I have tendonitis and it is very hard for me to do the tiny stiches required to bind a quilt. What are some other options out there for me.

I have arthritis and fibromyalgia in my hands. I machine sew my bindings on. Sew the binding to the back of the quilt and bring it around to the front. You can use a decorative stitch to sew it down, a blanket stitch, zig zag... It is also an opportunity to use varigated threads, you can match the thread to the binding,use invisible, or zing it up with a contrasting color.

Some sew the binding to the front, wrap to the back and pin, glue baste, etc... Then you stitch in the ditch on the front side by machine. I struggle with this method, as it is hard to see what is going on in the back...if the binding is laying straight and even, unless I glue baste it down first.

There may be a few hand stitches needed in the seams of the mitered corners.

I do similar to amma's plan, except, I sew mine down on the back first. Then I turn it to the front and use a decorative stitch to tack the binding down. THis seems to give me a little more control of where the stitches land on the front. With decorative stitches, it just adds another dimension on the back. But my quilts are utilitarian in nature. Nothing fancy.

You can also finish with no binding at all in one of three methods that I know of: the envelope method (before quilting), the turned edge method (after quilting), or the escape hatch method (before quilting and usually used for small pieces). All can be done entirely by machine.

Excellent suggestions!

I do know there is a sewing machine foot out there that is made for sewing on machine binding. A few of us got one for a dear friend of mine, though I cannot remember the name or brand of it after a couple years. (My memory goes more and more each day.)

What was I saying? :lol:

If you are using a fabric that compliments the front of your quilt, you can leave your backing fabric several inches longer than the front, turn under and iron a seam allowance, then sew it to the front of the quilt using your machine. I've seen a lot of older quilts done in this manner.

Is that a foot that sews on wider single fold binding?

These are all great suggestions. I have used the type where you sew the right sides together, leave an opening, and then pull the quilt out. But that was before I learned how to stipple. I wasn't sure I could do that method now. I love the decorative stich idea. I have a finished quilt with the binding sewn to the back only. That method will be a great way to finally finish the front. I will have to look up some of the other suggested methods to get clearer instructions. Thanks. I knew this forum would be helpful.

I just finished a table runner and wall hanging using the above method but used straight stitch instead of deco stitch. Was really slick and neat looking!

I don't know. I just know it sewed the binding on both the back and the front at the same time, or at least that's how I think it worked. I guess I should email my girlfriend and ask.

Depending about your financial situation, you could also pay someone to do the binding by hand. You do all the attaching, they just do the final hand part (I'll do it!)