Vat

I do binding finishes by machine when I'm working on a cuddle quilt (a program for children through my guild for charity)because of the durablity. But when I am working on one for myself or a gift or one that is going to be judged I always do it by hand because I like the look much better. And the judges are not looking for durablity they are looking for really good and nice. That's my take.

Alice Woodhull

My hand stitching is so much nicer than machine stitching, however,when I do Quilts for Kids or other (as my mother called them) wash quilts, I machine sew them with a decorative stitch.

dixiechunk

Simple...it looks nicer.

davis2se

I usually hand stitch mine to the back because I actually enjoy doing that hand stitching. And, I'm not so good at making it look nice the other way.

quiltinNsmilin

I always used to machine sew the binding on the front and then
flip it and hand sew the back, then my friend showed me the sew on the back, flip over and machine sew the front. If you're careful and use the same color thread as the binding, the effect is neat and clean and FAST. I have a huge family and someone is always having a baby or getting married so I am constantly making gifts for someone on a deadline....faster is better! :thumbup:

MillieMoseley

I just think it looks nicer.

dewie45

I too prefer the look of the hand stitched binding. Interesting that many of you machine stitch for sturdiness. I have a quilt that I use on a daily basis and have machine washed several times. It was made all by hand by my grandmother as a utility quilt many years ago. She died in 1966. The only thing coming apart on that quilt is the fabric. It will probably last as long as I do.:)

I use it because that is why it was made. I do have others that I pamper.

Suzi

Machine to the front, hand stitch to the back. Makes me think of pioneer women, most of whom didn't even own a sewing machine.

mjsylvstr

FOR ME, I ENJOY THE END OF MAKING A QUILT AND THIS IS THE FINAL STITCHING OF THE BINDING.

I FIND THAT DOING IT BY MACHINE, IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT GO TOO STRAIGHT ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND THE LOOK IS NOT WHAT I WANT AFTER ALL THE WORK COMPLETING THE QUILT.

JUST MY OPINION. MAYBE OTHERS CAN GET THEIR STITCHING TO GO JUST RIGHT BUT MINE IS SOMETIMES OFF ON THE BACK SO I WILL CONTINUE TO HAND STITCH THE BACK......

ACTUALLY, I ENJOY THE HAND WORK.

Joeysnana

I do it both ways. If my hands are sore, I machine stitch. If I am having a good day and my hands aren't bothering me, then I happily hand stitch! :)