Binding questions
 

Ok, I am wanting to bind a quilt. I usually use 2 inches folded in half. If I up that to 3 inches fold and iron in half do I still sew it on at 1/4 inch or do I move it to 1/2 inch to get a bigger binding edge on the front???? Sorry I know that sounds stupid but I have never changed it up in my whole life I usually just do the 2 inch, iron in half and sew on.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

DeMaris

personally, i start with 2.25". 3" seems very wide and changing up your automatic 1/4 seam would mean a new skill and seem strange. the 2.25" fills the binding nicely when complete. it's all personal preference, though.

Why are you wanting to change it to 3 inches? Are you wanting more binding on the front or back?

Yes Pat that is exactly what I am looking for is more on the front and equal on the back. It seems my fronts are smaller than the back is and I want them more equal.
Thanks

I always fold the binding into thirds and crease it with my fingers. This tells me what seam allowance to use so it will wrap perfectly. Then I move my needle so the edge of the presser foot rides on the edge of the fabric and the needle hits on the first crease. THEN I measure to see exactly what that seam allowance is so I know how far to stop from the ends to get a perfect miter at the corners. Hope this helps and makes sense.

When I cut my binding, I cut it at 2.5 inches, fold it in half and iron it. I trim the edge of my quilt before I sew it on, but leave it a bit wider and trim it more as I sew down the binding by hand. So I use the 1/4 inch from the edge of the binding on the quilt but it may be a bit more when I trim as I sew. The majority of my quilts I use flannel for the back so need to make sure there is enough so it doesn't pull out. (I sew around twice, so my binding is attached.)

Maybe play around with some scraps to determine the best size. I woulds say increase to 2-1/2" and trying sewing slightly larger than 1/4" binding -- 3/8" and see if that looks better to you.

That being the case, you need a slightly wider seam if you are sewing onto the top (some like to apply to the back first.). I like to use 2 1/2 inch strips folded double and then a scant 3/8 inch seam on the top of quilt.

I usually cut my binding at 2.5 and fold in half. Then, if I want a fuller binding on the front, just leave the batting and backing a little wider than the top. This way you are maintaining the 1/4 seam.

The easiest way to achieve a wide binding is NOT to trim your quilt sandwich until after the binding is stitched on. Cut your strips the width you want, fold, press and sew the binding with a 1/4" seam allowance. Instead of trimming the excess layers to within a 1/4" of your stitching line, leave some extra extending beyond it so the binding is filled when turned to the back and stitched down.