Originally Posted by
Silver Needle
I never trim the batting or backing before applying the binding. The extra batting makes an even surface for the feed dogs and presser foot. Also I like to leave a little extra batting beyond the seam so as I turn the binding to the back side to hand finish I can be sure the binding is full of batting. It is my understanding this is one thing judges look for. That is my goal to enter a quilt in a show someday. I have also heard fuller binding lasts linger.
This sounds like a good idea, I have so much trouble sewing the binding on with 1/4" seam, the quilt seems to go all over the place, so that some parts are 1/4", some are 3/8", sometimes I get 1/8"! But - at this point, are you confident that your quilt top is square? You can't square it up after the binding is on. I like this idea, but how do you handle squaring up the top? Thanks!