Trimming After Quilting??
 

A recent post made me think perhaps I've been doing my bindings incorrectly. I feel silly even asking about this, but when trimming a quilt after it's been longarmed do most people trim it up to the quilt edge and add binding, or leave 1/4 inch of batting and put the binding over that?

I've had my longarm since spring of this year and I only quilt for myself and family members. I always trim to the edge of the quilt, since I've got the space to spread the quilts out and trim them and my family members generally don't so they're happy to have me do it for them (plus, the extra trimmings are my "payment" for doing the longarm work). One person's quilts tend to be a little wonky and on hers I quilt them as square as possible then square up the whole thing when trimming at the end. I understand that when quilting for the public the customer should be asked how they prefer it and different people may do things differently, but in general do people use the batting as part of their binding area or do they start at the quilt edge? Or does it depend on the width of the binding?

Thanks for your comments!
DebD800

I used to trim right to the edge but my LAQ suggested leaving the 1/4" additional batting/backing so I agreed to have her do it that way. I really liked having the extra 1/4" as it nicely filled out the binding so I do all my quilts that way now.

Quilt judges look to see if the binding is completely full of batting so that is one reason for the extra 1/4 inch of batting and backing. Also a full binding is supposed to wear better.

I trim the extra batting away, then bind. It's just easier for me to do.

I would think that detail should be discussed as part of the contract as each person would have their own preferences. Personally, I often trim mine about 1/8" from the edge, but it depends on the size binding I've chosen to use.

i trim mine to the edge of the quilt. instead of 2.5" binding strips, i use 2.25". this usually makes my bindings 'full'. i think it's personal preference, though.

I always had trouble getting a full binding till someone told me to leave a 1/4 backing and batt. I cut my binding 2 1/4
Wow what a difference! So pleased with the results.
Gale

I have one customer who always wants 1" of backing and batting left when she wants me to trim after quilting, she actually attaches her binding to the top then trims ....seems to work for her. Some prefer I do not trim at all... Some want the whole thing squared up, so may involve cutting some of the top too...its a personal choice and a quilter should never Assume, the customer should be asked what their preference is. For my personal quilts it really depends on the quilt, the planned binding, my plans-- so, I do not Always do it one way... I do it the way that quilt needs to be done.

It really depends on how width of your binding is. I always cut up close to the quilt because I sew 2.25" double fold binding to the front and hand stitched it to the back. Patrick Lose was on F&P and displayed a way of stitching to get your miter corners perfect. I tried it and it worked.

I always leave a little batting hanging out before binding. It gives a little wiggle room in squaring up a quilt after quilting.