Binding Question
 

I have a quilt on my quilting system (almost done yea!), I have extra fabric on the backing on each side and was wondering if any of you have cut along the selvage for binding instead of width of fabric? Just hate to waste any! Thanks for the info!

While I make bias binding (and have made a bunch in the last week) there is nothing wrong with cross- or long-grain binding.

You can even fold it over from the back without cutting it off first. Measure (and cut) a nice consistent width first. Typically though, I prefer the french bias binding even though there really is no reason most of the time for me to make it. It is great though using a striped fabric for extra interest in the border.

It's always been a struggle for me to get rid of the "excess" from the back you need to put on a long-arm. I typically don't really want to keep the long narrow pieces if they are under 6" wide, but I usually have more than that. I've met a nice person on the board who is willing to take my narrow/small scraps and I fill up a box of cutting leftovers for her every couple of months.

I am also a LA quilter but I have many uses for those strips of excess backing.

I don't cut down client quilts when they are completed so in those cases the client gets the excess back, still attached.
If a a backing is a tad too short for loading (have enough as a backing just lacking those few extra inches for attaching to the leaders), I use those cutoffs to add the needed length so I can attach to my leaders.
I've used them supplemented with another fabric to make a hanging sleeve.
Cut them into my binding (but like you I do prefer a bias binding if I have the extra fabric to make it or if I have curved edges)
Cut up into test squares and use them as my test areas off to the side when I am testing my tension. I test with every single bobbin change as well as color changes even if I never changed the thread type (IOW same brand and weight just a different color).
I do like scrap quilts so I also put them in my scrap pile and do use them a lot. I used a leftover batik backing as one of my lights in this quilt: https://www.quiltingboard.com/pictur...t-t293883.html . I save any strip I can get at least 1 1/2" wide out of.
Tear them into strips and use them tie up tomato plants in the summer.

I often make my binding from those strips. Anything left goes into scrap storage.

I too often use the cut away backing fabric for the binding, much less Piecing seam/ bulk and you know it’s going to fit.

I like using length of fabric for binding. I don't have to piece it and it doesn't stretch much.

I use width of fabric for most bindings. If I get lucky enough to have length of fabric then I will use it it and add to it if need be. I never use bias binding.

Yes. It works fine.

I think LWG binding is preferable when I have opportunity to have it. There is less stretch it and keeps the edges straighter.

I just did this with my QOV. It was the best choice for the binding as far as complimenting and less seams to sew. I was very happy with the end results definitely will do it again.

If you fold your backing over to make the binding, after trimming the batt to be the same size as the top, cut the backing at least 1/4 inch wider than you need. Fold the backing over at the correct place and tuck the excess under the batt. That way, when you flip the binding to the front, there will be a double layer of fabric over the edge. You may need to undo a few quilting stitches to do that but that will be covered when the binding is flipped to the front.

The problem most people have with using the back for the binding is that they say there is now only one layer at the edge. Doing it this way solves that problem.

Folding the backing to the front makes it easy to finish with a decorative stitch and be done fast.

Also great to tie on strings stretched across your garden to discourage deer. Make sure your ties are long enough to flutter in the wind, but not touching any grass that will stop them from moving.

I remember reading that binding on the straight of grain will fray sooner than binding cut on the bias, so I usually do bias on quilts I expect to be dragged around, like picnic, lap and baby quilts. Quilts that I think will be treated more gently, like bed quilts for adults, I have no problem using straight of grain for the binding. The only quilts I do a fold over from the back instead of a separate binding would be on wall hangings.

I have only cut width of fabric for binding.