How are you doing the binding for the Downy/Quilts for Kids kits?

I've never done self-binding before, so perhaps that's why I'm so frustrated. The backing on this quilt is striped and getting it trimmed, folded, and sewn on the front without the stripes looking wonky was quilt an endeavor. Have three more to go with the striped backing; I'm about ready to go buy some plain fabric and do "regular" binding.

Putting the quilt together and quilting it was fun; this part is driving me crazy.

Suggestions for making this stressful?

Thanks!

I always use my own binding on the QFKs!

Stripes aren't the easiest for that method.. I would probably just bind them, that is what I do when I make the Downy Quilts :D:D:D

When I do them, I trim the back to match the front, then use the fabric that I've trimmed off to make the binding.
If you are having trouble, just make a binding out of some other fabric.

Good to know. I've got several projects in the works and then I'm going to get my feet wet with the QFK's.

Well, I thought I'd proofread my query. Of course, I meant "suggestions to make this LESS stressful".

I don't think I have enough of the trimmed off fabric to use for binding. Quite a bit at top and bottom, but what I cut off the sides isn't wide enough to use.

Well, to make it less stressful would probably be to check your stash for a fabric that will look good with the kit to make the binding from. I don't think the QFK people are worried about it, and the kids will be happy with it no matter what the binding is.

I had so much trouble with the self binding I went ahead and just used my own binding and sewed it down by machine.

i just bound mine the way i bind all quilts...no problem
the self binding is just an option...and usually an easier way to go.
and as for the wonky stripes...KIDS WOULD LOVE THE WONKY STRIPES! THEY DON'T CARE. THEY THINK YOU MADE IT THAT WAY SPECIAL FOR THEM!
not one of them is going to have any idea that the way it is isn't the way it's supposed to be. relax :thumbup:

When I use stripes to bind a quilt, I cut them on the bias. They look really nice this way, and you don't have to worry about being a little "off". I *do* heavily starch the fabric before cutting the bias strips. The starch keeps the bias from distorting during handling.

Oops! Sorry, I missed the part about self-binding. I simply refuse to do quilts with self-binding. They never turn out well for me!

When I do smaller QFK I make them pillow case style. I'm with you Bringing binding from the back is a pain. If you are self binding with back fabric leave no more the 1 1/2" of backing to turn over.

I spray glue batting to backing then sew around 3 sides, turn then finish the end, the last couple i made I turned the backing to the front for an added color. That was easier then turning 3 layers the stitching edge. I also think this will wear better.

My local coordinator suggested doing pillowcase style.

I don't like the backing on mine, so I bought a cheerful yellow to bind it. I wasn't impressed with the idea of doing a wrapped binding anyway, so mine is done in a standard double binding. Muddy lime green isn't my idea of a happy color, though it does look better with the flash of yellow.

I did use their backing as the directions said not to substitute backings.

I am currently finishing 3 quilts for kids. I just find a solid color fabric in my stash for the binding. the whole idea is those kids who are really ill get a handmade quilt to make them feel better. The quilts are washed. sometimes daily by the hospital laundry so need to be able to take a beating. My friend has seen them caught in wheelchairs, run over, and other accidents. I may not love the colors QFK chose, but it's not for me. Kids don't care if the colors they like go together or not. They just like the colors. Just make sure your binding is sturdy so it will stand up to all the "love" it gets.

We are all so different, aren't we? I have made whole cloth baby quilts, and tied them for years. I always used the backing pulled to the front for bindings. I think it's the easy way. Now that I've learned to piece 'real' quilts I have (finally!!) learned to do the regular binding. But I miss the other way!
I agree with the others, the kids will be thrilled to get quilts. We tend to see every little detail, but the kids won't! Thank you for your efforts for the Quilts for Kids!

Thank you all for your helpful comments and suggestions. I need to remember that these are for kids, and as you say, they won't care if the stripes are wonky :).

If I hadn't already quilted these quilts, I'd try the pillowcase style of finishing. And if I were at home, I'd have plenty of colorful stash fabric to use for binding. But we left home a couple of months ago to spend the first winter of our retirement in a warm place...currently the Texas coast, so I may hop on over to Joann's or Hobby Lobby and find some coordinating fabric-I really don't like the color of the backing on a couple of these quilts.