Every quilt needs a binding - it serves the practical function of finishing and protecting the edges. But, binding a quilt also serves a design function - it forms a fine line around a quilt which has an important effect.

There are quilters who feel that the only binding that is correct is a bias strip. Others feel that there is a place for both a straight cut fabric binding or bias binding. But, all agree that the binding should be a double layer of fabric to form an extra-strength finish to the edge of the quilt. (Personally, if you are curious, I'm in the "either is fine" school.)

If you look at antique quilts that have been used and washed a lot you will see that one of the places that wear and tear appears early are at the edges of a quilt.

• Heddi Craft has excellent instructions and includes illustrations. She covers (at the top of this Web page) a simple straight cut "Quick Turn" binding (which she recommends for tied quilts) and a sewn-on doubled binding.
   

• Rita Denenberg shows how to miter the corner of borders  and her tips on how to make repeat borders fit properly
  

• Continuous Tube Bias Binding - how to make (using the tube method) and apply it from Rita Denenberg. Also read the section on "Easy Cut Bias".
   

• Borders  - Some tips from CalicoBlue for putting on borders.

Other Edge Options?

If you want a more decorative edge finish (for a wall or decorative quilt, not for a bed quilt) you might want to consider using Prairie Points. Mary Graham tells you how to put on a Prairie Point Border.

For some really fancy binding ideas, see Cody Mazuran's A Fine Finish - New Bindings for Award-Winning Quilts

 

Wavy Edges?

I hope these additional resources here on this site will help you to easier bindings:

READERS TIPS on BINDING A QUILT - See this page

and this page with lots more tips from Quilting Forum members.

 

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Susan
Susan Druding

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