Tutorials
How to Bind a Quilt – Using Bias Binding
In this tutorial I’m going to show you how to bind your quilt using pre-made bias binding (also referred to as bias tape). Every quilt will need some form of binding to finish off the raw edges and this is a quick and easy way to do it.
Measure the length of the outside edges of your quilt or sewing project. Purchase bias binding in a coordinating colour and cut to size. In this tutorial I’m using a 25mm bias tape. A 50mm size is available if you prefer a deeper binding.
You can see that my sample shows you a typical quilt sandwich, which is made up of your quilt top (batik fabric), the wadding (also referred to as batting) and your backing fabric (plain blue).
Open up the long-folded edge of the bias tape and measure the outer edge from the fold, in my example it’s 10mm. This is going to be your seam allowance.
Open up the long-folded edge of the bias tape, place right sides together aligning it with the outer edge of your quilt top. Start sewing your tape in the middle of your quilt (not close to a corner), pin in place.
Sew a few stitches before the starting end of the tape. You are going to stitch along the outer edge of the tape in the 10 mm seam allowance which is on the open fold of the binding.
Continue to sew along the edge until you get to the seam allowance which is 10mm from the corner. As I get near to the corner, I mark the point with a pin so that I can easily see it.
Gently remove your quilt from under the machine foot and place to one side. Be careful not to cut the threads or pull it out too far.
Create a mitered corner by folding the tape 45 degrees to the right. Align the bottom edge of the tape to the bottom edge of your quilt.
Fold back the binding 180 degrees to the left so that it lines up with the edge of your quilt. Pin in place.
Place it back under your machine foot, inserting the needle back in the same place you finished sewing. Continue sewing along your second side.
Repeat this process for the remaining sides. (For the purpose of this tutorial, I’m only sewing along two sides of the sample). The ends of your binding tape should overlap the point where your binding started.
Fold the binding to the back of your quilt taking care to mitre each corner and pin in place.
You can hand stitch the binding on the back using a slip stitch but I normally machine mine so that is what I am going to show you. Position your quilt under your machine foot so that you’re as close to the edge of the binding tape as possible and sew along this edge all the way around your quilt.
That’s it! You should now have a beautifully finished edge to your quilt on the top (photo above) and on the backing (photo below).
Excellent tutorial. Thank you.
Hi, it’s great to hear that you like this tutorial. Thanks for commenting.
Happy Sewing Cindy
Lovely tutorial, thank you. I have just discovered that using the little guide on a blind hemming foot helps keep you close to the fold. I also move the needle over to get real close. So far, it has worked really well.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the tutorial. Your tips are also great advice for everyone – thank you.
Happy Sewing Cindy
Lovely quilt, this was sent to me by a friend. and the cushion pattern is terrific. Thank you
Thanks for commenting Glenys, it’s great to hear you are enjoying our patterns.
Happy quilting Cindy