Originally Posted by
ShirlinAZ
I cut all my bindings 1 3/4", then fold in half. However, for table toppers and placemats I find a variation birthing works best. I make my backings 2 pieces so it will have a seam down the middle, but I only sew the seams on the ends so there is an opening in the center. Sandwich as normal, and sew all the way around the outside. Birth the quilt through the opening left in the backing seam, then hand stitch the opening closed. Doing it this way all the outside edges lay flatter as they don't get stretched or folded unevenly during birthing and hand stitching.
This is a really good idea. It's another one of those "Why didn't I think of that ideas?"
I make mostly art quilts and don't prefer a wide binding. Just cut your binding fabric narrower to start with. You can experiment with a 6" long piece and stitch it to a short section of a quilted sandwich. Do this with several widths, label what you used and keep for future reference.
Another way, if the item you are making will not be two-sided (like a placemat is), is to make a facing. I usually cut the facing 2 - 2.5" wide, fold in half wrong sides together. Sew this to the right side of both sides of the quilt. Press the seam allowance toward the facing, pull to the back, press the outer edge again ( pull the facing back a bit so the seam rolls a tiny bit more towards the back) and hand stitch in place. Then repeat and do the top and bottom edges. No binding will show on the front, but your edges are finished. Sew your sleeve on over the top of this facing, if desired.