Binding tutorial: method 1

There are two main methods of binding that I use. The first is a simple binding for smaller projects and the other I mainly use for quilts. I thought I'd write a tutorial for each. The first one today and then the second next month.

Method 1 uses 2” strips of fabric and is sewn on to your project with a 1/2” seam allowance. I sometimes join on the bias however in this example I have used straight seams. The benefits of straight seams are that it requires less fabric and is easier to sew.

 

  

 Cut 2” strips the width of fabric (110cm = WOF)

Place 2 strips right sides together and pin the 2" width at one end. Sew together using a 1/4” seam allowance, then press the seams open. 

 

Press the strips in half lengthways, wrong sides together. Then, bring the long raw edges into the middle crease and press along again.

To attach the binding to your project:
1. Clip the binding onto the bottom edge with a few inches extra at the end for joining later. Stitch the binding on using a scant 1/2"seam allowance.
2. Measure and mark 1/2" from the corner and stop stitching when you reach the mark.

3. To shape the corner, fold the binding down wrong side together, vertically in line with the edge of the project, to create a 45 degree angle on the corner. Holding the corner in place, fold the binding back up and clip in place ensuring it is aligned along the corner edges.

4. Stitch from the bottom edge up to the next corner, stopping 1/2” before the end.

5. Repeat step 3 for each corner and continue sewing until you have about 3” before you reach the start of the binding, then stop.
6. To join the two ends, mark a line about 1” in from the end then fold it back on itself, wrong side together. Lay the other end of the strip over the top, right sides together and pin, only catching the top 2 layers of fabric.

7. Fold over to check, that it lays flat and the binding strips meet at the marked line. Make sure to secure the join in place with pins before you move it to sew.

8. Move the binding so the join overhangs the project. Stitch along the marked line to join the 2 layers of binding together. Once sewn, double check the binding lays flat along your project and trim to leave a 1/4"seam allowance, then press the seam open.

9. Stitch the joined section of binding to the project, again using the scant 1/2" seam allowance.

To finish your binding, turn over your project. Bring the binding over to the back, folding the raw edge in and the folded edge down. Clip to hold in place and hand stitch in place on the reverse. I use a ladder stitch although a slip stitch would also be fine. Alternatively, you can use a machine to top stitch close to the edge of the binding.

Mx