Quilt Binding and Other Edge Finishes

The quilting's done, but...
...a quilt isn't done until its edges are.

Quilt binding is just one of many ways to finish your quilt's edges. Do you know which kind to use?

Your Binding Choices

The most common way to finish a quilt's edges is to bind it. Binding can be done in several ways.

An example of plaid, double-
fold, bias binding

Double Fold Binding

This is the most used and durable quilt binding.

It is made from a double layer of quilting fabric using either the bias or straight of grain.

Easy to apply.

A good choice for any type of quilt. Wears well.

Single Fold Binding

This type of binding, as the name suggest, covers the quilt's edges with a single layer of fabric. It can be made of either bias or straight grain strips. It's easy to attach. Good for quilts that will be used lightly and washed infrequently. Good for wall quilts.

Self-binding (sometimes called Edge-turned Binding)

This type of binding protects the quilt's edges with just a single layer of fabric. For this method, the quilt's backing fabric is trimmed straight and wrapped around to the front of the quilt and stitched in place to form the binding. Good for quilts that will be used lightly and washed infrequently. Good for wall quilts.

Commercially-made Binding Tape

Precut and Packaged Binding Binding Tape
Black double fold (l), White single fold (r)

Commercially made binding can be a great time saver, if you choose the right one. There are two types:

• Precut and Packaged Binding Tape:

  This is sold as a notion in fabric stores. DO NOT use for quilts. This binding is made of fabric 50% polyester/50% cotton and is quite different in quality than your typical quilt fabric. It tends to not lay flat after it's been washed. Save this for finishing baby bibs, aprons, seams in clothing, etc.

• Precut Bias Quilt Binding on Rolls:

  This type of binding is made and supplied by the same manufacturer's that produce the quality quilt fabric you'll find in your local quilt store. The two drawbacks are:

  • A limited choice of colors and patterns
  • A limited choice of binding widths

Alternatives to Quilt Binding

Prairie points used on
the edge of a quilt

Prairie Points

These are also sometimes called Sawtooth Edging, Dogtooth Borders or Cats' Ears.

These small folded triangles are made from either strips of fabric or small square, scraps to finish a quilt's edges.

Prairie points add a great deal of interest with the use of color and texture and are a great addition to any quilt.

Faced Edge

Facings, instead of bindings, are used to finish the edges of a quilt. The quilt design simply stops at the edge. A nice finish for contemporary quilts.

Birthing a Quilt

This is a quick method for finishing a quilt's edges. It can be used in combination with adding prairie points or ruffles or just as it is. A quilt backing is sewn with to the quilt top and batting with right sides together, leaving an opening on one side. The quilt is then turned and the opening slip stitched closed. Quilting can be added at this time. A great alternative for baby and art quilts.

The Great Binding Debate

Quilters differ on whether or not binding strips should be cut on the bias.

Some believe that bias wears better on the edge of a quilt because of the extra threads along a bias line. Straight grain binding, because it has fewer threads along the binding edge, is a weaker edge finish.

For quilts with straight edges, I always use a cross grain binding, that is, one made from strips cut from selvedge to selvedge and here is why.

Quilt fabric is almost always pulled slightly off grain as it it cut and rolled onto its cardboard bolt. You can prove this easily. Pull a piece of fabric from your stash. Make a cut that is perpendicular to the selvedge edge. Now try to pull a single thread from this edge.

Betcha can't!

That's because the cross grain is off grain at least a bit.

That means that any cut made on the cross grain is already, at least, a slightly bias cut that will provide extra thread coverage at the edge of the binding. Because it has some stretch, I find that cross binding works well for quilts with straight edges, mitered corners, and even quilts that have slightly rounded corners. I save bias binding for quilts with many curved edges (like scallops) or when using a plaid or striped quilt fabric where I want to use a particular design detail.

A word about lengthwise grain binding...

The lengthwise grain is the strongest and most stable of a fabric's grain lines. Given the way fabric is woven, make a cut along this grain line and you've a better chance of it being straight on grain.

There will probably be less thread coverage with binding cut from the lengthwise grain. Because of this and the fact is has virtually no stretch, do not use binding cut from these strips on quilts with curved edges.

Do use lengthwise grain binding strips when you are trying to capture a particular pattern or need very long binding strips.

What Makes A Good Binding

Quilters who enter shows find that bindings do count. Even if you don't enter shows, a poor binding can seriously effect a quilt's overall appearance.

A quality quilt binding is:

• Full - the top, batting and backing extend to the very outside edge of the completed binding
• Specific to the type of quilt – an antique looking quilt looks best with a skinny binding
• Covers the stitching line used to attach the binding to the quilt
• Even all around the entire quilt
• Flat - no puckers or twisting

If you've attached your binding by machine and pulled it around to the back to tack down, the hand stitches used should not show on the front of the quilt.

If you use your sewing machine to tack down your binding, if the stitches are to show, make them neat and tie them off properly. If they are meant to be invisible, make them so.

Finish It Up!

Choosing the appropriate quilt binding that compliments your quilt in design, color and quality is, indeed, a fine ending to a wonderful project!

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