I need to know the correct way to add binding
to a quilt and the width of it also
Thanks

I do a French binding (double fold) and cut it 2 1/4" wide. I press it in half and sew the raw edge to the raw edge of the quilt after I have squared the quilt up. You can sew it from the front or back, then I hand stitch it down on the opposite side.

DITTO

i cant visualize this.

You cut the binding 2 1/4" wide in width. Fold it in half, sew one side to the front or back of the quilt sandwich. Then turn the to the front or back, whichever side you did'nt machine sew it and then hand sew the binding to that side.

Ditto for me also!!!

ME TOOOO!!!

Bingo...That's how I do binding also.

It's just the way I do it too. Works great. Sometimes I use a decorative stitch on my machine to finish it instead of hand sewing

Here's a Youtube video that demonstrates how to attach a binding:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buCKs-Fgvb4

I do think cutting the strips 2" wide is a little on the narrow side. I prefer 2-1/4".

I do the same, except I cut my strips 2 1/2" wide (my preference).

Same here.

Same here!

I do a double fold on regular quilts. I do cut on the straight of grain, I try not to mess with bias unless I have to for binding.

go to www.quilterstv.com and under Quilter's Cafe scroll down to Holice and Binding

Me too, except I usually cut my 2 1/2" wide.

I like to cut my binding on the bias because I think it wears better.

See? Can't get us to agree on anything.

I have been doing my binding different, now I see why it did not look as neat as some of the others I have seen. Thank you for showing the link to the tutorial. I have learned something new. :-D

There is a video tutorial that should help you a great deal. Type in "free instructions, quilt binding" and click on the 5th website "Sewing Quilt Bindings: How to Quilt/eHow.com."

Very clear instructions. You can replay it until it "clicks."

I always cut my fabric 2 1/2" as I prefer using a 3/8" seam to sew on my binding. Just feel that it is more secure and allows for an occasional wobble.

[quote=I always cut my fabric 2 1/2" as I prefer using a 3/8" seam to sew on my binding. Just feel that it is more secure and allows for an occasional wobble.[/quote]

Thank you to Peggy for noting that she sews her cut 2-1/2" binding with a 3/8" seam allowance - not 1/4". I've been trying to teach my guild members that 2-1/2" is way too wide if you are sewing 1/4" seams - leaves too much on the backside and can be difficult to miter.

The "magic" number is to multiply your seam allowance times 6 and add a bit depending on the batting. With this math and 1/4" seams I cut my binding 1-3/4" (that's 1/4" x 6 = 1-1/2" plus 1/4" for batt) and it comes out just fine. Sounds scarey I know, but with a flat batt (like Warm & Natural or Quilter's Dream Request) it works just fine. Gives a nice tight binding when hand sewn. OK, 2" will work, too. And there is no problem with sewing a larger than 1/4" seam for binding.

My suggestion is to try making a few samples with differing cut bindings and seam allowances. Did you now that there are antique quilts with 1/8" binding? It's amazing to me how they did that 150 years ago without all our "toys" - not even electricity!

OK, time to stop rambling - hope y'all find this helpful.

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

I also cut 2 1/2" & use 3/8" s.a. BUT I DO NOT PRESS my binding in 1/2! I encourage everyone to at least TRY this method once. The binding "rolls" over the quilt and lays so nice and flat and in perfect position to be sewn down-IMHO

I've always resisted pressing my bindings in half - I do baste the raw edges together -

The reason is that when the fabric has to make all those turns, the "half" mark is no longer at the final fold line. It may be only a couple of threads off, but - - - at any rate, doing it this way seems to work for me.

Holice, I used your way of binding on my last quilt and my corners never looked so nice. Loved the video and watched it several times. You are a treasure.

Same for me and it works just great.

I cut mine 2 1/2 inches; however, I'm binding a flannel quilt now, and I cut that one a little wider. There are some really good tutorials out there. Check out YouTube and do a search.

Holice does a great job....the only way I could remember how to attach the ends was the soldier story.

If I attach it by machine I attach it to the back and bring it to the front and topstitch it or decortaive stitch it. Wont in a contest but it is finished.

I use 2 1/2 with 3/8 also.

Something I learned from one of my instructors....IF you cut your binding 2.5 inches, then trim your quilt back and batting a quarter inch larger than the quilt top. That way your binding will be "full" when you fold it to the back. If you ever have a quilt judged, they will look to see if your binding is full.

I cut mine 4" then fold each side in and iron then fold it in half then machine sew it on. I could probably use 3" but it works for me as I dont hand sew. On the kids quilts I use a fancy stitch.

I've done this with great success - stitching the binding with a 1/4" seam aligned with the quilt TOP - thus giving a 1/2" of filling.

I've learned so much just in this thread! Wow! thanks for sharing this info, because the binding is the worst part of finishing off the quilt, for me anyway!
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

I also do a french binding, but I cut mine 2 1/2" instead because I sew mine down with my machine not by hand. I also use my walking foot not my 1/4" foot to attach it.

Yvonne

Me too.

8-)

i DO MINE 2 1/8" PER ALEX ANDERSON'S TUTE'S AND THIS WORKS GREAT FOR ME. GOOD LUCK!

Very much like the ol' skirt waistband in Home Econ. Machine sew from the front and turn to the back and hand stitch in place.

or Google "quilt binding" and I'm sure you'll find a "visual". Good luck.

I do a double fold of 2 and a half inches...

Was at a presentation by Judy Martin last Friday & she said she cuts her binding 2" and wraps it very tightly around the edge of the quilt. I think serging the edge would make this work really well. Got this idea from another thread this evening.

I have been using Sharon Schamber's binding method with Elmer's glue. I got the link from a topic here on the board. I have never had a binding come out so perfectly before! You can find video tutorials on the internet by searching "Sharon Schamber binding".

My method: 2 & 1/4 inches wide BIAS material; double folded; attached with 1/4 inch machine stitching (raw edges to raw edge) on front; rolled over and hand sewn to the back. I use those snap barrettes to hold the binding in place as I work along the side. NO straight pins = no pricks! I buy them at K-Mart or a discount drug store; the quilt store ones are toooooooo expen$ive. Good luck!

French binding. Is that what they call it! I've been doing my bindings that way for years, but never heard a name put to it. Thank you.