05 July, 2017

Successful Binding

I have a few quilts with the binding attached and hand basted into position, they patiently wait for their turn at the finishing hand work. I have already explained my preferred method for attaching binding, but this post is focused on how to precut those binding strips for a smooth and successful application. Before I cut the binding strips I measure all four raw edges, add those numbers together and add another ten inches to the total for good measure. That ten inches allows plenty of room for joining the two binding ends together at the end. Using that final sum I divide that number by 42", the normal width of the selected fabric chosen and set aside for binding. That figure is the number of WOF strips needed to bind the quilt. I cut my binding strips 2.25". Multiplying the number of strips needed by your preferrred cut binding width will reveal how much total fabric you will need for binding. After I cut the proper number of binding strips I do the pre-trimming necessary to make perfect 45 degree joins without dog ears or second guessing where to sew the joining seam.
 I use the Creative Grid Quick Trim and Circle Ruler for perfect results every. single. time!
By aligning the 45 degree angle line of the ruler along the top of the strip and precisely placing the right edge of the strip along the corner line the exposed strip fabric can be trimmed away.

The binding strips can now be joined, RST, in the usual fashion, but without those pesky dog ears they line up neatly and sewing from corner to corner is exactly at the 1/4" seam line.

 I press all of the joins open revealing a perfect seam every time.
Once all of my binding is made and pressed I wrap it around a piece of cardboard to keep it neat and place it together with the quilt top until I am ready to attach it. Sometimes I even make the binding ahead of time and it's ready to go when I am. I hope you'll consider using this ruler the next time you are ready to make binding strips. Binding strips isn't the reason that I bought this ruler, however! I bought it because I saw a flawless mitered napkin edge hem demonstrated using this tool. Have I made the napkins yet? Of course not! But I can when I'm ready, I have the ruler!! 
Life is Good!

7 comments:

jude's page said...

I love the way you cut and have no dog ears! Thankyou for a very explicit explanation.

Janet O. said...

Looks like you have put the ruler to good use, regardless of your original reason for the purchase. I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

Carolyn said...

I use this ruler in this way also! Gmta!

Little Penpen said...

Your binding is beautiful. I think I understand what you are doing, but those rulers with all those markings, tend to confuse me. LOL

essay best said...

Wonderful work that you have been posting. I am always fond of quilting and like the patterns you have been creating. Thanks for sharing all the instructions with us.

KaHolly said...

Great explanation! That's exactly how I figure it!

Elita@Busy Needle Quilting said...

Oh, you are a clever cookie, Mrs. Goodneedle! Perfect explanation that I can add to my usual way of doing it. Thanks for sharing!