Quilt Binding and Quilt Binding Alternatives

Binding a quilt is accomplished when our add fabric to the outer edges of the material to finish it off. There are a number of different binding choices you can make when you're ready.

First, figure out if you want homemade or purchased binding. It's very easy to bind with store bought fabrics; and, you can purchase it in packages that are ready to use on your quilt. If you choose this route, look for Wrights, which is one of the better fabric companies that offers a variety of binding types that are complete with instructions.

Do you want Straight Grain or Bias? If you go with the straight grain binding, you will want to make your cuts perpendicular to the selvage of the material. There isn't much stretch when its cut this way, but it's good for straight edge quilts.

Bias binding, on the other hand, is created from fabric strips cut at a 45 degree angle to the fabric selvage. It is, by contrast, stretchy and flexible which is perfect for quilts that have curvy edges. With the bias cut, it will stretch along the curves while still lying flat when completed.

Double or Single Layers? With single layer binding, you use the least amount of fabric material which is just great for quilts that aren't used much. Double layering is more suited to quilts that will be used more, because the binding provides a really sturdy edge that can be washed regularly with no breakdown.

Hand Sewn or By Machine? You can use both a machine and by hand methods or a combination of both of them. One of the more popular methods is called French double binding which is attached by using a machine and hand sewing. It gives straight edge quilts something extra.

Alternatives to Quilt Binding

If you're not into quilt binding, there are alternatives which include wrapping the backing fabric around to the front of the quilt and binding it that way. Called self-binding, this means that you need to have the backing of the quilt to be bigger than the top of the quilt by at least 1 1/2". You will use this excess fabric to fold it in half around the front of the quilt. You can then sew it down along the front side edge either by hand or on your machine. Beginning quilters find this method useful for a quick way to finish their quilts.

You can also add material on the edge of the quilt. Called Prairie Points, the additions are square fabric pieces that are folded twice to form a triangular shape. These are then placed along the quilt edges at the top and sewn into place. Afterwards, the backing is folded in and sewn over the edges of the raw prairie points to finish off.

Which ever way you decide to bind your quilt, it will be one of your final decisions besides whether you're going to keep or giveaway your creation.

Tammy L. Kuse is the editor of http://www.quilt-pictures.com the comprehensive guide to quilts. More information about French binding is at http://www.quilt-pictures.com/french-binding.html - Copyright: You may freely redistribute this article, provided the whole text, the active links and this copyright notice remain intact.