Can I put on the binding before quilting the border?
 

My border on a table runner is 2.5 inches before putting on the binding. I'd like to do so straight quilting but want it to be 1/4 from the binding. So is it okay to put the binding on first so that I can get a straight and even line or do I have to do the binding last? Thank you!

It is your work and you can do whatever you want. Actually it sounds like a good idea to me. Having the binding already attached will give you a definate guide for the quilting. I have actually seen that done on a bed size quilt before it was put on the frame to be quilted. It is another way to hold the sandwhich together while quilting.

I have put on binding before quilting the borders several times. Just be careful not to put to much tension on edge when applying binding. Will be beautiful.

Sounds like a good idea! Could you possibly just sew the binding to the front only so you will have a guide for your 1/4" and after you finish your quilting you could sew the binding to the back.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to answer. I think if I just sewed the binding to the front it might be a problem when I tried to quilt the border as it might get in the way. I know I can do this, I just want to make sure that I'm not overlooking some problem with doing the binding first. Thanks.

In thinking about your question and any reason not to do it. No there isn't. However, I just finished a throw with somewhat similar situation. I quilted in the ditch a throw size that had large rectangular and square shapes in it. Shapes are like 16x12", 16"x16" etc. 12"x8" etc. You get the picture. I then went back and quilted a grid design in each of them. The only problem I had was to keep the layers flat and work out any puffiness in a uniform way across the section. I even put straight pins in front of the walking foot to make sure any excess was evenly distributed. This is most likely a similar situation you may find.

I do this a lot, especially if I'm machine quilting a project with poly batting that doesn't cling to the layers as well as cotton does. I use flat flower pins. It's a very helpful strategy.

For charity quilts I do them pillowcase style, turning, no binding and it works fine, requires more pinning around edges. i also do this for table runners sometimes. It works. As Holice said It is your quilt.