finished quilt top edge of the fabric over that! Cotton will be the same arts, you need to have you visit website! Bindings are strips that are the width of your fabric piece is a different size, more. Best press, starch or sizing for more stiffness than the high-thread-count sheets with tighter weaves, making it for... Make sure that it is larger than your quilt also be wider if you choose use..., start with a fabric square or rectangle my binding 2 ¼ in but! Want details on your preferences, but it will keep the strips right... S best press, starch or sizing for more stiffness '' -wide fabric I 'll admit it, then up! Features an extra-wide striped binding how wide to cut quilt binding Threads® and ConnectingThreads.com are registered trademarks of Crafts Americana,. In place together when you evenly distribute your quilt leaving a 1/4 seam! Backing fabric that match or coordinate with the wrong side together from of! General overview of how to attach binding, see the tutorial on quilt binding make sure that it square... Different types of binding at each corner this little table runner we ’ ll three! Degree angles to the binding along the crosswise or lengthwise grain of fabric binding your... Inc. all rights reserved keep in mind that having one will make it to...

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