Colour of thread for scrappy binding
 

What colour thread do you use for scrappy binding? I made a quilt with white background and bright coloured jelly roll strips. I used left over jelly roll strips for the binding. I decided to use white thread to hand stitch my binding, but I find when I get to the darker colours I can see the tiny white stitches. Should I use different thread colour each time I get to a colour change on the binding?

I'm finding that grey blends well with many colors.

Thank you. I am regretting my white choice, stands out too much on the darker colours.

No, I would not switch thread colours with every fabric switch of the scrappy binding.

For a scrappy binding, I would likely choose a thread that coordinated with the backing I was stitching the binding too. Better still, would be if I could find a thread that coordinated with the backing as well as the assorted binding colours/fabrics.

Some hints that may help you minimize the stitches showing ...
Shorter stitches tend to be less visible.
A couple of years ago, I switched to using a ladder stitch when sewing on bindings.
Two reasons ... the bindings seemed to be stitched tighter to the quilt, and the stitches less visible.

my choice would be to match the backing, second choice... grey

The colour changes are long as I used jelly roll strips, at least every 2 feet.

The colour changes are long as I used jelly roll strips, at least every 2 feet.

The backing is white with pink and red flowers. Mostly pink and red. I'll try to post a picture.

I use a medium gray.

Sense your strips are about 2 feet, I would change colors.

I agree with the person who said take tiny stitches. Can't wait to see your quilt. I'm loving it so far.

Oh, it's so cute. I can hardly wait to see the quilt when it's finished. I tend to use a color that blends with binding and backing when possible. If I can't, I go grey. But in this case, since you'd have to reload thread anyway because your color strips are long, changing colors to blend should work. My other thought is very pale pink to blend with the backing and several of your strips.

your quilt looks great! For scrappy quilts I find that I am most happy with variegated thread. the color changes and it can add a good pop here and there.

but like others I use grey quite often

I've decided to go with colour changes since I'm reloading the thread anyway and I am also going to use smaller stitches. I think my stitches are a little too big. I will post a picture when done. I'm really happy how it turned out. I'm giving it to my daughter (24) for her birthday in August, she loves colour.

Have you tried using the ladder stitch? Totally invisible when done. Google it and you'll find many tutorials.

I have not heard of the ladder stitch but will youtube it now. Thanks!

I found my stitches to be much less visible when I switched to milliner's needles.

I no longer hand sew bindings. I use a lot of off white, quilting and sewing on bindings. If binding is dark, then I use a darker thread.

Switching each time seems like a lot of work. What about a cream color. I find that blends well with most colors.

On scrappies I usually go full on color-happy and use a varigated thread that matches the quilt overall. I machine sew all of my bindings so the stitches are always visible, so I figure I might as well have fun with them!

When I sew a scrappy binding I use variegated thread.

I use a lot of the neutrals - taupe, grey, deep cream. They tend to blend into most everything. When working with things that are mostly dark, I often use a charcoal, a navy or a chocolate. They are not as stark as black.

I agree with klswift.

Your quilt is really pretty. I love the colors. I would choose a white or off white for the thread, since the background on your prints is light. Once the quilt is laundered, the stitches will be much less noticeable. Don't sweat it... just move on and start your next quilt!