Will binding detract from pattern?
 

I just finished a trip around the world--100 x 100 and now I need to bind it. The squares are 2 inches finished. I am concerned if I put any color around the edge of it (even one from the quilt) it will detract from it. Any ideas? It took me 2 years just to find the material and I used 18 different ones--each with a subtle gold thread. Help....

I treat borders and binding like frames for artwork. I think it will be fine and wont detract at all. :) Just imagine if you were frame the quilt in a picture frame, and go from there. I personally like adding borders in a quiet complimentary color, so that it really does look like a picture frame, and match my binding to the border.

If you look at artwork, some use a very ornate frame (pieced border), some use a sleek frame (plain border), and some go without a large frame (no border) but the whole purpose is to accent the artwork. So my recommendation is to look at your quilt, think about how you would actually frame it if you had to. Then go with the borders/binding that follows your vision.

use a facing instead of a binding (if you do a search you will find a few tutorials/instructions for facing your quilt) then the edge of the quilt is all you see on the front- works great...a magazine just had instructions last month, but doggone I can not remember which one...but search it...it's a great way to go if you do not want binding to show & I think actually easier than binding. I just tried a search (web search-not board search) and a number of links pop up-some videos, some just written/diagrammed instructions.

Have you done auditions? Fold fabric over the edge of the quilt, pin it, then step back and see what you think. Try different colors and widths of binding. If you don't like any of it, then I agree with ckcowl about the facing.

I agree with the others about auditioning fabrics before you decide. It sounds like you want it to blend in rather than stick out. What are the main colors in your quilt? I'd start with something similar shade and go from there. I usually do 2-1/2" bindings and they are pretty narrow when done, so they don't usually distract the eye from the center of the quilt.

These Google Images might give you some ideas. Most *are* made with binding, but some are finished plain.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...mg.9ciLYc9pWvw

Jan in VA

I have made two quilts from the Trip around the World pattern, and in each case, I selected a fabric from the quilt top to bind in. I don't believe the bindings distracted from the pattern. I did one in purple and one in turquoise. I am going to find the pictures, in case looking at them helps you with your decision.

(Okay, I forgot I added borders, but maybe the pictures can help you anyway...)

Dina

When will you be posting a picture of it. Much easier to give feedback when there is a visual.

You could knife edge the quilt or use a facing. That way there is no binding. Do some searches and you will find instructions for these methods. Sounds like a very nice TATW. I love them. Looking forward to seeing it!
peace

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I agree with the others about auditioning fabrics before you decide. A picture of the quilt would help. If I have a border that I want to be in the background and let the quilt be the focus, I would use the same material that you used for the border for the binding. I make my binding 2.25" because I do hand stitching to the back of the quilt for a sharper more professional look.

i agree with the others... borders/bindings will be fine