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Protected: Quilt Binding by Machine

Written by Diane Harris on June 1, 2017. Posted in Blog, How-tos and Ideas

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Tags: binding by machine, helpful how-tos, how-tos, quilt binding

Comments (46)

  • Alfie

    July 13, 2017 at 4:12 am | #

    This is really useful, thanks.

    Reply

    • Judy

      October 24, 2018 at 10:45 am | #

      Loved this new way for me!! I will try next week.

  • Nann

    September 25, 2017 at 9:53 am | #

    I always machine-sew bindings! I used to attach them back-to-front but too often the part I pulled over would be more than 1/4″ and thus would obscure edges/points on outer blocks. (Of course with a slab binding it didn’t matter.) Now I sew them on the front, then press and fold over to the back. I use clips to hold the binding down and sew from the front. (Does that make sense? It does to me!….You can tell I don’t think the way tutorial writers write!)

    Reply

  • Nann

    September 25, 2017 at 9:54 am | #

    P.S. I almost always use zig-zag stitch to sew the binding down. It’s kind of my signature.

    Reply

  • Sherry Vicznesky

    September 28, 2017 at 12:40 pm | #

    I wanted to know if u could tell me an easy way to start quilting? I’m just trying to get into it and am a little afraid of it. Is there something I can try to begin, that is easier? Thanks so much.

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      September 28, 2017 at 1:15 pm | #

      Hi Sherry, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction. Please send an email to diane@stashbandit.net. Thank you for visiting Stash Bandit!

    • Candy

      October 19, 2017 at 3:37 am | #

      The way I learned was by watching tutorials by Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Co. They are simple and she makes mistakes just like I do.

    • Sue ann

      May 29, 2018 at 1:50 pm | #

      I bought a couple of “quiltology” baby quilt kits. They really taught me most of what I know about quilting, and they are darling! They have them on Amazon.

    • Nancy

      June 20, 2018 at 8:28 pm | #

      Sherry I went and joined a quilting guild. If you can do this I highly recommend it. You will learn soooo much there. The women there are all levels of talented, and they are all very willing to share their knowledge with you. Best thing I’ve done in a long time.

    • Sandra Oravec

      November 1, 2018 at 5:04 pm | #

      Start with something simple like a table runner. Less overwhelming and time. Then maybe a throw or baby blanket.

    • Sarah

      November 10, 2018 at 10:09 pm | #

      Hi Sherry,

      I taught myself with YouTube videos. My favorite is Angela Walters – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLjp-yIkiW1qAM-OX4StCCg – she does the Midnight Quilt Show, but she also has in-depth quilting tutorials for free motion quilting. After making quilts for 8 years, i’ve finally decided to overcome my fear of it. Angela Walters really helped with that – she makes mistakes in almost every video and the in-depth quilting videos show how to fix mistakes!

    • Cindy bockus

      November 27, 2018 at 6:35 pm | #

      I took a class at a quilt store. Be patient and realize that everyone does not do it the same. Good luck

    • Grandma G.

      April 12, 2019 at 12:13 am | #

      Hi Sherry! I hope you’ve gotten started by now. It’s great fun and you’ll get better as you go. Just remember something my quilting group buddies told me when I first started quilting, “There are no quilt police!” Enjoy the process and have fun with color combinations.

  • Nancy

    October 2, 2017 at 4:53 pm | #

    I do the same thing useing the blanket stitch…works great..no hand sewing!
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  • Barbara

    October 12, 2017 at 10:25 am | #

    It looks to me like you are sewing the binding to the front of the quilt because I see the cross stitching on the part you are sewing the binding to.

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      October 12, 2017 at 12:23 pm | #

      Hi Barbara, those cross stitches are printed onto the backing fabric! 🙂 They look real but they’re not.

  • Terry

    November 23, 2017 at 10:07 pm | #

    Very useful information. When you are working on the binding do you see straight until you able the piece for the corner. Do you not sew the top part of that angle only the bottom. I have so much bulk in the corners. How can I avoid this. Thank you for your help

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      November 26, 2017 at 6:05 pm | #

      Hi Terry, I’m not sure I understand your question, but here are a few thoughts. When attaching the binding, I sew to within 1/4″ of the next side and stop, and backstitch. Then I miter the corner by folding the binding back on itself and continuing to attach to the next side. As far as bulky corners, I do trim off the corners before I fold the binding to the front to sew it down. This takes care of it for me. I hope this helps.

  • Debra Patton

    November 26, 2017 at 11:15 am | #

    I would love to learn how to bind on my machine

    Reply

  • Juanita Taylor

    December 8, 2017 at 1:37 pm | #

    Hi Sherry, An East way to start quilting is make a quillo. That’s a fast quilt that turns into a pillow. The pattern is in most pattern books in fabric shops.

    Reply

  • Theresa

    January 7, 2018 at 12:07 am | #

    Thank you for amazing tip on binding. I’m going to try it.

    Reply

  • June

    February 26, 2018 at 7:06 am | #

    I will definitely try this method the next time I make placemats. Thank you.

    Reply

  • Janet L Wilson

    March 29, 2018 at 3:20 pm | #

    Diane, Enjoyed seeing your video on binding (again as I have see you teach this in person)
    The National Quilters Circle was new to me and I will be going there again as well as checking out your site. It’s great to see you doing so well with Stash Bandit!!! Jan

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      April 3, 2018 at 9:26 pm | #

      Thank you, Jan! I’m happy to know you visited!

  • Auntiepatch

    April 27, 2018 at 4:12 pm | #

    First time visitor but I’m glad I found you. This is a great way to bind a quilt! If I’m in a hurry I bind by machine. If I have the time, I sew it on by hand because I find it relaxing.

    Reply

  • Melody

    July 6, 2018 at 4:00 pm | #

    I like this method. However, I would not use monofilament thread on baby items. We’re a thread to come loose, it could twist around little fingers and cut off circulation.

    Reply

  • Char

    July 8, 2018 at 3:01 pm | #

    Help me please, it is a Sunday and I hope you read this today. If not, I would appreciate an answer for future quilts. This is my first time using minky fabric at all I have three pieces to unite. They were “vacuumed along the cut edges” when purchased. The salesperson told me After I called back I asked if I should take Larger seams than the normal1/4”. She said yes go 3/8” but not more. I used the end of the bolt and it will have 2”” extra on all sides instead of the normal 4”. I do see concern. At that point she told me to use polyester thread b/c minky is a synthetic. I hope I have polyester. I do have some rayon; would that work alright? I am at the point of sewing the two sides lengthwise (showing the long edges and sewing end to end and then sewing that to the long basic side piece. ANY help sewing minky material (she said it was a high end product, not like the fabric in discount stores). Please, I need a second opinion. Help. Reassurance. Anything

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      July 8, 2018 at 4:22 pm | #

      Hi Char, thanks for your comment and for sharing your questions. I do not have any experience in sewing plush fabrics, so I’m afraid I can’t help you. Generally speaking, I don’t think the fiber content of the thread matters much. The main thing is to sew with something that your machine tolerates. And I would use plenty of pins. And try not to stress over it. You’re certainly learning a lot and I’m sure the quilt will be fine in the end. Good luck!

    • Lubi

      December 8, 2018 at 7:44 am | #

      Hi Char,
      I have been sewing with minky for few years now. I mainly use Shannon fabrics minky which is high quality one. In Terms of any help there is few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, use walking foot, it will help to feed the fabric. Make sure you also use ball point needle as minky is stretchy material, polyester threads are recommended and then lots of pins. Minky is slippery so pining well will give you less headache 🙂 there is lot’s of videos on you tube to guide you and possibly a swear more questions you might have. Good luck!

  • Sue

    July 12, 2018 at 8:21 am | #

    I just read the tutorial on quilt bindings. I just finished a quilt and struggled with the binding bunching when I sewed. I used pins, would clips have been a better way to hold fabric straight? I also needed help with mitering corners. It turned out okay but I know that there were mistakes in the binding. Any suggestions for next time?

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      July 12, 2018 at 10:22 am | #

      Thanks for your comment, Sue. Using a walking foot helps a lot with problems like bunching. And practice will help, too. Do you have a book with good instructions for binding? That’s helpful. Or google for a video. It does get easier as you have more experience!

  • Sandra Lanter

    August 10, 2018 at 7:08 am | #

    I have been machine binding like this, however, I picked up two new steps that I will use from your post. I like your stitch better than the zig zag I have been using and I will watch my bobbin thread color. One can always pick up new ideas…Thank you.

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      August 10, 2018 at 10:14 am | #

      Hi Sandra, I’m glad to hear you’ll have new things to try on your machine binding. Thanks for visiting. Quilt on!

  • Joanne Robinson

    August 27, 2018 at 10:08 pm | #

    This looks so good and the directions are really clear, can’t wait to use it on my current project….will save me and my fingers many hours of toil! Thanks.

    Reply

  • Deb

    September 4, 2018 at 8:49 pm | #

    I like to machine sew the binding but haven’t found the perfect way yet. I have an issue with the binding kinda rolling up on the front if you don’t sew close enoughto the edge. The blanket stitch should take care of that 🙂 However, when you get to the corners do you go up the diagonal or just round the corner? Your post may have said to break thred and start down the ither side….

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      September 4, 2018 at 9:30 pm | #

      Hi Deb, thanks for your question. I use a walking foot when I attach the binding, and when I sew it down on the front. It’s a necessity to keep things nice and smooth. At the corners, I miter them the same way I would if I was sewing by hand. I make certain to anchor the machine stitches in place when I start and stop at each corner. Maybe I will do a photo tutorial to show the corners in detail. Thank you for visiting Stash Bandit!

  • Suzanne H

    December 14, 2018 at 8:02 pm | #

    Diane, thanks so much for sharing. I’m new to quilting and about to finish up my first lap-size quilt for my great niece for Christmas. I have not completed the hand quilting yet, but once I do, I’m going to use this technique for the binding. Ironically, I just ordered some invisible thread today (before reading this post) because I’m planning to buy a new sewing machine soon with a hand stitch setting. I can’t wait to try this binding technique out, and thanks again for sharing!

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      December 15, 2018 at 7:54 am | #

      Hi Suzanne, I’m happy to meet you. Welcome to the world of quilting! I hope it brings you many happy hours of enjoyment. Thank you for visiting Stash Bandit. 🙂

  • Suzanne

    December 20, 2018 at 5:54 pm | #

    Neat!!! I’ve bound quilts this way but never thought to use invisible thread on the top. I’m just finishing a wall hanging as a Christmas present for my daughter and this will a great way to bind it.
    Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      December 21, 2018 at 7:25 am | #

      I hope it works well for you, Suzanne! 🙂

  • Jen

    December 24, 2018 at 7:37 am | #

    Hello, I have a question about the thread. I purchased the monofilament thread a while ago but have been afraid to use it, does it ever behave differently than other threads? I guess I need to practice on some scraps with it, every time I think about it the project I am working on is too important to make a mistake on. Any tips for working with it?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      December 24, 2018 at 5:36 pm | #

      Hi Jen! I do think the monofilament can behave differently depending on your machine. From what I’ve observed, I think the most commonly needed adjustment is to loosen the top tension. Yes, great idea to try it on a practice piece. Best of luck to you!

  • Pat Lucas

    January 27, 2019 at 2:40 am | #

    FYI – using monofilament thread on childrens clothing, bedding – including quilts – in a commercial setting is against the law. This thread is a strangle threat and can also come loose or break and has been known to get wrapped around a toe and no one sees it until too late. I just figure that if those concerns exist in the commercial world, that’s good enough for me. I dont use it on any quilt I make for fear of it harming a child.

    Reply

  • joy caryl bach

    February 18, 2019 at 6:25 am | #

    Thanks for the tip. I have done this with a fancy machine stitch that worked great. Really good for baby quilts that get washed alot.

    Reply

  • Gloria Leliefeld

    January 17, 2020 at 9:32 pm | #

    I have used your tips here on my last two quilts and I just want to thank you for this information. I absolutely love this technique. It looks wonderful everytime. I used to machine sew to the front and then hand sew to the back, this is much quicker and looks so crisp. Thank you again. I only use this on blankets I make for adults.

    Reply

    • Diane Harris

      January 18, 2020 at 9:06 pm | #

      Gloria, I’m so glad to know that! Thanks for reaching out!

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