Hand sewn binding
 

I have never sewn my quilt binding on the back of the quilt by hand. I generally sew it to the back by machine, and then fold it over the front and sew that by machine also. If I were to stitch it by hand to the back of the quilt, what suggestions does anyone have as to the stitch I should use?
Thanks-I really enjoy the suggestions I find on the Board!

Blind hem stitch and SMALL stitches. Usually about 1/4" is what I use. If you are planning to show it, the stitches need to be pretty much invisible and close enough together so that you can't insert a pinkie fingernail in the gap between the stitches. I do mine while watching tv and it usually takes anywhere from a couple of hours (for a baby quilt) to several evenings for a king size.

I would suggest the ladder stitch, here is this you tube video. Others may have other ideas that work for them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CjOXMuTFXo

Awesome thank you for the link!

I use a double thread and small stitches. I think it makes a more secure binding if you incorporate a knot in the stitch every few inches. I understand that judges like to see the mitered corners stitched down on both the back and the front--I don't know that for sure, but it is something I have made standard practice.

Dayle

http://www.quiltingboard.com/links-r...ml#post5042028

Here's another link that I found really helpful. I'd never used the stitch before seeing this but I loved the results.

I do mine by hand, I like the look better than machine sewing it on. I use the ladder stitch.

If I sew the binding on the front and fold it to the back for hand sewing, I use the ladder stitch for a nearly invisible finish. I use one strand of hand quilting thread that matches the colour of the binding. I like it for strength and because it tangles less.
If I am going to do machine binding, I like to use Charismah's method for quick machine binding with flange. There is a tutorial on QB.

I have problems with my hands. When I used to sew bindings on by hand, I did a simple overcast (? not sure of the name) stitch because I could not handle the blind stitch. The thread shows, but not much, and actually I like the look of the hand sewing. The simple overcast stitch goes much faster than a blind stitch too. I made a small knot every few inches, just so that if a thread ever broke it wouldn't unravel the entire binding. Repairing this kind of hand stitching is very easy. I used just a single strand of thread.

I generally use a double thread that matches the binding color and do a very small slip stitch, similar to an applique stitch.