3 Tips for Confident Machine Binding
While traditional quilt binding is machine stitched to the front of the quilt and then hand stitched to the back, more and more quilters are exploring machine binding because it is faster and more durable. However, it can be a challenge to achieve the same crisp, professional finish as the original hand binding method. Here are some of my best tips for a gorgeous, crisp finish.
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I love machine binding. It’s fast. It’s durable. And I’ve spent actual years perfecting my preferred technique. If you’re struggling to get your desired results, then this blog is for you!
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My Favorite Tips
Use a serger or zig zag stitch
I love to pre-finish my quilts with my bernette b68 overlocker/ coverstitch combo machine or a simple zigzag on my bernette b77. If I’m using the serger, I’ll let the machine trim the quilt at the same time. This means that until I do get that binding on, my quilt is already protected from fraying and wear and tear. If I’m using a zigzag, I’ll trim the quilt first, then use a zigzag stitch to attach the binding. This creates a tidy, flat finish that makes it easy to fold the binding to the other side.
Press your binding away from the quilt
Once the edges are tamed, attach the binding to the quilt--I prefer to sew it to the back of I have lots of control over how the front looks in the final step. Then, press your binding away from the side of the quilt you stitched it to, creating a crisp fold before you roll it to the other side
Use the Sleeping Bag Method
No more weird twisting and turning for a bias join. For a fast, practical finish, use the sleeping bag method. Where you started attaching your binding, trim the tail to about 3“ and fold the raw edge under about 1/2“ to create a finished edge. Trim the second tail so it can tuck about 1“ inside the first (like crawling in a sleeping bag), pin, then finish sewing on your binding. When you flip the front and top stitch, no one will be the wiser!
Bonus tip: As you stitch the binding down on the front, position your stitches just a few threads in from the fold. As you approach the corners, fold the bottom up first, then tuck the side over. This way, your foot won’t catch the corner pieces as you stitch down the side and pivot. This also makes it easier to fiddle with the corner and make it look very crisp and even.
Closing Thoughts
I love binding my quilts by machine. I think it creates a gorgeous effect to have the top stitching on the front, plus I appreciate the added durability in my house of kids and pets. I hope you find these tips helpful, too!
Resources
BLOG: How to do Machine Binding (full tutorial)
BLOG: How to Label Your Quilts
SHOP: Quilting Rockstar Panels– perfect for practicing both your quilting and binding techniques
