On the Road to Spring quilt-along (week six: binding your quilt)

I can't even believe that I am posting the last quilting tutorial! 

When we started it seemed so exciting that spring would be just around the corner when we completed this, and here we are!  When we were driving around town this weekend we noticed that the globe willows are starting to show a green blush, and that means that leaves are a comin' soon.  You will hear no complaints from me about this, that's for sure.

This week we will be binding our quilts.  This is the step that provides a clean edge for the entire quilt, as well as a frame for your creation.  The color you pick for the binding will highlight those same colors and tones within the quilt, so choose accordingly.

Your first step is to cut the excess batting and backing off of your quilt, even with the quilt top:

Cut seven 2-1/2" strips using this technique.  Seven strips will be a bit too much, but I always like to have too much than not enough.  Basically, you want to make sure that the total binding pieces measure longer than the outside measurement of your quilt:

Sew all the pieces together, end to end:

Open all of the seams and iron them flat:

Iron your binding piece in half along the entire length:

Personally, I find it more effective to pin and sew the edges of the binding on one at a time.  This way you don't end up with puckering at the end.

Start pinning the binding to the quilt edge in the middle of one of the sides:

When you get to the corner, lay out the binding like this and make a crease with your finger:

Now fold the corner like this:

Now fold the edge like this and pin in place:

You can now start sewing your binding on, but start approximately 6 inches away from the first pin (that six inch piece will be sewn down in a little bit):

When you get to your first corner, sew like this and backstitch:

Remove your pin and refold the edge:

Now start sewing approximately 1/4" from the corner of the quilt:

Keep sewing around the entire quilt, pinning and folding the edges in the manner shown above.  Stop approximately 6" from the end of the binding. 

When you come around to your starting point you will fold and iron your binding like so:

You will open the fold and pin the binding using the ironed fold as a guide:

Now sew along that ironed seam to connect the binding.  Pin the binding in place on your quilt and complete the sewing.  Your binding should be sewn around the entire quilt now.

Flip the binding to the back of the quilt and pin in place:

Once you have pinned the entire backing, you will hand-sew the binding in place:

Once the binding is completely sewn on, you are holding your finished quilt.  Some clipping of threads will be needed, but other than that it's done!

DONE!

I have to admit that I have not finished my hand-quilting, but as soon as I do I will post pictures and post links to all 6 quilting tutorials so they can be easily accessed for use at any time.

I hope you have had fun because I sure have!  Quilting is a rewarding, artistic endeavor that only gets easier and more perfect over time.  Never forget that practice makes perfect.

Happy sewing!