Instead of binding--turning in the raw edges?
 

I recently found a book on French quiltmaking at a used bookstore. The book, which is not particularly old (copyright 1996), is mostly historical and informational. However, there are three projects at the end of the book to give one an opportunity to try classic styles from Provence. I found it so interesting that none of the three projects end with a binding. Instead, the directions say to "turn in the raw edges by 1/2" and finish with a line of running stitches just at the edge of the folds."

Why have I not heard of finishing quilts in this way before?

The three projects vary in size--(68" x 61"; 19" x 18"; and 91" square) and all are meant to be used and laundered.

Bindings are my least favorite part of the quilting process, so this alternative intrigues me. I plan on trying this out with a small sample, just to see how it looks and launders. But, I'm wondering if there are any folks out there who do this regularly. Do you like the way it looks? Does it hold up well? I'd never heard of finishing the edges of a quilt this way and I'm wondering if I've found a way around doing those pesky bindings.

The book, by the way, is called Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking by Kathryn Berenson. It's a lovely introduction to French quilts--lots of historical information and great pictures.

This sounds interesting, I haven't heard of it before. Does it mean that the quilting stitches cannot go all the way to the edge? I suppose you can pick out the stitches near the edge if needed.

Be sure to show us a picture when you do. I think it is fascinating.

I did this once, at a customer's request on a Grandmother's Flower Garden top that I hand quilted and finished, with hundreds of small hexes, and she wanted the ones on the edge to retain their hex shape, so no binding.

Never again!!

The quilting stitches don't go all the way to the edge, but near it. They're wholecloth quilts that are designed to look a little puffy (although only one of the projects uses cording to make the puffs). Like this:

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/54/d9/55/5...que-quilts.jpg

This sounds like a beautiful way to finish a quilt. However; with a sandwiched quilt and machine quilting, you'd have to be careful to not quilt at the the very edge so it can be turned under....and then what do you do with the batting at the edge. I'm trying to visualize this.

Interesting idea. I'd have to give this some thought....

I did a baby quilt (prequilted panel with scalloped edge) this way. I just tied off the quilting at the edge and hand stitched the edge together like you would the finishing of binding. I think I may have done a line of machine stitching at the edge of the printed "binding" to give it a finished look. Since it was a gift I don't know how it lasted but I don't see why there would be a problem.

i have that book ..isn't it wonderful!? :) ..but ..i bought it for the history, primarily, i may or may not do one of the quilt patterns in it. as for the knife edge finishing technique you mentioned ..it is something i have used on many projects over the years ..all quilty projects. it's nice for anything from placemats to quilts, especially quilts i make using minky type fleece or faux fur quilts for my grand treasures. if you use it you can also do a straight line of stitching 1/2" or so in from edge after finishing the hand stitch of two folded-in edges. this aditional line of stitching looks nice, the bulk of four fabric layers plus the batt gives a bit of diminsion.
...note:
when using this technique i fold either the top or backing over edge of batt when folding in to stitch. i like the fullness of batt to extend to the very edge of finished quilt regardless of type of edge finish i do --folded in, brought around fr back or binding.

...see my note #10 here ..i explain how i deal with the batt. and no, you plan your quilting to stop w/in and inch or so of edge. after edging finished you can add an additional line to make it more "finished" looking according to your preferences.

...another note to all ...this makes a heavy secure edging for quilt that holds up very very well to washing & use

I had never heard this term before, but, yes, apparently this is what it's called! Thanks, Tartan!

Thanks, RogueQuilter. This helps a lot. And, yes, this Is a lovely book. I can't wait to try "knife edge finishing."

One more question, a quick Google search seems to suggest that some find this way of finishing to be Less durable. One blog I found (https://www.thespruce.com/sew-knife-...inding-2821319) specifically said to only use this kind of finishing for wallhangings or small quilts. Have you really found this way of finishing to be as durable as traditional binding?

I did it with 2 baby quilts that I embroidered and started to do it on a GFG and decided it was just too time consuming.
The main reason I did them was I was just learning to quilt and wanted them to be 100% hand sewn.

It makes a lot of sense as binding called for more fabric.

thank you! This makes more sense to me.

I would prefer to just binding all the quilts I make.

I have done this. The first time because I did not have any binding material and I wanted to finish up. I hand quilt so, it made no difference in time. It came out good. I have finished a few more that way.

A number of years ago I had several embroidered quilt kits from Hershnerrs and this is the method those kits recommended for finishing. This finish does not detract from the stitchery but takes more time than using binding fabric--my opinion.

You can do this, but most quilts will fray at the binding first. It is recommended that a bias double fold binding is used for binding durability.

I tried this method, Once, didn't like it and redid it with a traditional binding, I don't mind doing the binding, to me, it means the quilt is almost done.

I think it looks great, however, I think the edges would fray more quickly than if you had binding. What do †hink?

Had never heard of finishing the edges of a quilt this way. I love to do the binding on quilts though.

This was a very common way to finish a quilt. My first three quilts had this edge. It's not that easy for me to keep it straight on a large quilt. I still use it on small quilts and projects.

would this be like finishing a birthing hole?

One more question, a quick Google search seems to suggest that some find this way of finishing to be LESS durable. One blog I found (https://www.thespruce.com/sew-knife-...inding-2821319) specifically said to only use this kind of finishing for wallhangings or small quilts. Have you really found this way of finishing to be as durable as traditional binding?[/QUOTE]

In about 1995 I bought an antique, 2-color pieced quilt appraised as from 1860's, the quilt has the knife edge for binding and it is all intact. Actually bought it for $1 at an estate sale but the quilt was in the horse barn. I washed it as any other quilt and it held up great with no issues.
Nice to know a bit of history on the method. It does make sense if the maker did not have extra fabric for binding.
Thank you for bringing up the topic.

I often make my backing much larger than my top and trim back when finished hand quilting. Depending on what size I want my binding I fold in half to the edge of the top then over the top to where ever I want it and stitch down . You can stitch in the ditch, decorative stitch or hand stitch. i hope this makes sense, easier to do than explain.

Sure sounds the same to me. I have birthed quilts many times. It's fast, secure too. And is done by machine rather than hand stitching. I allow about 1/4 inch seam along the edges, then turn the quilt right-side-out. (birthing it) After birthing I usually sew another seam around the quilt close to the edge, just to give it a finished look. Great for hangings, table mats, other small items.

My mother did this on some often washed utility quilts and they are still good. She passed away over 30 years ago. I've also used it and it works fine.

Wow. I would love to see that quilt! And, good to know that it's still in tact.


In about 1995 I bought an antique, 2-color pieced quilt appraised as from 1860's, the quilt has the knife edge for binding and it is all intact. Actually bought it for $1 at an estate sale but the quilt was in the horse barn. I washed it as any other quilt and it held up great with no issues.
Nice to know a bit of history on the method. It does make sense if the maker did not have extra fabric for binding.
Thank you for bringing up the topic.[/QUOTE]

Oooh. Interesting idea. I'll try this too! Thanks!

Wow. That's good enough for me!

yes, i have. the first time i used it was on a 'quilt', more like a comforter actually, that i made for my son in early 90's. found a wonderful heavy decorater print of catscatscats! my son loved cats. had seen the fabric and wanted me to buy it for '"something mom, anything!" and it became a christmas surprise. i backed it w heavy flannel, cross hatch domestic machine quilted it, knife edge finish with a stitch line about 1/4" in with another line about 1/2" in. the backing & top were quite thick. so double stitched edge. he was preteen ..it survived his high school & college years, became beloved by his youngest toddler ..finally finished. i have made several quilts for each of my grdaughters using faux fur, flannal backings, flannel top, minky backing ..especially using faux fur and minky this makes best edge finish. i am a reader of the spruce site & enjoy her thoughts, projects & patterns, but i am the rogue quilter & since i first learned to quilt i have devised my own ways of doing ..if they work, i continue on; if they don't work ...i examine and try until i have proved to myself that it just wasn't a good idea. and my knife edge binding works ..survived a rowdy teen, and current quilts are still useable & attractive favorites of my wild and crazy grand treasures.

yes ..exactly

I have always known this as a knife edge finish. A nice simple way to get the edge done.

Birthing or pillow casing is different that turning the edges under, although you can close the opening in a birthed quilt with a knife edge.

The knife edge is done all the way around the quilt. Tuck the edges under and use either a whip stitch or railroad stitch to close the entire quilt edge.

That's exactly what it looks like. We try to not let the stitches show.

Knife edge is the term to use here. We finished a Grandmothers Flower Garden for a woman who had MS and was unable to complete it. One of our club members did the knife edge binding and it was beautiful.

We teach our students how to do this, ages 7-8 through 15 or 16 years old. They do not have a problem doing it. A very quick way to bind a quilt. But the fabric is only 1 layer thick so remember that it will wear out sooner than the quilt. Then you can rebind with a double fold if needed.

...another note to all ...this makes a heavy secure edging for quilt that holds up very very well to washing & use[/QUOTE]

roguequilter::
Thanks for that last statement: I was wondering about the strength of the edge holding up to wear. I had learned that the reason to do double fold binding is to keep it strong over the ages.