DebbieG

This is how I do it also, don't like the look of machine sewed binding, decorative stitch or not...and if you ever want to enter a quit in a show that's the way it has to be...hand sewed after the binding was first machine sewed on to the back. I also hate to hand sew and the arthritis in my hands hate me to do it, but it's part of quilting.

Dollyo

I only use Sharon Schamber's Elmer's School glue method. If binding has not been your thing, then you need an expert's advise (hers not mine). This is the easiest, most precise way to do binding. Once you learn this method, you won't send your quilt out for binding. Here is the link to her youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2hWQ5-ZccE I personally use 2 1/2" strips, glue, press, stitch to the front 3/8", press from the front (setting the seam), press from the back (making sure everything is laying flat), trim the corners, fold to the back, glue, and stitch it down from the back using monofilament thread in the top and bobbin (depending on who the quilt is for). I don't use monofilament for baby or soldier's quilts. Those I use a decorative stitch with whatever thread that I used for quilting the top. I really like variegated, so it is usually that. The first pics binding is just using a decorative stitch from my old Viking. The second quilt is using a star stitch from my embroidery machine. And sometimes, I hand sew them.
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junegerbracht

I have always stitched binding to front and hand stitched back but I do enjoy hand stitching - however I do like pictures of decorative stitches samples and may give it a try on a baby quilt - am always trying to use those stitches I paid so much for.

norwalkgma

I agree - just bound 4 quilts exactly same way and enjoyed the Olympics! Turns out nice every time.

WandaVA

I cut my binding strips at 2-1/4"; machine-stitch to the front with a 1/4" seam allowance; hand-stitch to the back. If you use more than a 1/4" seam allowance, wouldn't that make the blocks on the outer perimeter a wee bit smaller than the other blocks? I have a Janome 6600, and I use the AccuFeed to sew on the binding, and move the needle to make the seam 1/4".

Pieces2

I use my walking foot to stitch my binding on the front of my quilts. I use the edge of the foot , which is a little more than 1/4 inch. I then hand stitch at the back of the quilt. Even if I want to add a decorative stitch to the front, I still
hand stitch the back.

#1piecemaker

ME TOO!!! It works for me!

lisalovesquilting

This is exactly what I do and I've never had trouble with it not being caught on the back. Of course now that I've said this I will next time. I cut my strips 2 1/4 and sew with 1/4 in. seam.

kcferrel

Before you bind your quilt watch this Sharon Shambers video
http://quiltinggallery.com/2008/05/1...s-school-glue/
I started using this method and it makes the bindings beautiful!!! It is fast and easy and will never pay to have someone bind your quilt again!

SandyQuilter

Your binding should have the quilt sandwich in it so that it doesn't lay flat. I off set my binding 1/4 inch and leave a 1/4 inch of batt and backing extending so that when the binding is rolled, the entire binding is filled with batt and backing.

And don't just stitch from one end to the other. Measure the center, both width and length, to get the proper edge measurements for binding. For example, if the center length measures 95", but your border edge is 97", cut the binding 95 + extra for turning the corners. Mark the half way points of both the binding strip and quilt, then the mark quarter points of both. Pin the binding to the quilt edge, matching the markings. Fit the quilt's longer edge to the shorter binding and pin in place. When stitching have the binding on top. The extra length of the quilt's edge will be worked in and the edge of the quilt will not be wavy, but square after the binding is rolled to the other side and stitched in place.
SandyQuilter