Quilt Binding: Turning Corners

I quite enjoy adding the binding to a quilt. I think it is because at this point I know the quilt is almost finished and I’m going to get to enjoy the end results very soon!

But a tricky part of adding quilt binding is turning corners and creating neat corners. I know some people avoid the corners by making them into curves but you don’t have to. You can create neat corners simply by adding a couple of folds in the fabric.

Binding Basics

First of all let’s talk about that binding you’re going to attach to you quilt.

• I cut binding into 2″ or 2.5″ strips across the width of the fabric. (Some people use binding cut on the bias.)
• Sometimes I join scraps to create a long strip.
• I straight join my binding – it’s quick and easy! (Some people join strips at an angle.)
• Once I have a long enough strip to go around the outside edge of my quilt, I iron the whole strip in half lengthways with the right side out.
• Now it’s time to join it to the quilt edge on the front of the quilt top: Line up the raw edge of the binding strip with the edge of the quilt where you’re going to start sewing. Leave a tail of about 10″ for joining later on. I start in the middle of a side of the quilt usually.
• Start sewing your binding onto the quilt about 1/4″ in from the edge.

How to Turn Corners with Binding

• When you get close to a corner, sew until you are about 1/4″ from the end of the side. (You can even do a little back and forth stitch if you want to.)
• Lift the presser foot but don’t cut the thread.

• Slide the quilt out from under the foot slightly so you can fold the binding strip.
• Fold the strip over to the right creating a fold with a 45″ angle. The bottom of the binding strip will now run parallel to the next side of the quilt.

• Then fold the strip back along the next side of the quilt leaving a little triangle of fabric folded in the corner. Hold it in the place with your finger or pop a pin into it.

• Turn the whole quilt and slide it back under the presser foot ready to sew down the new side.

• Start sewing from the edge so you will catch the corner of that folded triangle with the next couple of stitches.

• Continue sewing down the side and round the next corners!

Joining the Binding

• When you get back to the start of your binding leave a gap of about 6″ and a tail of about 10″.
• Then use this tutorial to help you join the ends together neatly (I could explain it all again but she’s done such a great job!!)

Finally you will hand stitch the other side of the binding to the back of your quilt

– a great job for in front of the TV! When you come to the corners, you will a little extra fabric to fold like you did on the back to create a neat finish.

Another tip: Use pegs to hold your binding in place like this.

 Like my Angry Birds Star Wars quilt? Find more info here.