willferg

I have a method (kind of unusual) where I use flannel to make a raggedy binding. It's on my blog...

craftygal63

I cut my backing larger so I can fold it over. That way the backing is my binding and I mitre fold the corners.

MadQuilter

2 1/4" does not leave much leeway. Have you considered sewing the binding down with a basting stitch (machine stitch length set to as long as it goes)? Then you could turn it over and see where you missed. It would be easy enough to adjust in those areas and the basting stitch would be easy to pull out.

I use a decorative stitch when I sew mine on by machine (mostly I sew it down by hand - wearing braces). The decorative stitch gives it another feature and detracts from where things are not perfect.

omaluvs2quilt

I also use Sharon Schaumber's method, and use 2.5" binding strips folded in half sewn with an almost 3/8" seam...works perfect every time. If I use thicker or thinner batting I make. Test strip a few inches long to test it.

twinkie

Here is a link to help you with binding. http://quilting.about.com/od/binding...ed_binding.htm Hope you learn to love it like I do.

Fabaddict

I have found that if I use 2 1/4 in and fold in half and sew with 1/4 in seam, it works well. If I need a 3/8 in seam I use 2 1/2 in binding. I sew it on the back of the quilt and bring it to the front. There have been times I have needed a ruler to keep it straight, but overall, it works well.

GammaLou

THis is the way I do it and it comes out very nice. I especially like to do this on kid/baby quilts as they get more wear. Doing the topstitching on the front makes it much easier. I do try and match the backing fabric with my thread if possible.

bigsister63

I make my binding strip 2 1/2" and sew them on the back, turn to front and stitch down with hemming or zigzag stitch. These stitches will go over the stitching in the back. I realy do not care if I get the front stitching exactly over the stitching in the back. Also I bast the edges of the sandwich together before binding and that seems to help squash the layers making it easier to bind. Also I press binding in half since that seems to make sure both edges are even when sewning on the quilt. Do not fret! You are not alone! many of us do not like to bind quilt!!!! (if that makes you feel better)

mhansen6

I always bind my quilts by machine. I use a much larger strip than you do, usually 3 1/4 in. I sew the binding for about a foot then I test it to see if it is going to fold over enough. If it is to much or not enough then I adjust my seam allowance accordingly. After the binding is on then I press. I press it over on the front then I turn the quilt over and press it over on the back. I make sure there is enough for stitching in the ditch. I press until there is a nice neatly pressed folded binding. I only pin the corners. Then I stitch in the ditch. I only miss the binding rarely. The back is not perfectly straight but the front looks beautiful. When you wash the quilt the binding will puff up from the pressing. I love this method of binding. It works perfectly for me. I love doing binding, but the secret is in the pressing.

Snooze2978

Yael, I used to cut my binding 2.5 and used the glue method with a 1/4" seam. I found I had a bit too much to turn over. Someone suggested cutting my strips down to 2.25, fold them before gluing. l like this much better. I have purchased a glue tip as I was getting too much glue while ironing and it made the seams hard as bricks to push the needle thru while sewing to the back side. I prefer hand sewing to the back as I can't sew a straight line if my life depended on it. I have also found that I can glue and iron the complete binding on in one step up to where I attach the ends together. Then I have to take it to the sewing machine to stitch the ends, then back to the ironing board to finish my glue process. Then I can stitch the entire binding in one swoop. I think the video showed doing one side at a time but I found that time comsuming. My miter corners come out great for me.

Suz in Iowa