I have only done this once in 25+ years. I wasn't happy with the way it wore over the years of the quilt especially since it was a well used quilt. If you are not sure and have enough of the top fabric. Make your binding out of the fabric and proceed as usual. I think you will be happier in the end.

I think I did not understand your problem. I would not like all those seams in my binding. The seams would not be on the bias and would be bulky.

I would absolutely do facing instead of binding - maybe sewing the facing on twice to strengthen the seam.
http://www.terryaskeartquilts.com/St...ing-technique/
http://mariaelkins.com/2013/02/facin...ad-of-binding/
http://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com...y-to-face.html
are locations of tutorials.

Personally I would use a knife-edge finish, aka turned-edge. There's no additional fabric to add, the seams of the front piecing are not an issue, the front piecing goes right to the edge of the front and the backing fabric goes right to the edge of the back. Very neat and clean looking. It's one of the oldest methods of finishing a quilt and can be quite sturdy.

http://welshquilts.blogspot.com/2011...nife-edge.html
This example does not wrap the top over the batting before stitching the top and back together, but I have and would in your case. It adds to the durability of the edge.

If that's not an option for some reason (e.g., already quilted too close to the edge), I'd go with wrapping the front to the back despite all the nay-sayers. I've used 1" piano key binding (single fold) and it was not all that difficult despite the seams.

Example of small pieced binding...1" average 'key' single fold traditional binding. It was not hard to do at all and is (relatively) straight and true.

http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/13/49/59/13/007_co10.jpg

I have done it that way, to me it is easier to make a separate binding. Really easier for me and looks better. Your quilt your way.

I really think you would be pleased with a dark blue binding. The dark color will give the eye a place to rest. I have never ever done a wrapped binding, I really love to do cut bindings. I think they look more professional when done well. You have such a lovely quilt top I think you would like the cut binding. Good luck.

I often bring the back to the front as binding. It's dead easy and I think looks nice, if the back doesn't fight with the front (as in a very busy print and the front is also very busy).


Oops! I misunderstood the question. I have never wrapped a pieced front to the back as binding....and would worry about seams coming loose, as others have mentioned.

What you want is self-binding and there are several videos online. Here is one: http://www.thequiltladies.com/2013/0...-tutorial.html.

I haven't tried it, but hope it's helpful.

I am inspired!! There is no longer a need to wrap front to back. I've quilted enough to see alternatives existed but these suggestions have brought out creativity! Next quilt will be finished using the knife-edge. I've done that before on hotpads, not knowing it had such a name.

I am going to pull out all the extra backing chunks and see how much is left. Facing seems to fit what I'm looking for. This will be our summer bedcover/quilt, large and lightweight. The edges will barely be seen, but each square has potential for "I Spy" time.

The wisdom of many- t'is grand!

I have made several quilts on which I wrapped the backing to the front to be used as my binding. It looked nice and I don't think anyone noticed the difference becase a couple of my friends are the type that whould have said something had they noticed. LOL