It is a 3 hour class so I only do a simple straight binding with mitred corners. It is my opinion that 99.99% of the quilts made use this simple binding and in show judging it is the most frequently area of the quilt that needs improvement.
Students will do two small pieces as follows.
1. sewing a consistent seam
2. Sewing the binding strip so diangonal seams match
3. joining the end
4. mitred corner
I have prepared visuals to show the recommended hand stitch to hand stitch the binding to the back. These have been made using light colored fabric and black thread. The strip shows a good stitch, a so=so stitch and a not so good or bad stitching (called toe tuggers as they can be ripped out if the toe nails get hooked in the binding).
If there is time then they will start sewing the binding on an approx 36"x45" pre quilted double sided fabric.
I emphasise that good bindings are:
1. seam should be even width especially at corners
2. binding should be full
3. neatly mitred corners
4. using small even stitches
5. uses for bias binding even on straight edges
6. fussy cutting binding
some of this is included in the internet show on www.quilterstv.com under Quilter's Cafe.