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Quilt Binding How Wide Should the Binding Be Cut?
Kippysan Intermediate CT Member since 4/19/11 Posts: 196	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/30/12 7:42 PM I'd appreciate some help determining who wide I should cut quilt binding strips. I've read several books and of course, I get all kinds of answers. How wide should I cut the fabric if I want a finished 1/4 inch binding on both sides of the quilt, and, how wide should I cut the fabric if I want a finished 1/2 inch binding on both sides of the quilt? Kippy
Warbler   Advanced VT USA Member since 4/15/07 Posts: 2612	Login to reply to this post In reply to Kippysan << 1 member likes this. Date: 12/30/12 8:14 PM The standard cut width is 2-1/2''. That can give a nice 1/4 front but about 1/2 on the back. I have decided to cut the strips at 2-1/4 for my next quilt and see if I can eliminate the extra width on the back. I always hand stitch on the back side but I think I'd also like to bind by machine. I have heard some cut the strips at 2-1/8 but that is too exacting for for me. ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91
Bobbinnoli Intermediate MD USA Member since 7/13/10 Posts: 77	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/30/12 8:28 PM I agree with the 2 1/4". I used to cut the strips at 2 1/2" but that turned out to be a little bit much. You have to figure out, after folding in half and stitching down (your seam allowance), how wide to cut the strips. Don't forget to factor in the thickness of the batting also. I also hand stitch my bindings down on the back.
Kippysan Intermediate CT Member since 4/19/11 Posts: 196	Login to reply to this post In reply to Warbler << Like this post Date: 12/30/12 8:37 PM I sew the binding on by hand on the back side and I don't mind doing so. I should clarify that I'm referring to double-fold, not single-fold binding - which I know you understood. I'm not a perfectionist, but I would like to end up with the same amount of binding on both sides of the quilt. Are you sewing a 1/4 inch or a 1/2 inch seam when you use 2 1/2 inch binding? Kippy
Warbler   Advanced VT USA Member since 4/15/07 Posts: 2612	Login to reply to this post In reply to Kippysan << Like this post Date: 12/30/12 8:54 PM Yes, double fold! My seam allowance in almost 3/8'' or a generous 1/4''. ------ Janome MC6600 Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1 Singer 15-91
Kippysan Intermediate CT Member since 4/19/11 Posts: 196	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/30/12 9:12 PM Okay then. I'm going to cut 2 1/4 inch strips and use a 1/4 inch (generous) seam and we'll see what I get! Thanks for your help! Kippy
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5223	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 12/31/12 2:30 PM The cut with of your double folded (French) binding can be whatever works best for the quilt. One batting can be thinner or thicker that the last one you made. The top can be made from different weights/thickness of fabrics. The best solution is to make a mini quilt as a sample for testing which measurement works for the project. ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 2205	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/31/12 5:07 PM I think it's much easier to experiment with the seam allowance of your binding on your current quilt than to make an extra mock up quilt and experiment with it. Sharon Schamber explains it well here: starts at about 8:20 Sharon Schamber Binding edited because I can't type! -- Edited on 12/31/12 5:07 PM -- ------ Cathryn
Kippysan Intermediate CT Member since 4/19/11 Posts: 196	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/2/13 9:17 PM Ta Da!!!!!! I cut the binding strips 2 1/4 inches and my quilt came out great. Folding over and hand sewing the back side is going great - enough fabric to cover the stitch line, but not too much! I usually use Quilter's Dream batting but this time I used Warm & Natural. And I was surprised to see how many seeds are in the batting. But on the good side, it quilted nicely. Thanks everyone for your help! Kippy

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