Oh no, no, no, no!
 

I was tidying up the sewing room after completing my chevron quilt for my grandson when I came across the scrap of fabric left over from my binding, picked it up and started to fold it and on so doing noticed that I had cut the strips for my binding lengthways along the grain. :( Usually If I have enough fabric I make it on the bias, if not, I cut my strips across the grain...selvedge to selvedge which is what I intended to do but this time I have completely mucked it up and cut it lengthways. How could I have made this mistake!! Stupid, stupid inattention!:mad::mad: I've googled "straight grain binding" and am now devasted....do I really have to remove all my binding and redo it? A sad little corner of my brain reasons that maybe cutting it lengthways with the grain will, although giving it no stretch or ease, will give a firm edging for a little boys quilt....am I kidding myself here? Is it really going to wear quickly? I don't mind actually making and sewing on binding but it's just the idea of the hours it is going to take me to unpick the binding from the quilt. I guess I could just make the quilt a smidge smaller by cutting the binding off but oh dear, what am I to do? What is the right and sensible thing to do apart from a stiff whisky and a good sob into my hanky!

I've cut many bindings lengthwise, have never had it cause a problem. Never heard of anyone having a problem with it cut that way. The good part ( to me) is much fewer joins ( weak / bulky spots) I use bias binding on curves/ scallop edges and straight grain the rest of the time.

I use straight grain binding all the time and have never had an issues. Granted, I usually do cross-grain as well, but see no reason why length-wise should not work just as well. Take a deep breath, grab that whiskey and relax!

Really???? I don't have to replace it??? Oh happy, happy dancing and much hand clapping! Thanks ckcowl and NJQuilter :)

I know people who *prefer* to bind as you described, and have never heard of it being an issue in real life.

I have *read* about straight-grain binding wearing more quickly than bias, but I have a suspicion it is a rumour concocted by the same people who recommend always cutting border joins on the diagonal 'because it makes them less obvious' (on rare occasions maybe, depending on the fabric pattern, but otherwise it just uses more fabric - so you have to buy more & spend more money)

So my answer would be: leave it as it is. :)

I often cut mine that way intentionally. If I have enough to do borders without piecing, I will also cut the binding of he same fabric cut lengthwise. I've never had an issue with it. I think people tend to cut width-wise because it's easier to handle the fabric. No worries, it will be fine!

it's for a little boy not a museum, relax and start something new.

Thanks everyone. This quilt is the first quilt I have made as a gift for someone so wanted to do the best job I could. I have used bias cut for little lap quilts but cross grain binding for my 2 larger quilts. I didn't have a big enough square of fabric to do a bias cut binding for this one so decided to do my normal cross cut strips. I guess I was so "worked up" wanting to do everything right I got myself really muddled and cut lengthwise...should've had the whiskey before sewing rather than after!!!!!!!!

Cutting binding on the lengthwise grain is perfectly fine. I usually cut on the crosswise grain to save fabric, but sometimes cut on the lengthwise grain when I have enough fabric. I never cut on the bias unless I have curved seams.

Dance in your 2 ruby shoes, I do it all the time and it has never created a problem. He'll love it.

Don't get upset over a mistake. We all over the age of 60 start making such stupid quilting mistakes. I always try to measure twice before I cut but then there is that one you just don't see coming. For heaven sake, don't cry. I would go with the narrower binding. No one will notice. I have even sewn smaller strips together on a double folded binding making sure the seam is on the inside. Just take a break or and come back later to try to pick up the pieces.

I agree. And how could it wear more quickly than bias. Same fabric. And BTW, I use my small rotary to rip, much quicker.

The only reason you would want to cut selvedge to selvedge is that there's a bit more 'give' so it's easier to apply the binding. I usually let the print of the fabric decide which way to cut it. The only time you have to really be careful is if you have a scalloped edge. In that case you must cut the binding on the bias so it will conform to the curves.

The good news is that even though bindings cut on the straight of grain do wear more quickly it still takes years for those signs of wear to show unless the binding fabric was of inferior quality, then it might show signs of wear more quickly. Either way, by the time the edge starts to show wear the quilt will be outgrown. If it has become a sentimental attachment for the giftee, the even better news is, binding is easy to replace. You can cut it off, remove it by seam ripper, or you can simply sew a new binding over the old.

Oh, my goodness!

It will be fine!

I thought you had sliced a hole into the center of the quilt from the way you started out.

If the binding is laying well and cooperating with you - what more can one ask?

I've done that several times with no issues. Actually, I've been cutting my borders that way, it saves on piecing them together and work out quite well. No worries, its fine.

I have always cut from the length, as best I can, to get the most of it. I have never had any problem with my bindings, and I have been quilting since 1992.

no problem that I can see, just drink the whiskey, and forget about it.

Don't worry about it until the binding actually wears out. THEN you can take it off and redo it, not now.

I have watched hundreds of quilting shows and the designers often say to cut lengthwise with no give for perfect lines and no wobble. I'm sure it will be just fine.

I do it all the time, especially for larger quilts, less joins x

I've only made one bias binding and that was for scallops. I agree that there is really, IMHO, no reason to do bias on straight borders.

I once did a binding with scraps of fabric....some were only inches in size. Had no idea which way the grain went, didn't care. It worked beautifully......I don't think you will have any problem. :)

As do I. No sense putting in those extra seams!!

DITTO......not to worry!!!!

I have used that all the time and never had a problem at all. They are great.

If it really bothers you, sew a new binding over the old. I did that with a group quilt, the binding was awful. I made a new one and covered it. I didn't see the need to take off the first binding, just cover it with new.

I cut my binding on the straight grain unless I'm using a plaid fabric or the quilt has curves and I want the binding to mold around the curve. Don't worry about it.

Cut my binding whatever way gives me the longest length if possible. Never had an issue.. There are two straights of grain. So don't worry.

Who makes up all these stupid rules that distress quilters like Ruby2shoes? Quit it! Quit it! I say. froggyintexas--now froggyinThe Land of Enchantment, New Mexico USA

Regardless has to how cut the binding, he is going to love this quilt so much, someone will need to replace the binding in 20 years any way.

I cut that way when I don't have enough fabric to cut any other way. Forget it and begin another project.
your grandson will just enjoy the quilt you made and not realise you don't like the binding.

I, too, thought that you had cut a hole somewhere important.

I can't even imagine unpicking a binding because I cut it on the straight grain, or across the grain, or slightly off, or whatever. It'll be fine! Enjoy quilting.

What kind of instructors give such rigid rules, anyway?

This was exactly what I was thinking.

Thankyou everyone.....most appreciated; feeling much better.

Width of fabric binding being preferred is news to me. I'm not joking; I've never heard that before. I've been making quilts for 20 years and have always cut it from the length of the fabric (and will continue to do) unless I need bias binding.

The only time I cut my on the bias is if I have curves to go around, I have never had any problems.

I'd say have a drink of your whiskey. Think about the quilt and how lovely it is. Have another drink of whiskey. Take another sip of whiskey for good measure.

Ok. It's fine. Wrap up the quilt in a cool bag with cool tissue paper. Have another sip of whiskey. Present the quilt to the grandson. Enjoy all the pleasure he will take in the quilt when he opens it. Hug him up good before you leave.

Go home. Have another whiskey. Life is good.

Relax! You're okay. The lengthwise cut will provide stability and I can't tell that the edges wear out any faster. Go get that big glass of vino, put your feet up and watch a favorite movie. No one will care and he'll love the quilt.

>>>>>The good news is that even though bindings cut on the straight of grain do wear more quickly<<<<<<


What is the logic behind the theory that bindings cut on the straight of grain wear more quickly? Not arguing, just curious as to where this idea came from and what makes it true....if it is. Anyone know?