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I use a 3" binding for just about everything--I find it frames my quilts nicely, and is very easy to use.
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I always use 2 1/4" binding. I just like the way it looks!!!!
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For french binding I cut at 2 1/2 inch.
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Originally Posted by Arleners
(Post 4695656)
I think what she meant by that is if there isn't an outer border, or it the border is pieced, the pattern is most likely designed giving a 1/4 inch allowance. If you cut a wider binding, and then sew a wider seam allowance, you would lose the outer edge of the pattern. If your outer border is a plain strip, it wouldn't make a difference
Yes exactly. Thanks for clarifying. |
2 1/4 for me too. Usually binding matches the border but sometimes w/do scrappy. Just like a little binding showing. Used to do 2 1/2 but too wide. Wish I was skinny like by bindings.
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Originally Posted by Fraew
(Post 4695499)
Lose points? Please explain. Thank you.
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Originally Posted by JenniePenny
(Post 4695156)
I like 2 1/4 " also. Sometimes I will make it more narrow - such as when I make a doll quilt or a tablerunner.
Depends on the scale of the blocks. |
For most projects I use 2 1/2 in. for my binding. For a small wall hanging or miniature quilt I would use 1 3/8 in. to finish out at 1/2 " binding.
Just my preference. Susan |
I always use 2 1/4" binding because when I use my leftover bindings on a scrappy quilt, they are already the same width!
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I use 2 1/2".
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Originally Posted by Jingle
(Post 4695306)
I have lots of books by Lynette Jensen and she says to cut binding strips at 2-1/2" and sew on with a 3/8" seam. So this is how I make mine and I like it. They are not any bigger because you use a 3/8" seam allowance. I have made lots of quilts like this. Different strokes for different folks, like everything else, it is what you like.
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Originally Posted by IAmCatOwned
(Post 4695388)
One of the reasons why you see such variance is because batting has changed in the last 20 years. It's much easier to buy thinner batting than it was in the past. You don't need as wide of binding if the batting is thin. I don't like thin batting and typically do a 2 1/2 inch binding. If I do a fat batt or am tying the quilt, my binding is 2 3/4 inch. Some blankets and projects (such as tote bags) may use the 3 inch binding, which is more of a decorative choice than a need. For wallhangings, I use 2 1/4 inch. I think my friend uses 2 inch binding for miniatures. It is personal preference, but keep in mind that many of the quilters who are publishing books currently do a lot of very dense quilting on their quilts or use thin batting, making a 2 1/4 inch binding a better choice.
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The smaller the quilt, the narrower the binding, otherwise I cut 2 1/4" like you do :) :) :)
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I have always used 2-1/2! Edie
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Originally Posted by cattailsquilts
(Post 4695182)
I just decided today after struggling with a binding that on quilts backed with fleece and no batting, I will continue to use 2-1/4 strips, but on 'normal' quilts with batting & back, I'm going to start using 2-1/2. I'm one of those 'cheaters' who machine sews the bindings to the back, so I need the extra little bit on the turn so it comes out right.
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I think it is a matter of preference - I use 2 1/4 all of the time.
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I agree with Jingle - this is how I do 90% of my bindings. I'm not so married to this though that I won't change the width to make the quilt finish looking its best. This is my "standard" not my "required" if that makes sense?
Originally Posted by Jingle
(Post 4695306)
I have lots of books by Lynette Jensen and she says to cut binding strips at 2-1/2" and sew on with a 3/8" seam. So this is how I make mine and I like it. They are not any bigger because you use a 3/8" seam allowance. I have made lots of quilts like this. Different strokes for different folks, like everything else, it is what you like.
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Preferred width of binding
Originally Posted by cattailsquilts
(Post 4695182)
I just decided today after struggling with a binding that on quilts backed with fleece and no batting, I will continue to use 2-1/4 strips, but on 'normal' quilts with batting & back, I'm going to start using 2-1/2. I'm one of those 'cheaters' who machine sews the bindings to the back, so I need the extra little bit on the turn so it comes out right.
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My preference is 2-1/2" strips.
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I usually use 2 1/2" with 1/4" showing on the front, more on the back. I just find it easier to cut 2 1/2" than 2 1/4."
I don't make small items, but if I did would likely make a narrower binding. Happy Thanksgiving |
Generally I use a 2 1/2" binding. Am making some placemats with a flannel batting and will consider the 2 1/4". This was a good question!
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It depends on what I am binding and how much I want it to show. Usually prefer 2 1/2" and sew wider seam to attach it. If I want it to be decorative then I go for WIDE instead of adding another strip and narrow binding. Looks good
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2 1/2 is my comfort zone. I like to make sure that my stitching is covered when i hand sew it around to the back
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I always use 2 1/2 inches and fold in half to 1 1/4--after the sewing it on with 1/4 inch seam it makes a perfect looking binding. My very first quilting teacher (13 years ago) told us to do it this way and I never have had any problems...
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I always use 2 1/2"; but I think it's a personal preference.
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I learned it from Missouri Star Quilting Company.
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I do all my binding 2 1/2 " That's on everything.
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I ONCE - note O-N-C-E- cut a 2" binding and learned my lesson. NEVER AGAIN. Normally, I don't stress over bindings, but I did that one!
I cut 2 1/4" for my fair quilts (machine stitch to the front/hand stitch down on the back). 2 1/2" for my using quilts. On my "use and abuse quilts" (TV huggies and grand kids drag around type quilts) I sew the whole binding on with the machine, and put a second reinforcing seam around the binding as I want it to hit the washer/dryer with no fear. My hubbies 100% flannel snuggle quilt is going on 5 yrs old and hits the washer every few months. It's still tight as a drum. |
I also like a slightly wider binding - I think I cut it 2-7/8 inches - the reason for that measurement? When I set my needle to "6" on the left - it comes out about right that way.
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I don't do a consistent width. I play with how it looks for that specific quilt/pattern and then decide on the width.
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I use 2 1/2" I don't hand sew it on.... I machine stitch my binding on the back.... fold it over to the front and use one on my decorative stitches on my Bernina to sew it down. Looks good. I envy you all that hand stitch their bindings on... my hand sewing if for the birds. Once that quilt it finished... I just got to get it done.
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If you have a thicker, puffier batting you would need a little wider. OR, if you are using flannel, sometimes you would need it a little wider. Some like to have big-wide binding. There was an old Thimbleberries pattern where she cut it at 3 or 3 1/2"....I forget which, because she wanted to have a wider binding. Not for me....
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Iamcatowned,
Thanks for the great response explaining some of the reasons for the variations in binding width. That explains why I have been unhappy with the 2 1/2 in. binding on a couple of my quilts. The narrower binding on a flatter quilt seems much nicer to me so the problem is solved (for me). |
I usually use the 2 1/4" too. Only because thats what the lady taught me when I was learning to do them. I did follow a few pattern directions to do it 2 1/2" but prefer 2 1/4".
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Originally Posted by Jingle
(Post 4695306)
I have lots of books by Lynette Jensen and she says to cut binding strips at 2-1/2" and sew on with a 3/8" seam. So this is how I make mine and I like it. They are not any bigger because you use a 3/8" seam allowance. I have made lots of quilts like this. Different strokes for different folks, like everything else, it is what you like.
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Originally Posted by Jingle
(Post 4695306)
I have lots of books by Lynette Jensen and she says to cut binding strips at 2-1/2" and sew on with a 3/8" seam. So this is how I make mine and I like it. They are not any bigger because you use a 3/8" seam allowance. I have made lots of quilts like this. Different strokes for different folks, like everything else, it is what you like.
Karen |
I make a lot if quilts with minkee so i like a 2.5" binding also sew it by machine
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Wow! Interesting! I use 2 1/2". I tried smaller but found it hard to turn!!
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I use 1 1/2 or 1 3/4 inch because I use a low loft batting and the smaller size works well on place mats and crib quilts.
I also cut off the excess batting, so no batting is sticking out of my quilts. Thinking that some use this excess batting as part they cover with the binding. Try it in different widths, then decide which you prefer. |
Well, folks, you've done it again. I've learned so much from all of your comments, and I thank you for taking the time to post answers to this question. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. :)
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