Some people like to bind a quilt …. and some people don’t.  Some people feel both ways! I like binding the quilt because it means my project is done and I can move on to the next. However, I am often impatient because there really isn’t too much creativity that goes into binding, unlike the quilt top. 

Sometimes in the past I found that I was so anxious to get the quilt finished, I would just slap on any color binding that didn’t “offend” the quilt. Now, it’s different! I now think of binding as sort of the last “frame” for the quilts I make. There are several ways you can enhance your quilt with binding.

Color

One option is to have a scrappy binding, using several of the fabrics that were used in the quilt:

Or as another option, you can have a one color binding using your favorite color from the quilt. For example, if you have a red fabric in the blocks, you may want to call attention to that by putting on a red binding. It will appear that you are “pulling” that red out of the quilt for attention.

Another eye-catching option is binding with striped fabric. Cut binding strips on the bias from a fun stripe fabric for a cool design effect:

A final option I have used is a contrasting binding like using black fabric to frame a scrappy quilt. The black “outlines” my quilt!

Finally, if you are more interested in having your binding just fade into the background, choose a binding that is the same color or close to the same color as the outside border of your quilt.

What Size?

Do you use single-fold or double-fold binding? That is usually up to the quilter. But, here’s how I decide to use it. I use single fold binding on quilted projects that will be mostly decorative, like wall hangings, candle mats and table toppers. On quilted projects that may get more use like lap quilts and bed quilts, I will use a double-fold binding for more durability.

My single-fold binding is made from 1 1/2″ strips of fabric seamed together on the bias.

My double-fold binding is make from  2 1/4 to 2 1/2″ strips, seamed together on the bias and then pressed in half lengthwise.

Tip

So you know how it’s really hard to wrangle long strips of binding while you are attaching it to your quilt? Well, roll up your binding around a cardboard toilet paper roll and secure it with a large pin to hold in place! You can also just roll it up and secure it with a large binding clip. This keeps it under control!

Do you have any tips or ideas to share on binding? Leave me a comment and be entered in a drawing for a 3 pack of my newest patterns!

**We have a winner! Congrats, Beverly!**

So, what are you waiting for? Time to tackle that binding! Get to work!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne