Preferred width of Binding
 

I've just searched and read thru 25 pages of "binding" and still didn't find the answer I'm looking for.

I know the width of binding, I tend to use 2 1/4" wide, is a personal preference.

What my question is: I know I've seen in different instructions where some have you cut binding at 2 1/4" any where up to 3".

Do some of you use some widths of binding for certain projects and a different width for others? I hope I'm explaining this clearly.

How do you determine if you're going to use a narrower binding or a wider binding? Or do you use one size for certain projects and another size for other projects?

Thank you.

I like 2 1/4 " also. Sometimes I will make it more narrow - such as when I make a doll quilt or a tablerunner.
Depends on the scale of the blocks.

I use 2 1/4" for my binding. I once made a quilt that called for 2 1/2" so I went with that width and didn't like it. It was just too wide.

I just decided today after struggling with a binding that on quilts backed with fleece and no batting, I will continue to use 2-1/4 strips, but on 'normal' quilts with batting & back, I'm going to start using 2-1/2. I'm one of those 'cheaters' who machine sews the bindings to the back, so I need the extra little bit on the turn so it comes out right.

I use 2 1/4" also, except on miniatures where I do 2 or 1 3/4". If you do wider binding you will have a larger width at the back than the front, like a frame for the back. Some people like that and it does look good--the front will still be the narrow width unless you have taken a greater than 1/4" seam while sewing the binding on. I don't think there is a set rule however I think 2 1/4" is the most popular.

I have lots of books by Lynette Jensen and she says to cut binding strips at 2-1/2" and sew on with a 3/8" seam. So this is how I make mine and I like it. They are not any bigger because you use a 3/8" seam allowance. I have made lots of quilts like this. Different strokes for different folks, like everything else, it is what you like.

One of the reasons why you see such variance is because batting has changed in the last 20 years. It's much easier to buy thinner batting than it was in the past. You don't need as wide of binding if the batting is thin. I don't like thin batting and typically do a 2 1/2 inch binding. If I do a fat batt or am tying the quilt, my binding is 2 3/4 inch. Some blankets and projects (such as tote bags) may use the 3 inch binding, which is more of a decorative choice than a need. For wallhangings, I use 2 1/4 inch. I think my friend uses 2 inch binding for miniatures. It is personal preference, but keep in mind that many of the quilters who are publishing books currently do a lot of very dense quilting on their quilts or use thin batting, making a 2 1/4 inch binding a better choice.

I use 2 1/2" wide binding.

I use 2" strips to finish around 1/4". When I am making a wide framing binding (1/2" or larger) I still sew 1/4" from the edge of the quilt top so I don't lose points and cut the batting/backing to the finish measurement from the seam line. Then turn.

I use 3 1/4 inch binding. I like my binding a little bigger. I also sew it completely on my sewing machine. I know it won't come apart that way.

I like a narrow binding , so I cut 2 1/4 and sometimes 2 .. it depends on the fabric I am using to bind ... how much I want the binding to show.

I use to use 2 1/2 inch, but now use 2 1/4......I find that 2 1/4 inch gives a little plumper binding.

Thank you all for your input. I was looking for ideas of when to use this or that width of binding, and you all gave wonderful examples.

My binding is usually 2 1/2" but I have used 3".

Lose points? Please explain. Thank you.

My personal preference is for my binding to be a little wider than most...just a personal choice.

I always cut mine 2 1/4"

I use 2 1/4" for smaller things and 2 1/2 inches for large quilts.

I cut mine 3" then fold in half. I like a double thickness for the binding. Makes bindings last longer. Do you all do the same?

i use a wider binding for thicker quilts (like flannel quilts i usually use 2 1/2" or even 2 3/4"--depending on how lofty the batting is-
i prefer narrow(er) bindings on other quilts- and sometimes even use 2"- it does depend on what you like- and the project itself. i tend to use 2 1/4" most of the time- and once even as narrow as 1 3/4" or 1 1/2" for small projects like doll quilts- or table runners. i like facings too- if i really don't want a binding to show....it's all dependant on what you like- and the project you are working on- what looks best to you- a binding can be wide and part of the overall design-if that works for the project.

I have always used 2 1/2" folded double and make sure it is full of batting. Before I sew the binding on I sew close to the edge all the way around the quilt then trim, leaving 1/4" batting & backing beyond the quilt. This ensures plenty to fill the binding. Just the way I was taught but it works for me.
My BFF trims batting & backing to the quilt edge .

2 1/2 is what I always use

On quilts, I use 2 1/2 but for table runneers and place mats 2 1/4.

This is what works for me too.

I do the same thing, except all my bindings are at least 1/2" (cut at 2½"), and usually 5/8" (cut at 3"). I've never been one to follow the recipe and I just think wider bindings have a better proportion to the size of functional quilts. I don't put bindings on my smaller art quilts; I finish those by the envelope method.

I like the 21/4 width. Works the best for me.

I too do 21/2 normally but have been known to do 3" -- it depends on the quilt pattern and how much loft the batting has.

I cut at 3.5", fold in half (I only do double chanel) and then stitch at .5"... so 3.5 folded is 1.75, stitched at .5 (with all raw edges together)... is 1.25 left to fold over again, now it's .75 left hanging over the edge..fold under and then there is a skimpy .25 left (the folds, seam and the depth of the edge all take up a bit) which i either blindstitch by hand or stitch in the ditch by machine for children's and donors' quilts.

This produces a standard .5" binding, which usually, but not always matches the last border. Any other width or color is purely a style choice... i still use .5" but most of my colorful children's quilts have all the scrap binding that i've used sewn together (on the slant, for eye pleasing) and then applied as normal, but letting all the colors just 'be' bright...

I started out using 2 1/4 inch binding; but now use 2 1/2 inch because I can cut that faster.

i doubt you need another opinion, but 2.25 for me as well.

My 2 cents worth. I like narrow binding so use 2".

I do 2 and 1/2 for bindings. Works goo for me.

I change the width depending on the look of the quilt- i.e. I let the design dictate to me. One of my quilts has a 2" wide binding. finished.

I prefer 2 1/2" for everything.

I use 2 1/2 because I mainly do it all by machine.

Proof that there are no quilt police here, I cut my strips 4 7/8" and fold in half.
Then sew on top with a 3/4" seam allowance (horrors!) and turn to the back and hand stitch.
The binding is nicely filled; right now I like this wider proportion for quilts that'll get a lot of wear.
If I were to do placemats for instance, I'd go less wide...but that's me.

I cut my binding 3 inches and I sew it all on my machine just like mhansen6. Its all what you are comfortable with.

I use 2 1/2 and a 3/8" seam allowance.

mltquilt

I use 3" also.