maminstl

I cut my binding 2 1/4 inches, do not iron it, just fold and sew it onto the front at 1/4 inch Then I press open the seam (again without pressing any fold) wrap to the back and press a little bit past the stitch line, then glue a thin bead all around and press. One of the things that helps get it on nice is to zigzag around the edge of your quilt before you begin - it makes a nice edge for the binding to hang on to. Lately, I've been using my edge joining, or stitch in the ditch foot, and if your machine will do it - i move the needle just a bit over to the right - 2"clicks" for me. That makes a nice stitching line just past the ditch, and will catch the back almost every time. If a spot gets missed, I just turn it over and fix it - never see it if your thread matches the binding. With practice, my bindings are looking better all the time - but practice is definitely required.

cmilton

I use a flat fell foot and 2 1/2 inch strips. It is slow but looks good. I sometimes use washable glue if I want it to go faster. the seam is 3/8 which works better than 1/4. when you fold the binding over it should barely cover the stitch line. Practice practice!

Latrinka

Lots of pressing, glue, and I use my blind hem foot.

GrammieJan

Thanks everyone for your good suggestions. I do have a Bernina and will check to see if I have that foot. But I usually use my Brother 1500. Also I need to use a wider strip, but I seem to always think 2 1/2 is enough until it is too late. My fault! I appreciate all of your replies. ~Janice

maviskw

2 1/2 is plenty if the quilt is trimmed and the binding glued to the back after being sewn to the front. Sometimes it doesn't even fill up the binding.

institches33

There is a gadget to help you - Martelli Zip Bind System. I purchased it at a show and was determined to learn to use it. There is a learning curve so be patient, but when you master it you will never do binding any other way. It's amazing! I can do perfect binding on a baby quilt in less than 1-1/2 hours. It stitches in the ditch from the top and aligns the binding on the back to stitch evenly.
The system is expensive but Martelli is having their semi-annual sale Aug 6-8 and it should be 50% off. The code for ordering is RL1507. The video is on utube - Martelli Zip Bind System & Stitch in the Ditch: Part 1. Hope this helps. If there is an easier way to do things I usually find it.

purplefiend

I cut my binding 2.5" wide. I sew it to the back first and then turn it over to the front and top stitch it down.My Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2 has the IDT(built in walking foot).

gerideboer

I had never heard of that flange binding until I read about it here. I went to Christa's utube video and then looked at one by McCalls https://youtu.be/qcF_FIFeStY.. I love it .Looks so easy and beautiful.
Thanks,
Geri in Anchorage

GrammieJan

That sounds interesting. I will check it out. Thanks for the info.

MarleneC

[QUOTE=institches33;7265305]There is a gadget to help you - Martelli Zip Bind System. I purchased it at a show and was determined to learn to use it. There is a learning curve so be patient, but when you master it you will never do binding any other way. It's amazing! I can do perfect binding on a baby quilt in less than 1-1/2 hours. It stitches in the ditch from the top and aligns the binding on the back to stitch evenly)
A friend loaned me hers to use and I didn't like it. I tried using several times and finally gave up and just use my edge foot.