GailG has given a great description of the technique, and it's one that I use on small baby quilts, table runners, placemats, etc., as I don't like putting on the binding. I guess I'm a little lazy in that regard, but I once made 25 small, approximately 12" x 12", wall hangings for a special take home reminder of a family reunion, and I could not see making and sewing on all those bindings. I remember seeing the birthing method on Simply Quilts, tried it, liked it and I did a line of stitching approx. 1/2" all around the quilt to resemble a pseudo binding. It was so much easier, then I started using 1/4" Steam-a-Seam tape to close the opening and I've been very happy with the results.

This was a very interesting topic. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and observations. One more thing I've learned from QB.

If you wanted to put a self binding on your quilt using the birthing method, go to Missouri Star Quilts tutorials and do a search for Jenny's self binding baby quilt.