Preferred width of Binding
11-19-2011, 09:02 AM
#51
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Location: Mableton, GA
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I have lots of books by Lynette Jensen and she says to cut binding strips at 2-1/2" and sew on with a 3/8" seam. So this is how I make mine and I like it. They are not any bigger because you use a 3/8" seam allowance. I have made lots of quilts like this. Different strokes for different folks, like everything else, it is what you like.
11-19-2011, 05:51 PM
#52
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 2,499
One of the reasons why you see such variance is because batting has changed in the last 20 years. It's much easier to buy thinner batting than it was in the past. You don't need as wide of binding if the batting is thin. I don't like thin batting and typically do a 2 1/2 inch binding. If I do a fat batt or am tying the quilt, my binding is 2 3/4 inch. Some blankets and projects (such as tote bags) may use the 3 inch binding, which is more of a decorative choice than a need. For wallhangings, I use 2 1/4 inch. I think my friend uses 2 inch binding for miniatures. It is personal preference, but keep in mind that many of the quilters who are publishing books currently do a lot of very dense quilting on their quilts or use thin batting, making a 2 1/4 inch binding a better choice.
11-20-2011, 03:59 AM
#55
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6,764
I just decided today after struggling with a binding that on quilts backed with fleece and no batting, I will continue to use 2-1/4 strips, but on 'normal' quilts with batting & back, I'm going to start using 2-1/2. I'm one of those 'cheaters' who machine sews the bindings to the back, so I need the extra little bit on the turn so it comes out right.
11-20-2011, 05:44 AM
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Virginia
Posts: 811
I agree with Jingle - this is how I do 90% of my bindings. I'm not so married to this though that I won't change the width to make the quilt finish looking its best. This is my "standard" not my "required" if that makes sense?
I have lots of books by Lynette Jensen and she says to cut binding strips at 2-1/2" and sew on with a 3/8" seam. So this is how I make mine and I like it. They are not any bigger because you use a 3/8" seam allowance. I have made lots of quilts like this. Different strokes for different folks, like everything else, it is what you like.
11-20-2011, 05:51 AM
#58
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Missoui
Posts: 243
Preferred width of binding
I just decided today after struggling with a binding that on quilts backed with fleece and no batting, I will continue to use 2-1/4 strips, but on 'normal' quilts with batting & back, I'm going to start using 2-1/2. I'm one of those 'cheaters' who machine sews the bindings to the back, so I need the extra little bit on the turn so it comes out right.
11-20-2011, 06:01 AM
#60
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Keene, New Hampshire
Posts: 4,211
I usually use 2 1/2" with 1/4" showing on the front, more on the back. I just find it easier to cut 2 1/2" than 2 1/4."
I don't make small items, but if I did would likely make a narrower binding.
Happy Thanksgiving
I don't make small items, but if I did would likely make a narrower binding.
Happy Thanksgiving
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