How to Sew Quilt Binding

For the Tumbling Squares quilt, we will need to make straight grain binding as opposed to bias binding. Bias binding is used when you have scalloped edges on your quilt, but this quilt has only straight edges. Therefore straight grain binding is perfect! Follow these easy quilting instructions to learn how to make straight grain binding and sew it onto your quilt.

Making the Quilt Binding Strips

You will need the (4) 3" binding strips that you cut previously according to the cutting chart.

	Step 1: On all four sides of your now machine quilted quilt, cut away the excess fabric leaving a 0.25" extra batting and backing beyond the edge of the quilt top.
	Step 2: Cut the selvedges from the (4) 3" binding strips. Assembly-line sew the binding strips together, end-to-end, so they form one long 3" strip.
	Step 3: Iron open the seam allowances on the binding strip.
	Step 4: Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and iron.

Sew the Binding Strip onto the Quilt

	Step 1: In the middle of one of the quilt sides, line up the cut edge of the binding strip with the edge of the quilt top. Leave a 4-6" tail of unsewn binding strip before you start sewing. Do not anchor your first stitches.
	Step 2: Sew down the side of the quilt 0.25" away from the quilt top edge. Stop 0.25" away from the corner of the quilt top with the needle down.
	Step 3: Lift the presser foot and turn the quilt 90 degrees. Lower the presser foot and reverse stitch just past the edge of the quilt top. Make sure you stop with the needle down.
	Step 4: Holding the binding strip in your right hand, pull it back toward the sewing machine needle. Make a 45 degree fold with your left hand that starts in the middle of the corner. Fold the binding strip down over the fold so the cut edge now lines up with the edge of the quilt top. This is a mitered corner.
	Step 5: Continue sewing the remaining sides, mitering the corners as in Steps 2 - 4. Stop sewing 4-6" from where you started sewing the binding to the quilt top. Remove the quilt from the machine and clip threads.
	Step 6: Lay the quilt flat. Open both sides of the binding and draw them right sides together until they meet in the middle of the un-sewn area. Pin the edge.
	Step 7: At the pin mark, sew the two ends of the quilt binding strip right sides together. Cut off excess, leaving a 0.25" seam allowance. Finger press the seams open.
	Step 8: Lay the quilt flat and sew the opening in the binding closed. Make sure you anchor your starting and finishing stitches.