Hi everyone,

I have been quilting for the last year and have made at least 10 projects - my question is does binding ever get easier? I am never very happy with the final binding. Most times when I stitch on the front - thats ok - but when I hand stitch to the back - it's not the same size - I usually cut binding at 2 1/2 inches then press in half for double binding - it will look like 1/4" or 1/2" but when I turn it to the back for hand sewing - the edge maybe less than 1/4". Surprisingly enough, I don't have problems with the mitered corners.

I cut mine to 2-1/4 inches then press in half. Use your 1/4" foot to sew it on and then press flat. Then it will fold to the back with ease and should be even. If you have mastered mitering you have got the toughest part. Maybe the less 1/4" will help even it out.

Yes, it gets easier!! LOL! I can remember asking the same question!

I cut mine at 2-1/2, and sew on with a 1/4" seam. But I trim the quilt 1/4" beyond the edge. That way, I end up with a nice full binding and the folded edge of the binding ends up right at the stitching line on the back.

Have fun, and don't forget to breathe!!

I always do a practice bit to make sure I get the binding cut the right width.

*sigh* I ask myself the same question. I've been quilting for about two months, done about...5 bindings? Some come really easy, and others are horrible and I want to burn them. LOL

Let's hope it gets better!

I hate sewing on the binding, it's just not my thing, so now I cut the back fabric larger and bring it over as the binding. I really like the technique and it takes the "pain" out the process for me. This is the website showing how to do it if you'd like to give it a try sometime.

http://www.lorettaalvarado.com/binding.htm

I hope so!

The first double fold binding I ever did, I cut it at 2 1/2 and the backside of the binding was way to0 much. Now I cut 2 1/4", sew a 1/4" seam, glue the back side down, leting the binding just cover the seam, sew it down and now it is close to perfect.

Thank you. I am working on a baby quilt right now and cut the back larger so I could practice this method.

Nope, it doesn't. That is my least favorite part of the quilt. I always though it would mean "you are close to the end, be happy, celebrate, enjoy this last step." But I hate binding. Right now I have 3 quilts and a wall hanging waiting to be bound.

Yes,it will get easier. I am self-taught and it took me 5 years to get the bindings I wanted. I tried any and every method I could. Now it is a breeze. I really like the Sharon Schamers you tube tute,be sure to look that up. Sounds like you may be cutting your quilt edge to narrow,this will cause you to lose your front binding edge. Hope this makes sense to you. Hang in there.

There is a wonderful book called Happy Endings. This will guide you through with clear instruction and illustrations. You can get a used one at amazon.com

Binding is my favorite part of quilting because once it's done...IT'S done! From the sounds of this board, I could probably go into the binding business. C'mon ladies, it's not that bad and it does get better as you go. I also recommend Sharon Schamber's web site. She has a great way of putting binding pieces together with a perfect 45 degree angle.

Sorry, but yes, it is that bad, lol. It takes me almost as long to sew down the back of the binding as to piece the whole top! Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but it sure feels like it ;-)

I also used to hate binding, never could get it right. I am very weird about my wall hangings hanging straight. Then I watched the Sharon Schamber u tube video. I love the glue method and my last few baby quilts and wall hangings hang perfectly straight. I highly recommend it and love not having to pin....Good Luck

I have a Bias tape maker from Simplity. Love it. I use the sewing machine to attach to the front of the quilt and then hand stitch the back. Has anyone seen the fancy new attachment that goes on the sewing machine that folds and sews the binding? If I had $150 laying around that would be mine.

Yes, it does get easier! You've got the hard part down - the mitered corners.

As adults we have a hard time remembering how much work it takes to learn a new task. We expect perfection from the start. Take a clue from the kiddos and keep working at it!

Use your even feed foot - I find that the binding doesn't stretch the fabric creating gaps.
I have been sewing bindings for over 15 years and yes, I love doing it. I don't use straight pins (God help me if I get blood on the fabric! oh- and I don't like pain either). In order to help hold the binding down while you whip stitch it, there are tools to assist with that chore. Check with your local quilt shop. But for me, I sew my binding on the back and stitch it to the front with my machine. Easy-peasy.

Have done it this way. Have hand sewn the binding have used the sewing machine, and have even double stitch it because it did not catch the first time. I now have a binding tool for my machine will see how that works.

I love binding, maybe you will to someday. Just keep trying, it seems you have it down, just practice.

I cut my material for my binding 4 in. wide for a 3/4 in binding when I am all done.

My, oh, my......the binding is my favorite part of the quilt! Wouldn't it be great if all the binders who are in a bind (haha) could get together with those of us whose quilts (as opposed to panties) are in a bunch and get the wrinkles worked out!!! Hmmmmm..........who wants to come to my gazebo??? :roll:

Are you saying the binding isn't the same size (uneven) or the stitches aren't the same size? If it's the stitches, it just takes practice. I use a blind stitch or is it a hem stitch? I never remember but it's where the thread between the stitches is inside the binding fold. I try to keep the space between the stitches as close to 3/8" as possible but I don't always succeed. I also try to make my stitches that connect it to the backing as small and inconspicuous as possible. Oh, if you're doing curves make sure you cut the binding on the bias.

I LOVE to do bindings !!! It's like the final flower on a cake, when it's done I feel such accomplishment and can truly admire all my hard work.

I use a decorative stitch when I sew down the binding, catching both the binding and the fabric. Sometimes I use the blanket stitch. It adds a little more pizzazz than the straight stitch.

I usually cut my binding to 2 1/2 inches. I fold it in half and press. Then I sew it to the front of the quilt with my walking foot. I would guess my seam allowance is around 3/8 or 1/2 inch??? I start sewing, maybe a few inches, then stop and check it, turning it to the back of the quilt to see if it will fold over enough to cover my stitching line. If it doesn't quite cover, I rip out the seam and start over, making it a little larger. I actually enjoy doing bindings. Maybe I should go into business and do bindings for all these fellow quilters who hate to do bindings!!! What do you think??? :)

That's a great idea for hangings, etc. but be aware that this binding has only one layer of fabric around the edge. Might not be suitable for a bed quilt or a pillow.

Thank you everyone I am looking up that video right now.

I guess I'm just one of the lucky ones. After I found the right size binding to suit me, binding is a breeze for me. I don't pin at all, just stitch and go. Yes, it will get easier. Just don't fret it and you will find as time goes by, with each new binding it will get easier! :thumbup:

Yes, it does! With time and trial of different methods, odds are you'll settle on one that works the best for you. Personally, I believe that good miters in the corner are more important than even distribution front to back. Usually my back binding is wider than the front and I AM PERFECTLY OK WITH THAT!

I am going to try that! I have a problem with the stitching on the back going too much onto the quilt backing and really showing.

I just bought Happy Endings for $8.57 (book and shipping) on Ebay. Thank you for the recommendation. :D

Hope it works as well for you as it does for me! Let me know.

I absolutely love to bind. Once I mastered it, it is my very favorite part of the process, after cutting, and piecing.

i cut a 3 inch width fold in 1/2 will not go back to 2 1/2 strip--also use clip not pinsto hold in place

lalaland-thanks for the tutorial on binding, that looks like a very easy way...

wow thanks so much i have been doing it this way forever but never got the corners right....now i got it !!!!!

I think binding is the funnest part of making a quilt. It means that you have just about completed the project. I cut my binding 2 1/2 inches like you do. I always sew the binding on then cut 1/4 inch from the edge of the binding so that I have a full binding. When being judged here at our county fair, that is one of the first things the judge looks at is the fullness of the binding. I always sew the back on by hand.

A while ago someone posted a site with a binding demo done by an older gentleman. It sure helped me. Does anyone still have the site noted?

I guess I must be nuts but I love doing the binding :) I use to hate it and dreaded getting to that point because I could never make a nice "ending" where the 2 ends are joined together. It was always sloppy or lumpy. Then I came across this web by Connecting Threads and it was so simple I wondered why I was having such a hard time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buCKs...eature=related

After I have my binding sewn on the front using a 1/4" or scant 1/4" with my walking foot I will trim, if necessary, around the quilt to make it less bulky when I turn my binding to the back. For me, hand sewing the back is the most relaxing part. :)