kindleaddict63

Today I finished a quilt which hopefully will be used regularly. My concern came to me after I had hand sewn the binding using ladder stitch - so I then used the machine to sew around the edge. Was it overkill I ask myself? Anyone else do this ?

Silver Needle

A ladder stitch done with 1/4" stitches would adequately have held your binding. Just think about those antique quilts that are still being enjoyed that were entirely done with hand stitching.

Mdegenhart

I personally wouldn't have done it. The whole point of all that time you spent hand sewing was so the stiching didn't show.

kindleaddict63

Thank you ladies for your replies.... of course you are right....quilts have stood the test of time with hand stitching. The lesson is to have more faith!

Tartan

Yes, a well done ladder stitch will be enough to hold the binding but it's your quilt.

pocoellie

I use the ladder stitch on my binding but I also have "finished" the binding off afterward with a decorative stitch on it. I just think it "adds something" to the quilt.

ManiacQuilter2

I have been hand stitching the binding to the back of my quilts for almost 30 years. As posted before, you want your stitches to be about 1/4" apart. I have a family antique quilt and the binding where stitch is still holding tight but the edges of the binding fabric are starting to wear out. Funny that this should happen because I have always been careful and never actually used it.