How big are your binding stitches?
 

I am doing the hand stitching on some wall hangings today and I have noticed that when I start out I am making stitches about 1/8" apart, but within a couple of feet I am taking stitches about 1/4" long and seem to stay consistent at that length. Do any of you use longer stitches? Would it be okay to take longer stitches on wall hangings that will not be washed? Sure would make this job go faster. If you are working on a quilt that is to be used a lot do you make really small stitches. I usually machine bind quilts.

Just machine all mine.

I am about the same as you.

In addition if I'm hand binding I use hand quilting thread. I don't have to double up my thread and it stays put better. I inherited a lot of spools from a hand quilter a few years ago and that partly was the reason.

Although that said I do machine bind alot of my quilts. Just depends on the look I want. :)

Mine are about a quarter of an inch apart too. About every 6" or so, I take a double stitch so that if anything catches on the stitching, only 6" will be pulled out.

Quarter incher here, too.

Great point...binding a bed runner for great niece's wedding gift is on my list this afternoon...I will attempt to double stitch on this binding - have never done this before. Thanks for your tip :)

Judy in Phx, AZ

Most of my bindings are about 6 stitches to the inch. This works for all my work. It is the rythem of your stitches and the consistancy that give you a nicely sewn binding.

I just did two crib size ones but I used my machine to do the work. Sure made it go by fast and I know the stitches aren't coming out with use.

I keep mine about five or six stitches to the inch. Closer if I hit a "tight" spot, where I didn't sew the attachment seam quite right and getting the fold to cover the machine seam is a little difficult - 10-12 stitches to the inch when I run into that.

I heard a judge say that 1/4" is the max. Often, I avoid the whole subject by birthing my quilys.