I also use 2 1/2 inch double folded binding, I stitch it 1/4 inch raw edges to the BACK of the quilt, then turn it to the front and top stitch right at the edge, easy peasy, and no I dont do hand binding since I will never enter mine in a competition and they are for mine and friends and family use.:)

I do the 2.5 binding ...sew to front and handstitch to back

Hmmmm, a comment like this makes me think you have never entered a judged quilt show, most likely because you believe your own falsehoods. Judges comments are not meant to "criticize every little thing" they are meant to give you food for thought on where you can seek improvement in your quilting skills. Even if you only quilt for pleasure there is always room for improvement. I feel sorry for anyone who isn't able to take constructive criticism and turn it into a valuable learning tool that it is usually meant to be. Unsubstantiated comments like this make people fear to enter a quilt show and that is a shame.

Here is an example of the comments I received at a show I entered last year:
"What an explosion of color and value, Chevron border effectively frames the action, Generally very good piecing technique, some unsecured seams and chopped points noted, Generally good quilting technique, tails should be trimmed, quilting designs are effectively placed, Bindings are secure however edges should run straight."

So if you view that is being criticized for every single little thing, that is very sad.

Regarding the OP's original question on binding techniques, there is Sharon Schambers method using elmers schoold glue. BTW Sharon is a major AWARD Winning quilter and does her binding my machine for those posters who defend machine binding by saying they "don't enter shows". There is no shame in machine binding but many simply do not like the look.

Another effective machine binding method I have used is utilzing a decorative stitch on my machine. I sew the binding to the back or bring the backing round to the front and stitch it in place on the front using a decorative stitch placed right on the edge of the binding, actually using the decorative stitch to bury the edge of the binding strip.

However my preferred method is by hand. I just like the look of that the best.

I use the "stitch in the ditch on the front side" method also. I cut my binding strips at 2-1/4" to 2-1/2" depending on the bulk of the quilt sandwich. (My most recent quilt was flannel and I used the 2-1/4" cut.)
My machine has a blind hem foot with an uneven underside and screw-type adjustment for the guide edge that helps keep the fabrics snug/together/wrapped when I stitch in the ditch.
I've also used my 1/4" foot for a lighter quilt sandwich and stitched in the ditch from the top side.

I love all the different methods.

I do mine like NanaCsews~ :)

Does anyone know of a new, easy way to machine bind your whole top without it looking bad? I found the way that you put 1 1/2" of one fabric and 2" of another fabric sewn side by side together and fold it over and you get a 1/4 flap that you sew on, but I am looking for an easier way to machine sew. I am not able to hand stitch the binding at this time.


This video works great. I tried it and I plan on always using it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GVA05MxXTU&feature=player_embedded#!

Thank You Janice for this tutorial..I really like the Missouri Star lady...and all her videos...

Thanks for posting the Missouri Star tutorial. I am going to try it on my next binding!

I glue my binding down first right where I want it on both sides, then sew it both sides at one time. Each side has the same exact stitches.