Ok I have a questions for all of you. I'm am ready to actually bind my first quilt. Usually my quilting lady does it for me. I have read several different methods. What method do you use and why. I think that I'm going to cut my binding 2 1/5 in. Does that sound about right? One more question do you sew all of it by machine or do you sew one side and then hand stitch it to the back. I have read both ways and don't know which way would be the best.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi
I usually use the same materialas the backing,but that is your choice, and cut strips.the width is personal preference.Ialso (most of the time)machine sew one side and then hand stitch the other,but I always have the hand stitching to the front.Hope that helps

I cut my binding strips 2 and a quarter inches. I then fold strip in half, with the raw edges matching. I do this because the binding is normally the first part of a quilt to show wear. I sew it on by machine, then hand sew it to the back. I like the way that looks best.

Here are a couple sites that may be helpful to you.... I usually cut my bindings 3 inches for larger quilts and 2 1/2 for smaller ones and for table runners and wall hangings. I cut either straight or cross grain for mine. I double fold and place the cut edge along the quilt edge, stitch it all the way around and join it, then flip over and handstitch to the backing.

http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQuiltingPages/startquiltingfive.html
Start Quilting 5 - Binding

http://www.quiltwoman.com/hints/EndlessBinding.pdf
EndlessBinding.pdf (application/pdf Object)

http://www.quiltsmart.com/Pages/completing_your_quilt.htm
Quiltsmart 101: Completing Your Quilt

I do mine the same as Country Quilter, except I cut the strips 2 3/8 inches.

I cut binding 2 1/2 inches wide, fold in half, sew on front of quilt, then hand stitch the back. This works best for me. Nancy

Thanks everyone for your help. I don't like to do hand stitching but I guess I'll give it a try this time. I'll let you all know how it turns out.

Thanks again
Barb

I sew my binding on the same as Patsy but I always cut it on the bias at about 2 - 2.25 inches. I like that little extra give I get when making the mitered corners.

Ditto

M

Shelly Q has posted a real good lesson on quilt binding complete with pictures. Maybe this will help. If I did this correctly! LOL I can sew, but am helpless with computers! :lol:
http://www.quiltedparadise.com/n/215-ezl.jsp