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Binding

iQuilt Know How

Adding a binding with a mitred corner - the perfect finish!

Preparation: Trim the backing and batting level with the quilt top. Check that all corners are 90 degrees. Add the length and width of the quilt together then double this to give you the length of binding required.

Step 1: Binding strips are usually cut at 2 1/2in (6.5cm) across the width of the fabric selected for the binding. Cut enough strips to give the required length of the binding plus 20in (50cm).

Step 2: Join the binding strips together end to end. Press seams flat.

Step 3: Fold the strip in half lengthwise. Press under 1/4in (7.5mm) at one end. Start with this end.

Step 4: Always begin to pin the binding at least 4in (10cm) from the corner. Here the binding is placed at a join in the quilt. With raw edges together, and beginning with the end with the hem, begin pinning the binding in place.

Step 5: Continue to pin the binding in place until 1/4 in from the corner.

Step 6: Stitch from the beginning to 1/4 in from the corner. Backstitch, cut the thread and remove the quilt from the sewing machine.

Step 7: With the quilt on a flat surface, turn the binding up so that it is in a straight line with the next edge to be stitched.

Step 8: Bring the binding down onto the next side making very sure that the folded edge must be even with the top edge of the quilt. Pin the binding in place along the length of the side of the quilt as before, with the last pin 1/4in from the corner.

Step 9: Stitch the binding in place along the side of the quilt from the top of the stopping again 1/4 in from the corner. Begin stitching at the top edge of the quilt.

Step 10: Finish the binding with a simple hem.

Step 11: Turn the quilt to the back. Fold the binding to the back and pin in place. At the corners make a 45 degree fold - there will be a mitre on both the front and back of the quilt.

Step 12: The mitred corner on the front of the quilt.

Step 13: Using a slip stitch and thread matching the binding, sew the binding in place.

Step 14: View of the binding from the front. Secure the mitre with a few tiny stitches if desired. Often judges at quilt shows will look for beautifully finished bindings with those invisible extra stitches on front and back.