Double Fold Binding Tutorial :: Part Two

:: Double Fold Binding Tutorial :: Part One ::

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!


:: 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 ::


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.





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. 

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

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.


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


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


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. 


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


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. 

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.