ManiacQuilter2

It really depends on the size of a quilt. Normally, I always cut my binding 2.25" but then a lot of my quilts were in competition and were hand stitched to the back.

But with miniature quilts, you might want to cut a 2" border. I am making mug rugs and I like the look of 1.75" double folded binding. It is a little snug when hand stitched to the back but they are usually 6.5" finished square. Hope this helps.

greensleeves

Just want to add to what everyone has suggested. When you sew down the binding to the quilt be sure to use no more than 1/4" seam.

BrendaK

I use 2.5 folded over. I also use a lot of fleece for my backing so I need the extra. As suggested try a sample to see what works for you. It's your quilt do what works for you and what you want. BrendaK

tessagin

I've always done better with 2-2 1/4 binding!

athomenow

I also use 2 inch all the time with no problems. Sometimes when I use more it seems like it's fatter in some places when I fold it over. That doesn't make any sense I know but I like how the more narrow looks. Also depends on your batting, if it's too thick then the 2 in might be a problem. Do a test!

quiltstringz

I also use 2" all the time

Lori S

Do a small test on a 6 inch length and a few inches wide sandwich to see what works best for your fabrics and batting choices and us how far from the edge of the quit you ar going to make the first stitches.

Jennifer23

As everyone else has said, you can really make your binding whatever width you want. Making it narrower does make it a bit harder to apply, though, so I'm wondering why you want to do 2", and how much experience you have with quilting.If you haven't bound a quilt before, I would recommend 2.25 or 2.5". It will be easier to sew down, and won't make a much wider border. That being said, I did 2" on my first quilt because I didn't know any better, and it worked ok. It was more challenging, though, and as I did it I decided I would cut it wider next time.If you've bound a quilt before, your batting isn't high loft, and you aren't using flannel, then go for it - 2" is fine, especially if it gives the look you want.

citruscountyquilter

It is a personal preference. I like a narrow binding. I use my walking foot however to apply the binding and that has a 3/8" presser foot so that is my seam allowance and not 1/4" as many use. This means I need a slightly wider binding strip to allow for that. 2" is really tight using a 3/8" seam allowance so I generally go with 2 1/4 or 2 1/2. I never press my binding because I want a soft fold on the edge I'm going to hand sew to the back. It makes it much easier to make my stitches nearly invisible. One last note - when you are mitering your corners stop stitching the distance of your seam allowance from the corner. If you are using 1/4" seam allowance then stop 1/4" but in my case since I'm using a 3/8" seam allowance I stop 3/8" from the corner before I fold for my miter. Perfect mitered corners every time.

Prism99

Just want to mention that ironing the binding away from the quilt is done *before* folding. The edge still has a soft fold. Ironing the seam and binding away from the quilt before folding is an extra step that helps make folding easier, plus helps to keep the binding even on both sides.

Edit: I should add that I also found that *not* ironing binding in half before sewing it on works much better than ironing the binding in half before applying. Not ironing results in the inner layer of binding to be less and the outer layer of binding to be more. After sewing the binding to the quilt body, I simply iron the seam where the binding is attached to the quilt, again *not* ironing the area where the binding will fold over the edge.