Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Double Fold Binding Tutorial :: Part Two


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In my last blog post I shared how to make & attach double fold binding to a quilt, one of my favorite parts of quilting. Today I'll be sharing helpful tips + step-by-step instructions showing you how to hand stitch & finish your binding. I find this to be one of the most enjoyable & rewarding parts of quilting and hope you will too!

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:: HELPFUL TOOLS ::

[1] Thread Heaven, a thread conditioner & protector. This is a great product for all types of hand stitching, not only binding. It helps keep your thread from breaking, eliminate tangles & knots, and from fraying -- yay!

[2] Thread. Choose a thread that matches your binding to help "hide" your stitches. I like to use a cotton thread, like Aurifil.

[3] Needle. I use John James: Sharps, size 11.

[4] Thimble. This Clover Leather Coin thimble is my favorite -- find one that fits + is comfortable to you!

[5] Scissor. A little one for clipping threads is perfect.

[6] Binding Clips. I like to use Clover Wonder clips, hair clips work too.

:: HAND STITCHING ::

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Start by folding the binding to the back of the quilt, making sure to cover the stitch-line made from machine sewing the binding to the front of the quilt. Place binding clips every 5" to 8" to help hold it in place. I like to work with one edge of the quilt at a time.

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Thread (don't forget the Thread Heaven!) and knot your needle.  Take a stitch through the edge of the binding, hiding the knot between the quilt & binding. 


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Take a small stitch through the back of the quilt and the edge of the binding. Pull the thread tight.

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This step may look a little different than what you are used to seeing. I've found that by running my thread through the fold/center of the binding, rather than the back of the quilt, helps keep my binding looking crisp & hides my stitches. Start in the same place where you've just made a stitch. Poke the needle into the binding, run it through the fold/center of the binding, and back up 1/4" from the last stitch. Pull the thread tight.

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Take a small stitch through the back of the quilt and the edge of the binding. Pull the thread tight. 

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Continue, every 1/4", until you've reach the corner. Take an extra stitch in the corner to secure it. 

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Turn the quilt & fold over the corner + next side of the binding, making sure to cover the machine stitch-line from sewing the binding to the front of the quilt. 

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Take an extra stitch or two, through the back of the quilt and the binding, in the corner to secure it. 

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Continue working your way around the quilt & the remaining three corners. Note: When changing threads, make sure to hide the knot between the quilt and binding. 


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Your finished binding should look like this. 

The binding fabric I used in this tutorial is Tempo by Kanvas for Benartex Fabrics, you can find it at Fat Quarter Shop

Happy binding, 
xo, Megan. 

13 comments:

  1. probably a stupid question but how do you bury your knot after you run out of thread and at the end of your quilt? I always have a little knot...

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  2. These two tutorials are great! I'm guessing Thread Heaven would solve my crazy thread problems. The obvious question is: where did you get that adorable Clover thimble? I haven't seen anything like it other than the plain leather ones! Again, thanks for a great tutorial!

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  3. We do our bindings SO similar! I run my needle through the fold too, it's so much cleaner looking that way. Your pictures are crisp and beautiful and the instructions are clear. Great tutorial, Megan!

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  4. Very beautiful quilt..looking so nice and beautiful design and color combination.
    Cardiac Surgery India

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  5. That looks like French Fold binding, not double fold binding.

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  6. This quilt looks great and thanks for another great tutorial!! I think this method is known by both names, I've heard it more commonly as double fold binding.

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  7. Nicely done! Hope it's ok I shared on A Quilter's Table fb page...

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  8. Very nice quilting..i like the color combination very nice ..looking very fresh..I have bookmark this tutorial. Thank you for the post.
    Oncology & Cancer Surgery India

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  9. very nice quilt..i like your finishing in the quilt. looking so nice and very nice color.
    Best Hospital India

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  10. What is the fabric on the back of this quilt called? The pink and white one. Great tutorial, thanks!

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