So there!
 

I almost always wrestle with getting the ends of continuous binding joined. Don't leave enough slack, have to struggle to get it on the machine, sew the wrong angle, etc.

Had to take it apart twice last night. Only took me about three minutes to do it (correctly) by hand this afternoon. Why didn't I think of that before?

I agree with Tartan, whatever works. There are many ways to do a task...none are right or wrong. This quilting passion of ours is suppose to be FUN! I glad you got it done~

Been there, way too many times. I've learned (the hard way) to always leave myself plenty of slack . . . almost to the point of being ridiculous. :D

I don't have problems doing it any more, but did recently see a tute on McCall's quilting that was shared here. Tried it (working from memory, no less, which is a dangerous thing!) when I had a binding to put on Monday. Worked like a charm! Here is the link: http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccal...ining_the_Ends

And the thread that it came from, which has lots of suggested methods and tutes: http://www.quiltingboard.com/links-r...t-t228030.html

Ditto what Tartan stated. Whatever works for you. And that is for anything!

I found this easy to remember and works for me. I hope this works to show you.

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  [h=3]Quilt Binding Connecting the Ends[/h]
  
  

I know how to do it. It was just so much simpler to hand stitch the ends together. For some reason trying to get it onto the machine gets me turned around.

If it works for you, then that's the best solution! Might wish you'd thought of it sooner, but look at it this way - You DID think of it, and now you can do it that way every time without a struggle.

That was a great link, and I'll try it next time. Thank's.

I think this is the best ever way of joining the binding

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccal...ining_the_Ends

I definitely will try the technique demonstrated in the McCall link the next time. I have used different methods but this one seems to hit the mark with least fuss possible. Way to go!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot7Trk6...%3DOt7Trk6J2Vw
since I started using this method, it's all good. It didn't seem possible but just matching where the 1/4 inch seam allowance is, works for me every time.

There are many great ways to join the binding. I have a friend that just butts hers together and sews a straight line to join them and she has won multiple blue ribbons, so whatever works for you, go for it. Thanks to everyone for the links. I bookmarked them all.

Tartan has it! For something that is supposed to be fun quilting sure can throw us some curves every now and then.

I'm the "Can it be that difficult" member...have always struggled with this until I watched the McCalls quilting tute. Used it again yesterday and the binding went together beautifully, easily and with no bad words from me. Thanks again, so much, to the member who suggested this tute. I have it bookmarked and will probably have to watch it every time I close a binding...but that's okay with me. Thanks again to your all for all your help.

This was an excellent tutorial. Sometimes I think I have amnesia and can't remember what I know and this is a good way to do it.
Thank you for sharing.

That was a great link which I have bookmarked. It so happens that I am in the process of binding a scrap quilt this morning and stopped to go to breakfast with DD. Will try this method since I was never completely happy with my method.

I have a method for sewing ends together that I think is foolproof! Well, most of the time. I leave tails at both ends of the sewn on binding, but they don't have to be so long. They only have to overlap as much as the binding is wide. If your binding is 2 1/2 inches wide, that is how much they should overlap. If you start with a 10 inch tail, stop about 16 inches from that start when you come around at the end.

When your binding is sewn on with the two ends loose, pin these tails so that they are as snug as you want them. Lay both binding tails down, one on top of the other. Fold a triangle at the end of the beginning tail. Cut the longer binding tail at the base of the triangle pressed in at the beginning. Now the two pieces will overlap just as far as the binding strip is wide. Take out the pins holding the tails down, pick up both tails, open out the binding fabric and place right sides together. Twist them so that they make an ""L" shape (the 90 degree angle) and the pressed line is going side to side. The point of the "L" will not be sewn. Sew across on the line you pressed. Snap it straight and lay it down to be sure you sewed it correctly. You can still change it now. Then cut out the seam allowance, finger press the seams open and sew it down.

Make a practice piece on a potholder and I think you will be able to figure it out. Some tutorials come close to this method, but cutting the second tail at the base of the triangle pressed in ensures that it will fit when it is sewn.

missouri star has a great tut for binding and getting ends to match

Maviskw: That's how I was taught and it works great every time. But....different strokes for different folks. :)

I too had some really trying times in attaching the end binding. Then I found the binding tool which has printed instructions right on the tool. I purchased it at a quilt show after seeing a demonstration and still could not make it work... At the next show I returned to the vendor for a repeat demo and still could not manage "the foolish thing" so thankful for my sister who told me to refer to a video on YouTube which demo'd the tool. The first couple of times I had to have my laptop right there on my cutting table, but it was worth it. This tool is so helpful once you know how to use it!!

I also had a hard time in getting the binding done right the first time, until I purchased the binding ruler from Missouri Star Quilt Company, follow their directions and now my bindings come out perfect the first time. The ruler goes on sale a lot, just purchased a backup for under $4.00
NormaBeth

http://pir8.freeservers.com/quilting...ding/index.htm

This method saved my hide. Then, I read, on the mitered corners, stop at your 1/4" and sew to the corner before removing from machine and turning.. My binding is perfect, if I do say so...At least when I hand stitch to back..

How ironic i have been absolutely struggling with this connect the ends business, it is the one thing I so dread with quilting...
Thank you for posting the McCall’s link! I got ‘er done! Still struggled a little, I was making the wrong corner the upper left corner. Anyway I think I’ve got it... really got it:D
Now that it’s going to be in the upper 90's, who wants to have a quilt on their lap to hand sew...
Thank you everybody!! Timing was perfect--could not have been better!:D JB

My mitered corners are good. No problem with that.

I watched the tute on here but today I saw an easier one with Jenny on Missouri Star Quilt Store that is so much easier and clearer. I hope you check it out. I think you will like it. She is so clear in her videos. Love darlene

Missouri Star Quilt Company has a video on binding. The rule of thumb for matching the ends...if your binding strip is 2-1/2" wide, leave 2-1/2" overlap on each end. place the ends like you would to join strips on a bias...and sew them together. Have the ends of the pieces almost flush. Don't trim yet...test to make sure the binding will lie flat...then trim.

I tried it today & it works every time! One of those, "now why didn't I think of that." things. LOL.

Jenny Doan has recently put out another binding video which as usual is very good.

I hate everything that has to do with the binding so I really appreciate you helpful hints.

Missouri Star Quilt Co. has a new tutorial on binding that makes it so easy. I just received the email today.