quiltinggrandmaca

When sewing on the binding, if you sew the binding onto the quilt with more than the normal quarter inch, say using a half inch instead, would you then stay that same half inch from the corner so that the miter works out correctly? I just find that sometimes when only using a quarter inch seam, sewing the binding on the other side is quite difficult and just wondered if you use a bigger seam allowance if it would be better.

Jannie

That sounds right to me.

seamstome

Yep, that's the ticket. I learned a new way to close the two pieces of binding if you have problems with that.

Justquilting

I usually set my needle to almost a 1/2".
I find 1/4 is too skimpy.

Justquilting

I sew my binding at 45...
I bought a Fons & Porter binding tool to connect the binding at the end.
Love it!!
No thinking & it's right everytime...

Jannie

Seamstome, please tell us how to close the 2 pieces of binding. I sure would like to know an easy way to do that.

Oklahoma Suzie

yes, that's right.

insecurity

There is a formula for cutting your binding strips to fit the width of any binding. If, for instance you want a 1/2" binding, you would multiply 1/2"x6 (I add an extra 1/4" so my fat fingers have enough fabric to work with). So, for a 1/2" binding you would cut your strips 3" wide (I would do 3 1/4"). Then set your seam allowance at 1/2" and your mitered corners SHOULD work OK. As for connecting the ends-if you want to do just a straight connection, cut the end of your binding 1/4" longer than the beginning and sew with a 1/4" seam allowance. EASY WAY TO MEASURE THAT Lay your quilt out and overlap the binding ends. Take a ruler and lay it even with the end of the starting binding and lay the ending strip over it. Cut at 1/4"

insecurity

WHOOPS! ran out of room! Measure at 1/4" and cut-only what is on top of the ruler and sew with a 1/4" seam. Finish your binding as usual. (this my first time and I quilt much better than I use a computer!)

littlehud

That's a great tip. I'll be using that a lot. Thanks.