In several other threads there are responses about cutting binding strips and there are always several different ways/widths. How do you determine how wide to cut the strip? Do you always use the same width of finished binding? THESE questions relate to double binding.

While I generally use 3/8 inch seam, I do vary the width depending on the size of quilt and look I want. A trick I was taught was to determine the finished width of binding I wanted then multiply that by 7 to give me enough fabric to sew the second seam by hand. Since I do everything by machine, I usually multiply by 8 to give me enough to work with for the 3/8 seam.

I *was* doing 2.5" but always had to wrestle with it. The past couple times I've done 2.75 and it's worked out well!

what size seam do you use with this width of strip?

is this for double fold? I struggle with the width too. I get it right on one side but its either too much on one side or barely enough. I can't ever seem to get it right.

The intent of my question was for double fold and I've edited my original post to reflect that - thanks for asking.

I always cut 2.5", 2.38" if using thin batting. I sew the binding on with a 3/8" seam and when I turn it over I can normally use my "Blanket" stitch on my machine and catch the front and back, makes it so much quicker, and easier to finish off a quilt.

We do the double fold and cut the fabric at 2.5".

Lanny

I cut the strips from 2" up to 3" depending on the look I want.

Each type of batting and the particular loft, fills the binding differently, so auditioning binding onto these scraps may be helpful.

Make mini quilt sandwiches. Cut two fabrics and batting 4" wide X 6" long.

Cut a few scrap bindings 2 1/4" - 2 1/2" X 6" and sew them onto the mini sandwiches. You can then play with the seam allowance as well as the width of your binding. Fold the binding over, and make changes according to how you want the finished binding to look.

Write in pen on these samples, the type/loft of batting, width of binding strip, seam allowance, etc... or staple them to a sheet of paper and write the info on that. Then you can refer back to them on future projects :D:D:D

Right now I'm using the guidelines Eddie taught me. I cut my binding strips 2 7/8 in., sew the folded strip on the front--a 1/4 seam and bring around to the back. I finish with stitching in the ditch next to the top binding and this size strip gives me enough width to be sure the back is stitched down. Works great!! Especially in combination with glueing down the binding on the back.

a general guide is to cut your unfolded binding 6 times the width of your seam allowance and adjust from there. I had been cutting 2.5" for a 3/8" seam but found that a bit wide so now cut 2.1'4" and it is better fit.
When you get your binding sewed, then look at it and you should be able to divide it into thirds and take consideration in the space taken up in fold.