Gears of Time Quilt- Basic Quilt Binding

I thought I would take a moment to explain how I sew on basic quilt binding to any beginning quilters our there. I am self-taught so I don't know if this is the "right" way but it works for me!

Cut strips for the binding. People swear that you should always cut these on the bias. I don't to conserve fabric *hangs head in shame* but I have never had issues with it in straight lines like the edges of a quilt. The width depends on personal preference and the size of the quilt. Personally, I would not cut them smaller than 2.5" unless you are making a tiny wall quilt. 2.5" strips end up being roughly .5" wide around the perimeter of the quilt. If your quilt is large, you will need to piece the strips together as shown. I did used to sew them together lining them up straight, but that created a big lump in your binding. Sewing them at an angle is essential (and actually is a neat way to sew jelly rolls!) I mark with a Frixion fabric pen and a ruler, I don't eyeball it.

Fold it in half right sides out and press.

Lay it on the front edge of your quilt, all the raw edges should be together. Sew with a generous 1/4" seam allowance if you are using 2.5" wide strips like I did. If you go bigger or smaller with your binding you will need a bigger or smaller seam allowance respectively. You may need to test a small section to see if your seam allowance is adequate. Binding should feel "stuffed" when wrapped around the edge of the quilt.

When you get to the corner, turn the fabric strip as shown below. It should fold in a way that the binding is square in the corner. Start right at the edge and continue sewing down the next side of your quilt.

Once you finish going all the way around the quilt (being sure to overlap the end of your binding with the beginning) bring your quilt to the ironing board and put the edge of it face down. Wrap the binding from the front around to the back and press.

Can I just say I love these little guys?! Clover Binding Clips are awesome!

Clip those bad boys on there as you press!

Alright, now get out the hand sewing needle and thread! This is a great step to do when chilling on the sofa watching TV. I like to double my thread for strength! Make sure your thread color matches or adequately blends in. To start, hide your knot somewhere under the binding. Then catch a couple threads from the backing fabric of the quilt, then a couple threads from the folded edge of the binding. You are trying to get the hand sewing as invisible as possible.

Move over a 1/4". Rinse and Repeat. make sure you are covering the machine sewn line that was created when you  attached the binding to the quilt front.

I hope this helps any beginning quilters out there get started on finishing those quilts! This is honestly one of my least favorite parts of quilting but it is necessary.

Finished Section (back)

Finished Section (Front)

Thanks for reading!

-Allyson