The finishing touch to a quilt is the binding. Binding is the frame around the focal point–the combination of fabrics, colors and cuts pieced together to make the quilt top. To become a quilt, the pieced top needs four more elements–batting, the backing, the quilting and the binding. The batting gives the quilt its body and warmth. The backing covers up the batting which by itself isn’t very stable. Batting would not hold up with much handling or washing. Thus backing is a third piece of the quilt.
At this point in the construction, machine or hand quilting stitches the three layers together. The stitching can be functional or add another dimension of design with the quilting pattern. After the top, batting and backing are sandwiched together with the chosen quilting method, the quilt must be squared up, trimmed and bound….to encase all those raw edges of the pieced top, batting and backing. The important fifth piece of a quilt…the finishing touch, the binding!
And here the quilters have more decisions to make!
Will the binding be the same color as the border or the background fabric?
Will all the binding be from the same fabric or will it be a pieced binding?
Will the binding compliment the fabrics but not be a fabric from the pieced top?
…or the same fabric as in pieced top and back.
…will a “flange” or “piping” be added ?
Does the binding need to be cut on the bias or can it be straight of grain?
Any edge that is “curvy” or “round” calls for binding cut on the bias–at a 45 degree angle from the edge of the fabric.
And big question is “Will the binding be hand sewn or machine sewn?”
Both methods are acceptable in the quilt world—sort of depends what you are making. Some quilters believe anything that will be laundered many times should have a machine sewn binding. This pot holder had the binding sewn on with a serpentine stitch. Placemats and baby quilts are often machine bound.
But a hand quilted quilt will always have the binding sewn on by hand! Most of our quilts we offer for sale are hand bound.
Yesterday I looked around our room–it was very quiet…not many sewing machines running. This is what I saw–
Five of the ten quilters in attendance were busy binding projects!
I judge Fiber Arts in the county 4-H fair. Here are some of the things I have been advised to look for when judging:
…binding on front and back should be the same width
…binding should be filled with the top, bottom and batting–no flabby binding
…hand binding should not have stitching showing—and thread used should match either the backing or the binding.
…binding corners should be square, a mitered corner with the folds going in opposite direction
…when machine binding, the stitches on both sides should be on the binding not on the backing
Remember these are just suggestions–My most loved quilts do not have “Blue Ribbon” binding!
New projects added to our Quilt Sale Etc stash include–
A set of summer theme placemats —-
Sun ripened cherries are the best! These placemats remind me of my Grandma Ella’s cherry trees that produced buckets of sweet cherries. They measure 12″ x 18″. The backing is the same green as the flange. Machine quilted and bound. 6 for $60
Another tea towel…$9
And while we are thinking Fall….
Halloween calls for lots of home decor–this table runner is 11″ x 34″ and $30. Hand bound–a solid black is used on the back.
A very grown up Halloween print was used in these four placemats. The mats measure 12″ x 18″ Four for $35.
And soon after Halloween is Thanksgiving–
This table runner gives you two options. The pieced front is a bit more formal and the backing is a jumble of colorful fall squash, flowers and pumpkins (which, yes are technically squash!). The machine quilted table runner is 14″ x 39″ and is $40. It is a two for one!!
And next is Christmas-
Traditional colors and prints were used to create this woven appearing table runner. It measures 12″ x 44″ and is $40. The backing is the red fabric with the green trees.
Another “two for one” deal with this 13″ x 38″ table runner. Either side would add to the holiday spirit. $40
It would be easy to find a place to hang this small Christmas tree panel. It measures 18″ x 19″ and already has a hanging sleeve to hold a dowel rod . $30
Judy finished binding her very cozy flannel quilt in time for it to be shared this week.
Checks, plaids, stripe and solids in grey, black, beige and brown were used in this lap quilt. Perfect for this winter when we have completely forgotten these summer temperatures! It is 40″ x 54″ and $125. A great gift for your Dad, Husband, Son, Uncle….
Reproduction 30’s and 40’s fabrics were used to make the hourglass blocks in this baby quilt.
The backing is a soft white fleece. It measures 35″ x 48″. $50.
This quilt pattern is “Olive and Nell”….sort of a hybrid of nine patch and four patch blocks in true blues and white.
Can you see this on your bed? It is 62″ x 72″….just fits the top of a queen bed. Machine quilted in a swirl and hand bound. $200
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Quilt Etc. Sale , October 15-17, at First United Methodist Church, Wichita, KS. But of course, if any thing caught your fancy you can purchase it today! Just leave me a comment or send an email.
Quilts, Etc. 