judylg

I have always done 2 1/2, smaller is tempting, it has been working so good, that I really do not want to change, might try it something small.

Joset

i have always used 2 1/2

DebraK

2 1/4 gives the finish I desire.

SuzieQuilts

I have come to the conclusion to always use 2 and 1/2 inch strips, because the left overs will work better in scrappy quilts and mondo bags with that size.

ghostrider

For me, it depends on the quilt. Larger, bolder quilts usually get wider bindings, so anywhere from 2¼" to 3" depending on the size and design of the quilt.

toolazy

It depends. Sometimes use a wider binding (2" finished width each side), sometimes a traditional narrow one, and sometimes none at all. Where it works with the pattern and fabrics, I prefer to either wrap the front around to the back or the back around to the front and make a 3/4" - 1.5" edging.

grocifer

I usually sew 1/4" from the edge for the 2 1/4th inch strips. Do you use 3/8th" for the 2 1/2" strips?

ghostrider

I can't speak for anyone else, but I always use a ¼" seam no matter what the width of the binding strip...even my 3" ones.

The difference is in how wide the quilt sandwich is trimmed after the binding is sewn on and before it's turned to the back. If you trim it to the finishing width of the binding, it all lines up perfectly and winds up nice and full. Using a wider seam can adversely affect the design on the quilt top (points especially would get chopped off).

Boston1954

1 1/2 here. Self taught. Did not know any better, but really a number of my works are wall hangings and would not be getting the work-out of a regular quilt. Even the ones that get used, are rarely in need of washing.

dakotamaid

I agree, it really depends on the project. Sometimes when I need an extra something, sometimes even a extra wide binding does the trick so I sometimes even cut 3 inches before folding. What you can is make a tiny sample with the varies widths and see what looks pleasing to you.