BINDING

Before cutting your binding strips, you need to decide whether you want single-fold or double-fold (French-fold) binding.  Also  determine whether you want to cut the binding on the straight grain or bias grain (illustrated).  If you are working on a project that has curved or scalloped edges, you will need to cut your strips on the bias grain.

Single-fold binding, as it's name implies, is a single thickness of fabric.  It requires less fabric than double-fold binding, but also provides less protection for a quilt's edges.

Double-fold binding is the most common binding type. It provides the most durable finish on a quilt's edge.

A. Prepare Quilt: Trim quilt edges with rotary cutter. Hand baste along the edges through all layers

B. Join the binding strips as shown. Trim sea,s to 1/4 inch and press open. Press one end of the binding at a 45 angle and trim to 1/4 inch. Fold the binding in half lengthwise, with wrong sides together and press.

C. Stitch Binding To Quilt: On the right side of the quilt, stitch the binding to the edge (with raw edges even) using a 1/4 inch seam. Stop 1/4 inch from the corner and backstitch. Remove quilt from the machine.

D. Turn the quilt and fold the binding up and then down along the next edge of the quilt. A little pleat will form at the corner. Stitch the binding to the second side of the quilt, stopping 1/4 inch from the corner and backstitch.

E. Repeat these steps until you reach the starting point. Cut the binding off at an angle and tuck the end into the fold. Fold the binding around the edge of the quilt to the back and stitch in place by band.