Can't find this info in any book.Have a small,18" round table topper.After quilting,should binding be sewn on by machine,then turned to back & sewn as usual? Will the binding be too full to lie flat on the back? Would bias binding work better?

I always use bias binding if the edge of my quilt is curved or scalloped. It can be cut, folded, pressed and used exactly like straight binding but will follow the curve without so much twisting. Just make sure you don't pull on it or you might end up with a quilted bowl instead of a table topper. LOL

This is how I would do it. Bias binding would be so........ much easier. I would slightly (just slightly) tug on the binding as you sew it on. Turn and handstitch down.

Others will have other ideas also. Happy sewing!

Oops Raptureready and I are on opposite sides when it comes to tugging on the binding. Maybe tugging on the binding is the wrong word here. I find when I stitch a circular item like a small round that if I just pull a bit on the binding as I sew it lays better for me.

ditto

I use bias binding anytime there is a curve to go around. It molds to the shape you want so much better.

Definitely use bias binding. It'll work so much easier than straight grain. :)

You're right, a gentle tension---but just don't pull tightly, as I learned the hard way.

Pat, thanks for the question. I wondered the same thing :)
I'm going to bookmark this.

I've also found that if it doesn't lay flat, (I've tugged too much) that clipping slightly on the curve after sewing will help. I've also learned the hard way. In binding a wedding ring for a friend I had to unstitch one whole side!

I machine sew the binding on the front side and then hand stitch the the back when sewing on the round. Make sure you are not stretching the bias tape.