How to Machine Bind Your Quilts

Are you a beginner in quilting? Learn how to properly machine bind your quilt as early as now with this tutorial from Fat Quarter Shop. This easy technique on the machine lets you bind your quilt with more ease as a beginner. 

RELATED: How to Join Binding Ends Without Overlap or Bulk

Learn how by watching the video tutorial below for the step by step process, or continue reading down for the complete written instructions.

Directions:

Step 1

Quilt your layers together, then trim three-eights inches from the outside of the quilt top. This way, your batting and backing extend outside of your quilt top. Next, cut the corners half an inch away from the edge to reduce bulk. Set aside.

Step 2

To calculate how many binding strips you need for your project, take the perimeter of your quilt + 15″, then divide by 40″ and round it up. Once done, cut out your strips, join them on the diagonal, and press open. Next, take your strips, put wrong sides together, then press. Now, attach it to the quilt.

Step 3

Align the binding strip right on the edge of the quilt top, raw edges touching. Start sewing approximately 2 1/2″ from the edge. When you get to the corners, mark a 1/4″ away from the edge and sew directly on that line. Leave the needle down then reverse off the quilt and cut. Next, fold over the strip at a 45-degree angle, finger press, then pull back. Start sewing again right on the edge of the binding. Continue sewing until you have five to six openings left, then backstitch at the end.

Step 4

For the left tail, fold a 1/4″, finger press, fold over, lining everything up, then iron press. Take the right side of the binding, lay it on top of the left side, then cut about 1 1/2″ away past the left side. After this, open the left side, tuck in the right side, and press. Sew the remaining length of the edge left. Once done, press out the binding to finish the first side.

Step 5

Flip over the quilt, take the binding, then fold it an eighth of an inch past the binding line. Pin it in place. Go slowly around, pinning the binding in place. Start sewing right to the left of the binding, removing the pins one by one while sewing down.

How to Machine Bind Your Quilts