2 1/2" binding should have a 3/8" seam to get perfect corners. I think the 1/4" seam produces sloppier looking finished corners. Just my opinion after testing both some time back.

You can use either 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch. Honestly, it's both a personal preference and somewhat of a dependence on what kind of batting you used. If you use a very thin batting, 3/8 inch works just fine. For a thicker batting, you might have better luck with 1/4 inch.

I agree with IAmCatOwned, if I use warm and natural I do a 2.5 with 3/8 inch (just happens to be the width of my walking foot with needle set over) works great and when turned the binding is same size on both front and back. BUT, it really really depends on the batting. I just love that we all have different ways but they all work....

I agree with a lot of the people here. It depends on the batting. I usually use Warm and Natural, which is fairly thin but has a nice heft and density. Sewing 1/4" around for the binding is ok with that batting, for a smaller quilt. When I make a large quilt, I use 3/8". That gives me a little extra wiggle room for getting the whole thing through the machine, while it's pulling to the side. I don't end up with a wiggly line, but the machine has more to hold on to when I use a 3/8" seam for the binding. My 1/4" seam allowance doesn't cover the second walking foot. I like 1/4" for the binding on the front because my backings are usually solid, so a wider binding is actually nicer looking.

And even if I had a smaller quilt, but was using a higher loft batting, I'd move over to 3/8" for the same reason.

You don't want any flat area on the binding it needs to be full. A 2.5" bind ing should be sewed 3/8'inch. A 2.25" binding should be sewed .25". Having said that you sometimes need to take I to account the batting thickness. The top and back binding edges should end in the same place.

It really depends on the width of your batting. If you have very thin batting, you might want to sew with a 1/2" seam. If you have mid-loft batting, you might want to sew with a 1/4" seam. If unsure, create a sample quilt sandwich, sew on a scrap piece of binding, and see if you can turn it to the opposite side and have the turned binding end where you want it.

One thing to keep in mind if you plan to miter the corners (which is what most quilters do) is that you *must* stop your seam the same distance from the edge as the width of your seam allowance. If you sew a 1/4" seam, stop sewing 1/4" from the edge in order to have a good miter. If you sew a 3/8" seam, stop sewing 3/8" from the edge. If you sew a 1/2" seam, stop sewing 1/2" from the edge. Otherwise your miters will not work out.

I am just happy and proud for you Jeanne - I know binding isn't your favorite thing to do!

Don't try to overthink it, just start... you'll be done with it before you know it.

I was taught this way as well.

That's how I do it. I find the 2 -1/2 too wide when a 1/4 inch seam is used to attach the binding.

I too cut my binding at 2 1/4" and sew a 1/4" seam. I used to cut it 2 1/2" with 1/4" seam and it always came out uneven.