JanTx

2 1/4" when using separate binding - sew to the back and pull to the front, machine stitch down. BUT my usual way is to cut the backing 1" bigger than the front - after sandwiched and quilted use rotary cutter and ruler to make backing 1" larger. Fold over just past quilt top, bring to front and sew down. I know this is not the preferred way to do it, but all of my grandmother's are done this way and it works for me.

QM

I prefer 2", although I often avoid the whole subject by birthing my quilts. Early on, I was told to use 2 1/2" . Then a professional quilter said that the big shows judge on having the machine seam and the hand seam directly opposite each other. I don't always even try to do that, but 2" makes it easier to do. It is less work to do a larger binding, even with the clips I always use.

Annaquilts

2 1/2 but I started out with 3 in.

zennia

I usually do 2 1/2 but my last quilt I did 2 1/4 and liked that a lot.

Tollergirl

I do 2 1/4. It is how i did my first one, and I am afraid if i change, i'll screw up when i am joining the ends and cut it too short! HAHA

Juliebelle

I always use 2 1/2

117becca

I usually use 2 1/2 - 2 3/4 depending on how thick the quilt is. My current project has a flannel back, so i'm thinking I'll need the wider binding. I do always sew a 3/8 seam. I just like the bit of extra width.

Sally J

I do the exact same thing as Scissor Queen!!! I trim the quilt to match the open side of the binding and with the 3/8 sewing line and 2.5 inch double folded binding it looks great. Glad to see someone else does it the same way. Unless you really hate to hand sew to the back, I think you will be much happier with the final look to hand sew instead of stitch in the ditch.

wolph33

I always use 2.5 inches-works for me

luvTooQuilt

Im not much for hand sewing so i machine stitch mine.. I was curious to know what widths you all use..