Single Binding Tutorial

Happy Friday!  Welcome to my Single Binding Tutorial.

 This is one of the first quilts that I used a single binding on.  It won a blue ribbon and a Judges Choice Award.

The comment I remember her saying was "the binding is so light and just lovely".  That is why I like a single binding on a small quilt, doll quilt and often wall hangings.   Notice there is no bump, or interruption on the surface of the quilt.

I've made all the photos extra large to make the steps easier to see and understand.

Step 1:
Cut you binding piece 1 3/4" inches by the length of the perimeter of your quilt.  (sorry there are so many crazy lines lol)

Step 2:
Fold one edge up 1/2" and press well.  I developed this step here to help in the final steps of the process.  You'll see its importance.

Step 3:
Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance, stitch the unfolded edge of the binding with matching thread.  I start at the edge of the quilt.

Step 4:
Before you arrive at the first corner, make a mark 1/4" inch from each edge with a pencil or in this case a Sewline white marker.

Step 5:
Stitch to the mark, pivot your quilt then reverse stitch to the edge.

 Step 6:
Life the needle and pull your work out about 2 inches.  Fold your binding up making a 45* angle, then fold it back down, lining up the edges.

Step 7:
Continue stitching through all layers.  I do not use pins because I find they bend the work and I don't want to run the risk of hitting one with my needle.  It is really bad for your sewing machine.

Step 8:
When I am nearing the end where I started, I finger press the binding around the quilt and pin it.  **Why start and stop at the edge?  On a piece that is only 9" I don't want to hassle with attaching ends in the middle.  I find this less distracting**

Here is how it looks finished.

Okay, let's take a little break.  Coco took a break from winter this week by sitting on the stoop and wondering where the snow is.  Me too, coco.

Okay now to press, glue, press and finish.

Step 9:
I press all binding away from the quilt on the top so it is nice and smooth.

Step 10:
Flip the quilt over.   It will look something like this.  Okay, so the outside stitching isn't perfect, but the corner of the stitching looks good which is what matters.

Now press the binding, folding the corners.  This where the pre-pressing really makes things easier!  It is already pressed and ready for the hand stitching - yay!

Step 11:
I glue the binding in place using a micro-tip bottle with non-toxic school glue.

I sell these little 1 oz. refillable bottles in my Etsy Store here. There are many brands and bottles available online and in quilt shops.

Step 12:

I like to clip my corners to reduce bulk.  I do this in two ways; I clip the batting and binding.  CAUTION:  take care not to clip any stitching.  I did this once and cut a hole in my corner :(

I also clip some of the tail end of the binding.

 I put a dot of glue in the corner then press to secure.

Nice and neat (a little out of focus, sorry)

Step 13:
Stitch the binding down using matching thread.

Viola'!
Nice and smooth, with no big bump.  yay!

 You might be wondering about this block.  It is one of my word challenge blocks that I will share soon.

My sewing room is a disaster!!!

 Yikes!

 That looks like a dead doll oh my!

Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

Giveaway:  I'll send you a bottle of glue to try this method, all you have to do is leave a message today and let me know if you found the tutorial useful.  I'll pick a winner next week.

Next week I'm also having a giveaway with a book and fabric!

Happy Friday
xo