Be advised that a binding is twice as strong as the 'folding the back over to the front, because it is doubled. The edges of the quilt gets lots of wear.

If you are folding the backing over, try folding it under and then wrapping it, so you have the same double thickness as a quilt binding.

I even took a binding class, where we were shown multiple ways to put binding onto a quilt and finish those ends. This method made the most sense to me and it's the only one I use. When pressing your 2.5" binding in half, at the beginning, fold it at a 45 degree angle and trim. Sew binding to quilt. When you are getting close to the end, measure how much you need, again cut this end in a 45 degree angle, trim, tuck this end into the angel from the beginning, finish sewing. Easy-peasy!!.

Go down the page for the "tucked" version. Gives you an idea. http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...ine__D101.html

Another tutorial. http://mollyflanders.blogspot.com/20...ngoohlala.html

And another, with so many visuals, hopefully this will help! Page 4, http://theartquiltassociation.com/ho...ng-Methods.pdf

Thank you so much for the tute - will struggle with bindings no more!

Me too! I thought I was the only one! Lol!

I always had problems with getting the binding to 'match' at the end. I bought the Binding Tool that Jenny Doan at MSQ demonstrates and have NEVER been able to understand how it works even though I've watched the video multiple times. I know that there are several threads on Google with other people having issues with the binding tool, so that gives me some people in the same boat I find myself in. :0)

'The Binding Tool' is not a total loss as I've used it several times for the MSQ Friendship braid when I'm down to the wire to make a quick quilt. Here's wonderful Jenny's tutorial on this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpHAp_pyVXQ

This is the YouTube video that I have used for a couple of years now and I no longer have issues with binding a quilt of any size. I'm sure someone here directed me to this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWh90tXr7g4 Heirloom Quilts also has so many videos on rulers its a great resourceful site. I'm not affiliated with the shop just grateful for all their tutorials.

I just oust found the video where MSQC actually demonstrates exactly how to use the binding tool. It is clear enough of a demonstration that I now want one! http://youtu.be/ex2PajesRvU Good luck, and I hope this is helpful. Nothing is as frustrating as having a tool you can't figure out.

Hmmm I have one that I bought several years ago. I have never used it and have no idea on how to use it. In the mean time I have made hundreds of quilts. so I'd say keep your money and use it to buy more fabric.

OK maybe I should watch this. Thanks for posting.

Yes, that's the video which clearly demonstrates how to use 'The Binding Tool' but like others on multiple threads here on this board and different threads via Google say, that the online demonstration just doesn't translate to actually being successful in using it for me. I just cannot get the ends to meet. In fact there are multiple threads or once was on the MSQ forum with quilters having difficulties with the tool.

I fortunately had enough fabric when I got to the point of joining the ends, and wasn't too short at the end that I was able to 'wing' it into place but nothing like Jenny demonstrates. It's not an expensive tool so if it doesn't work for you then you can always make the friendship braid and isn't that great when you can use a tool for multiple quilts?

Again, my favorite and only way I apply binding is via the Heirloom Creations demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWh90tXr7g4which no special tool is needed.

I did buy a binding ruler from Missouri Star Quilt Co. It was not expensive and I do use it each time because I can never remember how to finish off the binding. The directions are printed on the ruler itself and it does help me figure it out. I also watch Jenny Doan's tutorial on binding each time that I bind off a quilt. Since I am a hand quilter, there is always a time lapse between bindings.