March 22, 2010

A question that I am often asked is “How wide do you cut your binding”. The question I ask back is “How wide do you want your binding to be finished”. This is not a difficult problem. Generally, I like ½” finished binding. That is, the width of the binding you see on the front of the quilt when completed. With the desired ½” binding, the cutting formula is: (½” x 6) + ¼” = 3¼” This is for double folded French binding. The ½” represents the finished size of the binding. The “x6” is because when folded and sewn on the quilt there are 2 layers repeated 3 times. The ¼” is what I call the “fudge factor” because as you are folding the binding fabric and then sewing the fabric you will lose ¼” (folds and thread) and this makes it easier to bring the fabric to the reverse side of the quilt for hand finishing. For general online directions for binding: Click here: Sunshower Quilts: Double Fold French Binding This article doesn’t use my formula but is otherwise a valid tutorial and easy to follow. General rules I follow for binding: • Unless the quilt needs a curved binding, I cut binding strips selvage to selvage • Add up the perimeter size of the quilt, divide by 40” to get the number of strips needed and then add 1 additional strip (a 50” x 70” quilt= 50 + 50+ 70+ 70= 240” then divide by 40 = 6 strips + 1 extra = 7 strips needed). If I were cutting ½” binding then I would need (7) 3¼” strips for my binding • I join the strips on a 45o angle and iron the joining seams open to reduce bulk • Start sewing your binding onto the quilt at some place on the side, not at the corner • When stitching the binding to the back of the quilt (by hand) do not pull the thread too tight or your binding will pucker