oh how I hate doing binding. I think its just because I really dont know how to do it and I dont like doing things that are alien to me that could ruin my project.
Is it just something I need to keep practicing till Im comfortable with it? I did do a binding on a wall quilt and a twin bed quilt. It was hell. LOL
it has been a long time since Ive finished a project to have to do it again and I feel like Ive never done one. I wanted to turn some blocks that I mistakenly cut off my 1/4" seam allowance into mug rugs. figured I would put a nice binding on it. sigh. Is there any hope for me? I wish there was someone local that could help me and give me lessons. just venting. JoAnn

I know, binding is not one of my like to do projects.I think it gets better with practice.

There is loads of good binding advice in the tutorial section here - different methods, corners, etc. I'm no big fan of putting the binding on, myself, but I do love the feeling of being on the finishing straight. That's what keeps me going.

Here are Sharon Schamber's videos on doing binding.
Check out how a master quilter does it.
You don't have to incorporate every step she does, but at least it will give you some ideas.
I will say that my binding, which I thought was pretty good, improved tremendously once I started incorporating some of her methods.
Good luck.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PE0Yq9iGlc

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3vHI7rgZpw

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W--xgi4nux8

I have nothing to offer in terms of the binding (I actually like that part), but I want to tell you that the pony in your avatar is stunning. I lean in close to my monitor for a better look every time I see one of your posts! :)

Are you having trouble knowing how much is needed? Or just not liking the whole process?

Here are a couple binding tutorials, one for bias and one for straight grain -

Straight Grain - http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2...-tutorial.html

Bias - http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/p/tutorials.html

Maybe your dislike of binding is making it more difficult for you. I find it relaxing, but about 1/2 way through I get tired of it. I think it's because I am anxious to get the project done and start the next one. I wish I lived closer to you so I could help you!!
Sue

For me binding a quilt is an exciting time, as I can't wait to put that final stitch in it and call it done! I guess I had a good teacher, because I've never thought of it as not fun to do or difficult, so definitly watch some tutorials, and if that doesn't help you ask someone at your local quilt shop for further advice. Make yourself some placemats so you can get some practice. Hopefully it will soon become something you enjoy too!

I have never been good at bindings. However, I had a baby quilt to do, 5 mug rug gifts and then another smaller gift table topper. I watched quite a few tutorials on Youtube (many of which have already been listed) read tons of blog posts and did it. Doing the mug rugs helped alot because they are small and don't have a ton of bulk. It also helped that I did the mug rugs with a single rather than double binding.

Now I don't mind doing the binding quite as much. Also, I've begun doing the binding by machine and using washable glue. The glue has made a huge difference.

I don't mind binding, but sandwiching the quilt is another story! Doesn't matter now much I pin and pin and pin, by the time I start stitching in the ditch, everything shifts. I have much better luck sandwiching small projects like table runners or wall hangings.

Good luck with binding. The good news is that it's the last thing you do so you know you're almost done!

I can't wait to do the binding because it means I am almost done! I can then start on something else!

I always hated bindings too until I learned to do it. Took some patience, and lots of practice on scraps of fabric I made into mini quilts, potholders, and placemats just to learn the binding. I did go to Missouri Quilt Co and Sharon Schamber's You-torials and learned how to do the binding. If you learn the basic techniques, it will come easier every time. I also use the 'binding buddy' tool as putting the beginning and ending seams together was my worst nightmare. I just could not understand the how-to's of it and realized I was over-thinking it every time. The tool makes putting those seams together perfect every time. Before folding over the back of the binding, I always step away from the sewing machine, find a very relaxing chair or nice long ride in the car when finishing the binding by hand-sewing. I look forward to this every time as it takes me out of the sewing area and relaxes me enough to get the rest of it done. I don't fret over it being perfect every time. Doesn't have to be unless you are showing the quilt. Giving it as a gift? Usually we give the gift to those that can't/don't sew and never know that it isn't perfect anyway. There may come a time when you look at your work and tell yourself that there is nothing you can do to make it any more perfect. But that is waaaay after your realize you really do love and are proud of the work you do.

Go to www.quilterstv.com and click under Quilters Cafe and see if my video on bindings is showing. Easy technique.
Uses no tools or gadgets to get good bindings.
My advice is if you are having problems then rip out and look for the problem so yu can fix it.
Good bindings are:
1. Seams consistent and even
2. Binding full
3. Good mitred corners
4. If using patterned fabric then fussy cut to take advantage of the the pattern in the fabric
5 If binding curves then cut binding on the bias

Your not alone. I hate doing the binding too. I'm not a hand sewer and doing the hand sewing on it takes me forever.
That is the only hand sewing I do. I've learned how to do bindings other ways on table runners and wallhangers but I do the hand sewing method on quilts. Others posted some really good sites for you though. I'm going to go them too. Thanks everyone for all the tutes posted. :thumbup:

you can always do non-mitered binding
http://quilterscache.com/StartQuilti...ltingfive.html

I like doing binding but I will check out those tuts for pointers. Thanks

MTS: Thanks for the links!

Thank you so much, i used to raise train and show Welsh ponies and show in pleasure driving and Combined driving events. (still dabble as its in my blood, and people wont let me totally retire) I have sold out due to age and economy and Champ is my last pony. he is 1/2 Welsh Cob and 1/2 arab. 14.2 hands and a lovely disposition. The pic was taken at his first outing at a fun competition with our driving club. Glad you enjoy his pic. JoAnn

When I started quilting (last year). My first, quilt the binding scared me. I read and watched everything that has been mentioned here. I made me a large sandwich and put a binding on it. Then I cut it off and put another binding on it and cut it again. By the time i got down to a mug rug size sandwich I felt good enough to bind my first queen size quilt. I machine sewed it on the front and hand sewed on the back. A few quilts later and about fifty pot holders I like binding. It means you have another project complete. If I can do it anyone can.

I love doing bindings! It's actually my favorite part of quilting.

The links to You Tube are great. I know there are a ton of blogs out there that have tutorials too.

I love binding because it tells me I am almost finished! And...I love the handwork. I keep 'to be bound' quilts near the TV. If I'm watching TV, I'm binding. :)

I love to do binding, especially since I started using the glue method.

You could also use the 1/4" Steam-a-Seam Fusible Tape under the binding on the back side of the quilt and then stitch in the ditch on the front side. I use this sometimes to speed up the binding and no hand work.

OK that sounds like my kind of binding! I will definately look into that. Have Dr.s appt this morning and its near JoAnns Fabric. hmm have to make a side trip, cant be helped. LOL

I actually like bindings. One thing I do is always use my walking foot when placing binding. Second, I use clips instead of pins to keep it in place. Normally, I machine stitch the binding to the back and pull it up front and top stitch it with machine there, unless it is for someone else or for a heirloom quilt and then I hand stitch it to the back.

Try this link. She has some pretty interesting topics!
http://sunshowerquilts.blogspot.com/...h-binding.html

I hate doing binding. This is the technique I use, bringing the back fabric to the front to form the binding, then using a decorative stitch to sew it down. Perfect every time.


http://www.lorettaalvarado.com/binding.htm

I don't mind doing the bindings at all, in fact I find I actually enjoy it. However, I dislike doing machine quilting. I've even been thinking of trying hand quilting since I know I like to finish bindings by hand. Back in the 1970s I did quite a lot of hand embroidery (both regular and crewel) so I know I enjoy doing handwork.... Still it's been almost 30 years since I put that stuff away.

Sorry to get your binding thread off topic, but wanted to tell you that Champ is one well built, beautiful boy! He just looks like he would be a pleasure to work with. So, how did he do in the competition?

I have to apologize. I enjoy binding. It is the step of accomplishment. I am almost finished with this project! I've never felt it has to be perfect. I machine stitch it to the front and hand stitch the back, using a ladder stitch. I have never seen anyone admire a quilt and say, "Look what a lousy job they did on the binding".

I have difficulty with the corners. Hang in there.

I wish you were closer, I'd help you! I've got 9 different ways to do bindings, each one creating a different effect. The corners are SO simple to do, hang in and keep practicing

The big problem that I have had with binding is sewing the two ends together. I found this tip that really simplified it for me:
http://ankastreasures.wordpress.com/.../binding-tips/

If you have problems with binding, I would suggest you get hold of the Ricky Tims video 'Grand Finale'. Buying that video has been one of the best things I have ever done with my money! His method of binding is foolproof and involves no hand stitching! It works for me every time and is far better than any other method I have seen - even on this board!

Not sure how why this is here!

I feel your pain. I used to hate bindings until I purchased the Binding Tool - less than $10. There is an excellent video on YouTube by the Missouri Star Quilt Company called "The Binding Tool" and she gives a wonderful tutorial. Now I don't mind bindings at all, but do review the video each time before I do a binding.

I struggle with binding too. I love to piece, but hate to do the finishing steps! I'll be bookmarking this page and using everyone's tips.
Thanks!

He is a really nice pony to work with. He won the pony division. the following week I took him to a Horse driving trial. which includes driven dressage, cones, marathon. he won the championship in the training pony division. Here is a pic from that competiton. I guess we could take this private as not to bore others that are expecting binding topics. the last pic is during the marathon phase of the competition. enjoy

Went to JoAnns Fabrics today. bought some binding, some 1/4" fusible. Can you believe all that cost me $182.00!!!Well actually I had to buy other stuff as well. I have a love hate relationship with JoAnns. She steals all my money with out me being able to fight back! I did save 92.oo according to my reciept with coupons, sales, and my 10% discount card i got through the Quilters club. ;) Now I am ready to pursue binding once again. will continue to practice on my little mug rugs. JoAnn