cmw0829

I was just on the site and see that the fabric package includes material for the backing but doesn't mention a binding.

Does this mean that they expect you to use the backing as a binding - sort of a wraparound?

And if I were making a quilt of my own fabrics, would they prefer no separate binding?

If one can add a binding, can it be hand-stitched? As well, is the label hand-stitched on?

Thanks,
Cathy

romanojg

from what I've seen most chose a fabric from within the quilt for a binding. Most that I know machine stitch the binding onto the back and then hand stitch it to the front. I would also machine stitch the label on so that I knew it would last thru all of those washings.

Tink's Mom

They give you a backing that is large enough to turn over the edges and stitch...or you can do the pillowcase type. Batting on bottom, next the top, then the backing, wrong side out. Stitch 3 sides and turn...turn under 4th side and quilt.

ckcowl

the quilts for kids kits are meant to have the backing folded over to the front and machine stitched---they do not want hand stitched bindings---the same is true for the ones you make out of your own fabrics---even if you make a separate binding it should be machine stitched on both sides. they send pretty good instructions with their kits- and it is important to follow them. i've made probably 50 quilts for them over the past few years---it is a wonderful program- and the quilts are very cute!

dunster

Here's what it says on their site (a FAQ addressing whether separate binding is provided) - "Your kit is complete. Most volunteers fold the back over the edge of the quilt to form a binding; others use their own stash to make bindings. You may use any method you prefer, just as long as the stitiching is secure and there are no raw edges visible."So you can use either method. It does not specify that the binding must be sewn on by machine, only that it must be pieced and quilted by machine.edited to say - there may be more specific instructions in the kit. I remember that when I did mine it was okay to provide my own binding, and I'm sure I hand stitched it, because I've never done binding entirely by machine.

NJ Quilter

I've used both binding and pulled the backing to the front for binding. In both cases, after securing the separate binding, I've used a decorative stitch (since I have them on my machine) for securing the binding by machine vs. by hand as that is their preference. I came to the conclusion that the decorative stitches would hide my ineptitude a bit better! They anticipate that the quilts are washed on a daily basis during hospitalization which is why they require all machine work. (this is all per their kit instructions and conversations I've had with their volunteers).

cmw0829

Thanks a lot for your replies. I haven't requested a kit yet so don't have their full instructions. Just wanted to understand the expectation. Machine stitching is easy enough but I do like hand sewing bindings NJ Quilter, I like the idea of the deco stitch. I have many that I've been fooling around with - now a use for them!