The process is much shorter than all the pictures! This is one of the 'old methods' from long ago. I've seen old antique quilts with this binding many times. When you actually see one in person, you understand how it was done. I figured it out and have been using this method for many quilts. Bias binding might be more appropriate for some quilts.
Note that the quilt used in this tutorial is my 'practice' quilt that I keep around. The backing is muslin and NEVER use muslin backing in this method! This Self Binding method is for nice backing fabric!
Step 1. When top quilting, end your quilting about 1/8 of an inch before the edge. In other words, don't go right to the edge and definetly not over the edge as you won't be able to bring the backing to back for pinning.

Step 2. Pin backing edges to the back of the quilt as close to the middle as possible. You don't want floppy backing edges, so make sure it's all pinned on the back.

Step 3. Now turn over quilt and square up your border edges & cut batting, making sure your backing hasn't moved into the way of your rotary cutter.

Step 4. Now that you're done with squaring up, un pin your backing

Step 4. Un pin backing flip around so that the top is facing you and smooth out as best as possible, and you might have some waves or ripples to your backing edges- that's ok, it will work itself out later so don't worry about it.

Step 5. Cut backing 1 inch from edge of quilt.

Step 6. Press down 1/4 inch edge. You may want to press down 1/2 inch edge, all depending on your likes or size of quilt. The 1/2 pressed down edge will give you a smaller binding on the front. You can adjust to your needs. I do like some gadgets, one I picked up from Nancy's Notions Dritz EZ-Hem is great for pressing specific seams, or if you're experienced and know a 1/4 inch hem, then do it freestyle if you like! Press all your edges down.

Step 7. Finding the top & bottom of your quilt. Find your seams from your inner & outter borders. They should be seamed in the same direction. You will need to follow these seams. The seam that you see on your quilt is the last seam sewn, which should be your sides. When you put your borders on, it should be top & bottom, then sides. You will follow your borders and do the top & bottom binding first, then the sides.

Step 7b- Bring top & botton edged backing to the front and pin in place. Sew starting on the sandwich beginning. I like to place a pin backwards at the starting point and finishing point. You will finish at the edge of the sandwiched edge- do not start before your sandwich nor go past your sandwich end as you will have stitching showing up where you don't want any.

Step 7c- Note your walking foot and either place a mark with permanent black marker on it or just make a mental note of where you'd like your edge stitching to be. I make sure the edge of the binding is right at the curve of my foot, you might like yours closer to the edge.

Step 7 b & C more photos

Step 8. Bring backing edges to the front of the sides. You may have to 'play' with the edges to make sure they are straight as they overlap the binding from the top & bottom. Stitch the sides down edge to edge, back tac at each edge to secure.

You're done!

Please excuse my imperfections! Of course when you do a tute, it's the sloppiest work!

It really turns out very lovely when you're not doing a tutorial!

I like to use monofilament thread on the front or matching thread.

Give it a try! It's an oldie but easy to do! Just make sure your backing is nice- don't use the muslin! ;-)
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

WOO HOO THANKS :thumbup:

Great Job on the Tute , there were a couple spots where I was lost with just the words , but as I told you before I am a visual person and the pics really cleared it up :lol: :shock: :lol:

Can't wait to try this have three quilts pinned and will try this with the next one I quilt :wink:

You're gonna love this method! It's so easy and a wonderful way to bring a nice backing forward as the binding!
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

Thanks for the tute, great instructions.

I have used this method a couple of times lately, and I like it. I'm going to have to try your method for corners, though, since I kind of miter mine and they never turn out as neat as I would like.

thanks again for posting this tutorial, you are awesome!

Thank you. That is the way I started. Brought back memories.

Yes, it's an oldie but a goodie!
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

This is the only way I bind mine! I have, on occasion, pieced the back....using a less-than-perfect-for-binding fabric for most of the back and then using the small amount of perfect fabric sort of as a border on the back, so it's what shows when I self-bind to finish! However...I am a veteran topmaker and not much of a finisher so this may be a trick that works for me and not everybody....I do it to finish quickly.

I like the mitered corners better. It's a little more work to attach the binding but in the end I think it looks better in front, you don't have the edge of the binding showing on the top of the quilt.

That's an excellent idea! I'll have to try that one!
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

You can actually do a mitered corner with the self binding, I've seen that as well! Whatever works for you is great!
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

I've done the mitered corner on this self binding - it turns out great, but when I'm finished sewing on the machine, I hand stitch the corners and they look great !!

Wow, I found this tutorial just wonderful.. I am so new to this. It seemed like a good idea if your backing was large enough. I made this quilt top at a Homemaker's Camp in Monticello, IL and I had planned to use a plain muslin. I had a piece just the right size (maybe 2" larger all around and it is a matching piece of one of the squares) and when I put them together it looked like it should work but I had never seen it or heard anyone talk of this. THANK YOU so much. I can't wait to get started. I am going to get proficient with my computer some day and put the finished picture up to share with you. Again, thanks, I think you helped me more than you know. Jeanne from Illinois

I'm glad to help out! And do post your pictures when done! It's an old 'tried and true' method, so you should'nt have any problems!
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

I just got home from N. Carolina Myrtle Beach area. Had a wonderful time with our family..grandkids. Enjoyed the Main Street with ShaG DANCING. Its a beautiful area. Reminded us of Florida alot.

Yes, the beach area is very lovely....I live in the mountains, but do visit the beach area and Charleston about once a year. Glad to hear you had a great time Shagging!
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

Thank You I will have to try this on my quilt that I need to finish quilting.

Thank you Mary Anna. That was great. Your tut was easy to follow and added information I did not know and would have made a mess if you had no brought it to my attention. I decided I would like to add gathered lace to the turnover edging. Can I sew it on at the same time as doing the edging or should I add it as a next step?

Thank you for the tute. Very informative and a nice way to finish a quilt. I will try this method next time I bind a quilt.

This is the way I learned many years ago and I really like it. If someone is doing a complete hand quilt I think the other way may be important but for every day quilting this is great. I always tied my quilts also could not afford the time or money to quilt or have them quilted now I finally have to machine quilts that I had quilted and still have not done the border. Hope to get them done this year but time is running out thanks for posting this.

Thanks ...

I was so glad to see this. I'm self taught and did it this way for years. I mitered the corners, but always felt I was cheating and was ashamed to show my work to ''real'' quilters. Now I feel so much more happy with my otherwise good work. Thank you! :-) :-) :-)