Sew-Perfect Quilt Binding Tutorial

Sew Quilting Bindings in Six Easy Steps by Nancy Zieman

Sew-Perfect Quilt Binding Tutorial

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Sew Quilting Bindings in Six Easy Steps by Nancy Zieman

Here are Nancy’s favorite steps to bind a quilt. Through the years of teaching sewing and quilting, this was her go-to quilt binding method. In the past, it was tricky for her to join the beginning and ending of the quilt binding. Not any more! We hope that you’ll enjoy this sewing tutorial on quilt binding.

Prepare binding strips.

  • Measure the length and width of your quilt.
  • Calculate the perimeter distance of your quilt by using this formula: width + width + length + length = perimeter.
  • Add 7″ to your perimeter calculation.
  • Stitch short ends of the binding strips, right sides together. Press seams open.
  • Cut one end of the binding at a 45° angle. Fold in 1/4″ at trimmed end.
  • Press a 1/4″ strip of paper-backed fusible web to the folded-under edge of the binding. Leave paper backing attached.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 1

  • Fold binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 2Attach binding to the quilt.

  • Meet the binding to the right side of the quilt, starting with the angle-cut end in the center of one side. Stitch binding to quilt with a 1/4″ seam, beginning 4″ from the end of the binding.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 3

  • Prior to reaching the corner, fold the binding at a right angle. Press mark the fold.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 4

  • Continue stitching, stopping at the press mark. Lock the stitch, raise the presser foot, and clip the threads.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 5

 

.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 6

  • Refold the binding at the 45° angle, aligning cut edge of binding with cut edge of the quilt.
  • Fold the binding down, meeting binding fold to top edge of quilt and binding cut edge to side edges.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 7

  • Stitch a 1/4″ seam, starting at the folded edge.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 8

  • Repeat the process at the remaining corners.

Join binding ends.

  • Remove the paper backing from the folded-under edge of the binding.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 10

 

.Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 11

  • Overlap the binding’s trailing end.
Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 12

  • Insert free end of binding inside beginning of binding so binding is smooth. Unfold binding and trim off excess length.
Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 13
  • Stitch remainder of binding seam.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 14

  • Press the newly created seam.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 15

Finish binding edge.

  • Fold and press binding away from the quilt.
  • Then, fold binding to the wrong side, covering the stitching line and tucking in corners to form miters.
  • Hold binding in place with Wonder Clips or pins.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 16

  • Secure edge of binding by stitching in the ditch from the right side, sewing in the well of the seam through all layers to catch the folded edge on the back of the quilt. Or, hand stitch folded edge in place.

Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 18.Binding Tutorial Nancy Zieman 17

 Ta Da! You’re finished.

WindChimeQuilt Nancy Zieman

Check out these additional Blog Posts:
blog post on borders and the blog post on stippling

Watch Fearless Quilting Finishes (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) on Sewing With Nancy online.

How to Sew a Quilt Binding

 The Best of Sewing With Nancy TV Show hosted by Nancy Zieman

Show us What You’re Making! We love to hear from you, so whether youve tried one of Nancy’s Sewing Patterns, or youre planning on stitching a project you’ve seen on Sewing With Nancy or on The Nancy Zieman Productions Blog, share your experiences and photos with us on Facebook or Instagram!

Happy Quilting!

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

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43 Comments

  • Dawn
    September 6, 2016

    My favorite part of the quilt making process is hand sewing the binding. I love to hand stitch and that is a time to really enjoy the quilt before moving on to other projects.

  • Debi Tisdale
    September 6, 2016

    I enjoy the piecing part of quilting, but I am learning longarm quilting. I always refer to your guide for my finishing!

  • MarLane Dows
    September 6, 2016

    Hello, my favorite part of the quilting process is planning the project; choosing the pattern to match the color scheme.

  • Florence Dupuis
    September 6, 2016

    My favorite part is designing the quilt. Choosing a pattern, pulling the fabrics together and getting started. I love being able to pull fabrics from my stash to use.

  • Susan Spiers
    September 6, 2016

    I love the whole process, but what I love to do is deciding on the fabric.

  • Linda
    September 6, 2016

    I like Dawn, really enjoy the hand stitching of the binding also.

  • Leslie
    September 6, 2016

    My favorite part is machine quilting. I love how a quilt feels after it is quilted. Thanks so much for this tutorial. I can’t wait to try it. Even after years of quilting, I have not found a “go-to” method to do my bindings. I’m hoping this is it. Thanks again for sharing your expertise!

    • Julia
      September 15, 2023

      I’m excited to put my first binding on. This makes me happy to hear!

  • Kathleen Schedler
    September 6, 2016

    I love giving my quilt a name and attaching a label!

  • CarolKE
    September 6, 2016

    I enjoy piecing the most, especially when I use the 1/4″ foot.

  • Jan C
    September 6, 2016

    Making the quilt top is my favorite part.

  • Debra
    September 6, 2016

    My favorite part of the quilting process is every step except the binding process and enjoy learning new techniques as shown in you post that make applying the binding easier.

  • Margaret Lawrence
    September 6, 2016

    Design and fabric selection are my favorite parts of the quilting process.

  • Sarah
    September 6, 2016

    I love the process of quilting. Especially the magic of seeing how the quilt emerges into completion and all the fussing, choices, “mistakes” become this treasure shared with another or to have and remember.

  • Joyce
    September 6, 2016

    Believe it or not, I like cutting all my strips then looking at them sitting there before I start piecing. The whole process is fun because it’s a progression that changes everytime I sew on it. I love to just look at my progress each day.

  • Patti
    September 6, 2016

    I’ve only done a few small quilts (not true quilting — only a quilted fabric that I stitched around!), but I have always been curious about it. I have a few ideas that I would like to do, but have never really followed through on it. Binding was one of the things that I have always struggled with, even on small things. This was very helpful and I am looking forward to trying a “Real” quilt one of these days!! Thanks

  • Brenda Ackerman
    September 6, 2016

    My favorite part of the process is the piecing of the quilt blocks.

  • Sandy
    September 6, 2016

    I always had difficulty envisioning how blocks were going to look. Now I have a design wall (just a large piece of foam board covered with flannel) and it makes such a difference. I have lots of fun playing with blocks and colors now!

  • Jean
    September 6, 2016

    I enjoy piecing the quilt.

  • Carol
    September 6, 2016

    I think I enjoy the hand sewing of the binding best so really haven’t tried the machine method. Maybe now is the time to give it a shot. Thanks for the great tutorial.

    Carol

  • Jan
    September 6, 2016

    I love to see a completed project. However, I don’t often have that pleasure. The binding stops me every time. Maybe this method will help. That quilt that has been lying around for 15 or more years may finally be completed!

  • Snookie Quinn
    September 6, 2016

    I’m a new quilter, started my first quilt in November of 2015. I had not used a sewing machine since home ec in junior high. I will start binding my 5th quilt today. I love every step of quilting. I wish I had started this 30 years ago! I learn something new with every quilt!

  • DJ
    September 6, 2016

    To keep the binding from puddling in my lap,
    I use an empty baby wipe container. The plastic kind with the hole in the lid. I puddle the binding in the container, close the lid and feed the binding through the hole. I put the container on the floor and sew away.

  • Cheryl
    September 6, 2016

    I enjoy doing the free motion quilting. I used to dread that part until after watching several tutorials, including yours, on free motion quilting I finally stopped being afraid of ruining my quilt.

  • Judy Marketos
    September 6, 2016

    The most difficult part of binding a quilt for me is joining the beginning and end of the binding. Thanks for the new idea! I’m looking forward to trying it.

  • Starla
    September 6, 2016

    I enjoy planing, picking the fabric and piecing the quilt top. Finishing remains a little scary, but BEING FINISHED is wonderful!

  • Patricia Svitko
    September 6, 2016

    I really enjoy the planning and cutting of the fabric. The ‘ah-ha’ moment when you see the pieces coming together, gorgeous to look at.

  • Chris Reeske
    September 6, 2016

    My favorite part is finding a pattern to go with the colors I’ve picked out. I have a tendency to buy fabric I love with no idea on how to use it, so when I find a pattern I like I’m thrilled.

  • Denise Penn
    September 6, 2016

    My fave part is relishing the 15 minutes between actually finishing a quilt project and running off to start the new one!

  • Jan N.
    September 6, 2016

    My favorite process is machine sewing the binding to the quilt because this is the last step and then the quilt is finished and ready to be used.

  • Anne
    September 6, 2016

    I enjoy every step of quilt making but I’m always impatient for the next step. I have so many patterns I want to make. I’ve tried a number of different ways to finish binding. But not thus one. May give it a whirl. ThanKS for the tutorial.

  • Gail Beam
    September 6, 2016

    I have only done some baby quilts with some free motion sewing on the top but not any piecing. I had a hard time putting on the binding and loved this tutorial on how to add the binding.

  • Tina
    September 6, 2016

    O love starting a new quilt! I have trouble finishing them so I hope to try this and get them done!

  • Teresa
    September 7, 2016

    Design!!! I love picking the pattern I want to make…then…going through my stash. And it’s a big one. Picking what I want from the supply keeps me on top of what I have too. It is so much fun!

  • Arline Bivins
    September 7, 2016

    As a beginner QUILTER, my corners are long and pointy you can poke your eye out. I would love to win Quilting Finishes to master my corners from poking eyes out.

  • Jennifer Shirley
    September 7, 2016

    I enjoy the process of laying out the blocks or strips I am working with and deciding their placement in the quilt. The correct placement of colors or blocks can create a quilt over which your eyes flow.

  • Shirley Clark
    September 7, 2016

    I love the cutting and sewing the blocks or strips together. Then laying them out to visualize what it will look like. That’s fun to me!

  • gail livingstone
    September 8, 2016

    I am a long time sewer but a new quilter and have found a new passion. Shows like Sewing with Nancy are so fantastic for people like me. Great ideas and superb instructions. I am on my second bargello – I love a challenge,
    Binding is an integral part and appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks Nancy!

  • Julie
    September 9, 2016

    How wide do you cut the binding?

  • LA Reed
    September 24, 2016

    My favorite part of the process is planning the quilt and buying fabric. I’ve started using my mom’s 1946 Singer, and it makes it easier to piece accurately. Thank you, Nancy, for your wonderful programs. I’ve been watching and using your techniques for years.

  • Karen
    September 24, 2016

    I enjoy the entire process of making a quilt…from choosing colors, to trying to be precise in my piecing, and finding new ways to quilt. The binding finds me relaxing and cuddling with my new quilt!

  • Helen Stewart
    November 28, 2016

    My favorite part of quilting is piecing to see how it all comes together. I’ll try your way of binding as it sounds like it would be easier than some ways I have tried.

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