Onebyone

I changed to 3" wide strips. So much easier to miter. I will add a narrow border if needed to not cut off block points or design. I tried narrow bindings and it was always pretty sad looking. The miters were hard to get the same look for all four corners.

Stitchnripper

I prefer 2 1/4. I've tried other widths. This one works the way I like it. Try it on a scrap and see

anchoredhope

Thank you so, so much everyone!!! Yes I was definitely going to make sure there was enough fabric to cut bigger strips before I actually did. Thankfully, at least so far, the kit has been pretty generous and I've had more than enough fabric, but will for sure measure twice before I cut. I've never hand bound before, (mostly because of time, but I've always thought about being brave and trying) but if I can only do 2 1/4" wide strips, then it may be that this is the quilt I learn to!

quiltmouse

I stitch to the front, then from the front, stitch up close to the binding, with the zipper foot. That's why I narrowed mine to 2-1/4, it was practically flapping in the wind. Much closer to the backside edge, now.

SusieQOH

I've used 2 1/4 and 2 1/2. I think Edyta Sitar uses even narrower. Either one works for me. I'm going to try Onebyone's suggestion.

GingerK

I usually use 2 1/4 inch binding. If I'm using 2 1/2, I will sew using a 3/8 inch seam. I have used a 2 inch binding on wall hangings and didn't have any problems.

SueZQ from MN

Personally, I prefer a narrower binding. I make mostly placemats and runners and always use a 2 1/4" strip finished by hand. If I have used a wider binding, I increased the seam allowance to 3/8". It comes down to the look that you prefer for your own project.

Anniedeb

As you can see, it's a matter of preference. I use a 2 1/2 inch binding. I just prefer the look it gives by quilts. I sew front to back, and hand stitch the back. I use a 3/8" seam, and like the fullness I get. I also do not trim my quilt sandwich flush after quilting. I leave the back/batting a titch bigger than the top.

sewbizgirl

If I am binding a fat, puffy quilt I use 2.5" binding. For flatter quilts, such as with cotton or 80/20 batting, I use 2.25" width. I like the bindings full.

QuiltE

Widths vary for me!

Depends on the fabric used in the quilt. Some are very thin and some are thicker. Likewise the binding, as you are getting multi-layers of it by the time you fold, stitch, and wrap around the bound edge. Plus the batting thickness can vary according to which you use.

Sometimes I will stitch a wider than 1/4" seam allowance to give a broader look. But keep in mind, if you have points right out to the edge, a wider seam would be detrimental!

If I have any questions or hesitancies, then I do a trial run, with long stitches to decide on binding strip widths, and the ultimate seam width (and needle positioning to get that).

And if I really want a wide binding ... 5" strips work! Gives more of a border look, on completion. Works great when stitching a contrast binding colour to what the background fabric is out to the edge of the quilt.