I am a fairly new quilter. I have only made a couple smaller quilts. I have one for my son that I just need to bind. I have been wondering how you all have such pretty binding. Do you all hand sew the binding? Does that not take forever for larger bed size quilts? I use the package binding from JoAnns (not real confident to cut my own). I sew it on with my machine in the same or close colored thread. But I want to know if I am wrong and how you all do it. Thanks!!

I'm sure we do binding all sorts of ways. i used to hand stitch mine on the back on every quilt. now i tend to machine stitch them down. much faster and works for most quilts.
have fun!!

i find the packaged stuff hard to work with..i have no idea why..i just do.

i cut my strips around 2 to 2.5 inches..width of fabric. i like to use what is left over from the project at hand..just me.
you sew on the binding on the front, then some hand sew to the back.

some find it relaxing..i have hand issues, so i don't do it that way..i machine sew them on, or barter the job with my friend, 'she hates cutting! works for me!
there are so many videos out there, tutorials, it is easy to watch and then do.

I cut mine 2 1/2 inches and double,machine stitch on to front then hand stitch down on the back with mitered corners,it's easy really.
I use whats left off the quilt,I don't think we can buy pre cut binding in England.

Cutting your own binding is just as simple as cutting strips the width of the fabric. Doing it yourself lets you get a double layer of fabric, which will last longer, and ou can be sure to get a fabric of the same quality as the rest of the quilt. I sew mine on by machine all the way...I hate handwork!

I tried the package binding...I did not like it. I ended up cutting fabric to machine sewed then hand sewed the back. I do not like hand sewing but it goes fairly fast. I have some tutorials on my blog. http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/

i cut my own too - 2 1/2", fold in half, machine stitch to front and back. really not hard at all.

I always cut my binding 2 1/2" wide and I use the continuous tube method. Bias binding is just a little more forgiving than using straight strips. If I'm making a utility quilt, one that is going to get a lot of hard use and frequent washing, I often cut the backing a little larger and turn it to the front and top stitch. I like it to finish just a little wider too, probably 1/2". I try to make the binding suit the quilt or wall hanging and no one method fits all quilts.

There are many tutorials on the net. Just google for binding. A lot of us now machine stitch as usual for the front side, then fold the back over, press and pin it and then SID the front. Should be able to catch the edge of the binding at the back and hey, presto and done!

this is what i do but i use elmers glue on the back to hold it in place while i SITD instead of pinning.

I have been doing the same...I use the elmers stick glue...it works really well. I have a bunch of videos that I find are helpful on my blog. I post them there and use them often so that I do not have to spend a lot of time searching the net...at least until I run into another issue that I can not figure out. The internet it wonderful for learning how to quilt. I would be lost without it or would have to spend a lot of money taking classes. This site has also been so useful and helpful!

Carolaug...love your blog..I've been following it for awhile. So informative..and your recipes are great

Thanks!!! The French toast casserole was AWESOME!!! It took 5 mins to make, very easy. I love to share things I find with others. It also gives me something to do. Fingers crossed...on a second interview Thursday...if all works out I will start on Monday.

I like making my own binding, but if you like using packaged that is good too :D:D:D

I cut my own too, either straight-grain or on the bias, and it's not as hard as you might think once you get the hang of it. And I really don't like the packaged binding, it's not the same feel as my quilting fabric.
There are lots of folks on here who share their methods, and you will get great advice.

You are right it does not feel the same, it is rather stiff and thin. I am gonna have to take some time and watch some youtube videos and do some searching. I ahve some table runners I want to make so maybe I will try cutting my own on those since they will be smaller.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Teri

I had trouble making my own binding so I bought the Simplicity Binding Machine and Bias Binding Ruler. The machine is easy to use and fast. I have a basket full of ready made binding in all colors. It gives my DGD something to do to help me in my sewing room. Along with winding bobbins, she feeds jelly roll strips into the machine. She keeps me well stocked.

I have been reading some reviews on the simplicity binding machine...I have not seen good feedback. Sounds like it just folds and irons.

I usually cut it 2 1/2 inches, then fold in half if I want a narrow binding. I usually sew on the back side and then use a decorative stitch on the front, like feather stitch. No hand stitching and looks nice.

I am doing that now...I have a brown king size pillow case we never have use...figure it needs a new life as a binding... LOL...time to go sew them together. Here is a tip for borders for beginners...as I am doing my border I tried this and it works great!!! when you match the two border fabrics move the one that faces you over to the right a bit. see picture...hope it makes sense.

I always double the binding for projects that will get a lot of use.. that's the first thing that wears out. And I'm basically a hand stitcher.. so I sew the raw edges side by machine to the back, flip it forward, then hand stitch the binding to the front. I use bias binding on curved edges and flat "on the grain" binding on simple square edges.

I cut my own binding - it's like cutting strips for the quilt - at 2-1/2", fold in half and press, sew it onto the quilt at either 1/4" or 3/8", fold it over onto the back and baste it with washable glue. I happen to use Roxanne's with that very fine tip. As I fold it over and glue it I press it and it dries the glue right away. No pins to get stuck with as you sew your binding whether by machine or by hand. I do most of mine by hand just because I like the finished look but that is personal preference.