Originally Posted by
Genden
Also, is it still good practice to fold the binding in half? I will be seaming the binding on the diagonal in order to reduce the seam bulk. The binding was cut selvage to selvage. I think I read somewhere to trim the quilt leaving the batting and backing 1/2" longer than the quilt top in order to fill the binding. Would this work with a 1/4" seam?
I highly recommend NOT PRESSING your binding in half before you sew it on. Fold it in half, yes, but then simply sew it on. Your binding will lay much nicer and fuller if you don't press it first.
If you're unsure about your binding, cut some scrap fabric at various widths and sew about 6-8 inches on your quilt. Use a long basting stitch. This way you can audition various widths and seam allowances, and once you figure out what looks good, you can easily remove the basting stitch.
I usually use a 2" or 2.125" (2 1/8th) binding, with a quarter-inch seam allowance. Personal preference.