OH NO A DOUBLE POST>>>MY APOLOGIES.

Ditto...

I cut my binding 2 3/4 in and fold in half. That extra 1/4" which is really only 1/8 " really makes turning binding easier. Also I sew mine on the back and turn to the front and then sew. also I make my corners slightly rounded since I can not seem to get miter corrners right by top stitching on the front. Good Luck!!!!

This tutorial shows the exact placement of the needle when hand stitching the binding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wdC1_1_cx0 I do it backward from this tutorial, but that probably explains a lot! We've probably bombarded you with suggestions, but when in doubt Google it. Attach the word "tutorial" to any quilting term and you'll come up with all kinds of stuff to peruse. Some work better with a video, some like step-by-step photos. Whatever sinks in!

I had trouble for quite awhile with too much binding folding to the back of my quilt. The front and back were obviously uneven (wider on the back than front) and that bugged me. I was cutting my strips at 2 1/2". I tried using 2" strips and that worked really well for just barely covering the stitches when folded to the back. I pretty much use the same kind of batting with all my quilts so thickness doesn't vary much at all from quilt to quilt.

As for hand stitching, it is hard to describe. The link that Chele posted for Dreamweavers tutorial is a good one. It has really clear pictures. It's the site I found when I was trying to figure out how to hand stitch binding.

I wish I was closer because I would gladly help you with both binding and FMQ. I'm not perfect at either but I've come a long ways with both since I first started quilting. But alas, KY is quite a ways from MS. :)

Oh, gee, wish I could sit with you and play. Shelley has a bunch of great info here: http://pir8.freeservers.com/quilting...ding/index.htm

Breathe deep and relax, play with scraps first.

piney

This site really helped me to understand about bindings. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

http://quiltersden.ca/wp-content/upl...t-Binding2.pdf

I cut the strips 2 3/4" x # of strips to go around + 15", fold and press, sew to quilt with 3/8" seam allowance (the width of my even feed presser foot). The best quilter's helper I've found is the Fons & Porter book "Quilter's complete guide to quilting". Although I use a wider seam allowance because I like a wider binding, the method is the same. I've had my book for many years and still refer to it from time to time. Try it on a small project and see how you like it.

I do this in reverse -stitch to back and fold to front - completely machine stitched.

I do this in reverse -stitch to back and fold to front - completely machine stitched.