The Art of Quilt Binding
Quilt binding is the last step before making sure that the quilt is completely finished. There are several ways to do quilt binding. You can give the quilt a double fold binding, which is also referred to as French fold binding. However, the other binding options include single fold binding, fusible binding and raw edge binding.
You can bind your quilt both in narrow as well as in a wide manner. However, the binding color can be both contrasting or it can go matching with the color of the quilt as well. It can however be a cross grain binding or you can also proceed with the binding along the length, or in a straight grain form.
Quilt binding is not so essential in case you are to use the quilt as a piece of art or for decorative purposes. In such cases, you can make use of any sort of binding you like. For varieties such as bed quilts or lap quilts a double fold cross, grain or bias binding becomes absolutely, essential. Further, this also helps in providing extra potency and flexibility to the stuff.
Joining quilt binding strips
Binding of the strips should be done from end to end. You can also do it on the bias. When the strips are binded from end to end, the seam becomes bulky and apparent after the quilt has been completed. On the other hand, when you bind the strips on the bias the seam line is not so noticeable especially at the time of piecing the busy fabric.
How to secure quilt binding
This involves four essential steps:
First, you have to calculate the size of your fabric square and this calls for "Calculations for Continuous Bias Binding" below. After this you need to cut the fabric square diagonally.
The next step is to take the quilt with a right facing and start stitching the seam first along the initial sides, but always be careful never to stretch the bias.
Then its your turn to press the seam and open the mark lines along the width of the binding.
After you have finished seaming along the initial sides, you must sit to join the final sides. Once the seam opens you should start cutting along the marked lines.
Two different ways of quilt binding along the edges
Firstly, for quilt binding along the edges you can always make use of an overlap of material either from the top of the quilt or from the backing. However, you should always fold the excess material over the raw edge and then carefully stitch down the turned under edge of the binding. This binding procedure is easy and simple and thus you can go for it without having a second thought.
Remember, when you are to go for quilt binding your priority should be durability and toughness and not the appearance of the quilt.
