Hi all-- was about to tackle the binding on my first quilt and thought I read somewhere to sew around the outside edges 1/4". Do I do that before trimming the excess batting/ backing to the top or afterwards? Thanks so much

Some individuals that have sergers do this. I don't have one so I just trim everything up and put on my binding.

I do this becaue I like to put the binding on the back side first then turn around to the front and use a decorative stitch to finish. I used to hand stitch to finish but the arthritis in my hands prevents that now. I trim after I have sewn, assured that when I attach the binding I will be getting both front and back in it.

I sew the binding on the front of the quilt using 1/4 inch seam allowance, trim anywhere that's needed, turn to back of quilt and by hand whip stitch it down hiding the threads for a clean look. Good luck and remember it's your project what you decide is the right way!

I usually do a serpentine stitch around the edge of the quilt before I trim off the extra batting. It helps hold the fabric down while I bind it.

I have never sewn around the edge before putting on the binding. However, if my border is cut on the bias it might be a good thing to do.

never have, never will,

I have never sewn around the edges ... just trim up the edges and add the binding

I like to stabilize the quilt sandwich edge before putting binding on; it makes it easier to handle.

My method is quite different. I use a permanent Sharpie to mark the *cutting edge* on the quilt sandwich. Then I use a long machine stitch to baste just outside this line. I sew the binding on by lining up the raw edges of the binding with my Sharpie marking. I don't actually cut the quilt sandwich edge until after my binding has been sewn on. It sounds odd to do it this way, but I am much less likely to make a cutting mistake plus the edges are much easier to handle -- no unnoticed flipping of the underside seam, no stretching of the edge, no bunching up of the three layers while I attach the binding.

I did use a serger once to secure the edge before putting the binding on, but did not like that method nearly as well. It compresses the edge of the quilt sandwich, plus it is hard for me to keep a perfectly straight line while serging (and more nervous about making a cutting mistake).

I always square up my quilts and trim my edges before placing the binding on.