i cut my batting flush as well. but i make sure not to cut my binding too wide as that will leave the binding 'empty'. i'd heard that the quilt show judges like to see the binding 'full'

I cut my batting to the exact size of the top. :thumbup:

I don't cut anything till I have the binding attached to the front of the quilt. then cut it to the right size. But then again I have really wide bindings. the one I just finished last night was cut at 6 1/2" folded in half to 3 1/4" and then it ended up being around 1 1/2" wide. this is the thickest that I have ever made a binding. but that was because it was actually a boo boo. was only supposed to be 1" when all is said and done. I like to have a thick full and wide binding. We spend the money and time picking out the binding and then it is often times so thin that you cant see the wonderful pattern on it. but that is my opinion.

I cut my batting flush with the front or top of the quilt. My binding is cut 2 1/4" wide.

I trim all layers and make sure it's all square after quilting and then use a 2 1/4 binding unless I'm going to machine sew both edges and then I use 2 1/2 binding. I trim with rotery cutter as well so I have a nice straight edge to use when I combine batting peices...

I do this also

I machine baste through the quilt (front, batting & backing) in the seam allowance. Lay it on the floor and check to see if it looks straight before I trim. There is still time to correct it if needed.

Quilt show judges actually check bindings on the show quilts. The binding should have batting all the way. That means cutting the top, back, and batting the same and squared up. Then adjust the binding so that it fits snugly without and unfilled spaces inside it.

ali

I have always cut the batting flush to the quilt edge. I recently read that the binding should be full with batting, so next time I will leave the batting a 1/4" beyond the edge of the fabric. I use 2 1/2" binding.

What she said.Me too :thumbup: