A Simple Way to Bind Quilts

I used to not like binding quilts when I was a beginner quilter. I found it confusing, especially the part where you connect the last part of the binding together end to end on the quilt. Sometimes I would get it the first time and other times I would have to look up a tutorial and try several times. 

But now I bind my quilts in a simple and easy way that works for me. 

Mind you I'm not saying this is the best way, or that you will win any awards for your quilts with this method. 

But I much prefer to find a way to make quilting enjoyable for me than sew my quilt how someone else tells me is the "correct way". So I'm going to share my easy, peasy way with you. 

So here we go! 

Firstly, bias binding (cutting your binding on a 45 degree angle, or on the bias, which gives the fabric give and stretch) is a great way to bind quilts. If you are making a wall hanging and want all the edges to hang straight, without rippling when it hangs, then I suggest using bias binding. 

However, I realized I don't love making bias binding. So I don't do it unless a specific project calls for it, likes bags. 

I like to cut my binding 2 1/2 inch strips x width of fabric. Some people like thinner strips, so maybe just experiment how wide you like your strips. 

Mind you, your fabric should really be ironed before you cut. So do as I say, not as I do. LOL.

Cut off all the selvages. 

Repeat until all strips are sewn together and you have a nice long strip ready to press. 

I like the look of the straight seam on the quilt binding. A lot of quilters do a 45 degree angle when sewing their strips together. I just prefer this way, it's easy and I like the clean look. 

Press the seams open and the fabric in half the long way. You will have one very long strip like below. 

I like to start sewing the binding to the quilt in the middle of a long side of the quilt. I leave a little tail when I start. Make sure to sew the binding on the top of the quilt with the raw edge facing out. 

Sew 1/4 inch away from the edge and go slow. I suggest using a walking foot to help pull all the layers through together. 

Sew the binding all the way around the quilt top until you get back to the start. Leave about a foot of space and another tail on the other end to work with. 

Lay the "tails" on top of each other, overlapping them. Pull the top one back so that they overlap by 1/4 of an inch. 

I like to press a crease with my finger at the 1/4 inch line. You can mark it however you want. It just needs to be trimmed off at that line.