binding questions
 

Should you use 2 1/2 or 2 1/4 inch binding strip? Do you prefer 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch seam allowance? Thanks for your comments.

If I only use one color on my binding I cut my binding 2 1/2" and sew a 1/4" seam. I've never tried anything else. I read where it's nice to use 3" binding and sew 3/8" seam so it looks like you have another border.

I cut 2-1/2" strips, fold in half and sew a 3/8" seam because I want the binding to be full.

I cut 2.5" strips and sew the binding on a scant 1/2" in from the outside of the batting, which I cut 1/4" longer than the quilt top. The edge of the binding is placed even with the edge of the quilt top, not even with the batting. That results in a full 1/2" binding. The "scant" depends on the thickness of the batting. However, there's no one right answer to your question. Wall hangings often get skinnier bindings, and some people prefer a fatter binding on bed quilts. Some people line their binding up differently with the edge of the top, some cut their batting and top evenly, etc. As long as you wind up with a binding that is full, and even, you're doing good.

I use Buckeye Rose's method for binding.

mltquilt

Last year my guild had two different instructors with two different takes on binding. I thought it was really funny. The first one said to use a 1 3/4 inch strip and a quarter of an inch seam. I don't remember what all her reasoning was. The next month the instructor said to use a 3 inch strip and a half inch seam because if you're going to put it on there it might as well be seen.

My general take is, do what works best for your project.

I cut my binding 2 1/4 inches.

look at your top and see what you like best. I usually do about a 4 1/2" strip fold in half and then sew a 1/4" seam to the quilt and then cut the batting to the finished size of the binding. It always comes out good and looks just fine to me. I like my binding thicker because if it is there and i spent the money on the fabric I might as well see it.

I cut mine 2.5", sew it onto the front with a 1/4" seam, then turn it to the back and handsew it. Recently saw a video that suggested sewing it onto the back and folding to the front and machine sewing it - sounds like a nice fast method for a baby quilt, so I'm going to try that on my next one.

i just used a premade 2" binding.... never again. stretched it like mad to get it to go all the way around to the other side. It was insanity. Go 2.5" IMHO