Preferred width of Binding
 

I've just searched and read thru 25 pages of "binding" and still didn't find the answer I'm looking for.

I know the width of binding, I tend to use 2 1/4" wide, is a personal preference.

What my question is: I know I've seen in different instructions where some have you cut binding at 2 1/4" any where up to 3".

Do some of you use some widths of binding for certain projects and a different width for others? I hope I'm explaining this clearly.

How do you determine if you're going to use a narrower binding or a wider binding? Or do you use one size for certain projects and another size for other projects?

Thank you.

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.

I use 2 1/4" for my binding. I once made a quilt that called for 2 1/2" so I went with that width and didn't like it. It was just too wide.

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.

I use 2 1/4" also, except on miniatures where I do 2 or 1 3/4". If you do wider binding you will have a larger width at the back than the front, like a frame for the back. Some people like that and it does look good--the front will still be the narrow width unless you have taken a greater than 1/4" seam while sewing the binding on. I don't think there is a set rule however I think 2 1/4" is the most popular.

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.

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.

I use 2 1/2" wide binding.

I use 2" strips to finish around 1/4". When I am making a wide framing binding (1/2" or larger) I still sew 1/4" from the edge of the quilt top so I don't lose points and cut the batting/backing to the finish measurement from the seam line. Then turn.

I use 3 1/4 inch binding. I like my binding a little bigger. I also sew it completely on my sewing machine. I know it won't come apart that way.