With how to machine sew a binding on a quilt at the forefront, this guide takes you on a journey to create a professionally finished quilt with ease, from choosing the right thread and needle to adding decorative stitches.
We will walk through each step, discussing the importance of pressing the quilt, securing the quilt layers, and the best stitching length and tension.
Choosing the Right Thread and Needle: How To Machine Sew A Binding On A Quilt
When it comes to machine sewing a binding on a quilt, selecting the right thread and needle is crucial for a smooth and professional finish. A mismatched or low-quality thread and needle can lead to puckering, uneven stitches, or even a complete failure of the binding. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of choosing a suitable thread color and the best types of sewing needles for machine sewing a binding.
Importance of Choosing a Suitable Thread Color
When selecting a thread color for your binding, it’s essential to consider the color of your quilt top, backing, and binding fabric. You want the thread to blend in with the surrounding fabric, creating a seamless finish. If the thread is too light or too dark, it may become visible, detracting from the overall aesthetic of the quilt. A good rule of thumb is to choose a thread color that’s slightly lighter or darker than the surrounding fabric, depending on the fabric’s texture and weave.
For example, if you’re working with a bright, patterned fabric, a slightly darker thread color can help the stitching blend in. On the other hand, if you’re working with a light, solid-colored fabric, a slightly lighter thread color can create a more subtle finish.
- Consider the fabric’s texture and weave
- Choose a thread color that’s slightly lighter or darker than the surrounding fabric
- Avoid using a thread color that’s too bright or too dark, as it may become visible
Best Types of Sewing Needles for Machine Sewing a Binding
When it comes to machine sewing a binding, you’ll want to use a sewing needle that’s specifically designed for quilting or sewing heavy fabrics. Thicker needles, such as size 90 or 100, are ideal for quilters and can handle heavy fabrics like cotton, denim, and flannel.
For quilting and sewing binding, it’s best to use a needle with a large eye to accommodate thicker threads and yarns. Some popular options include:
| Needle Type | Eye Size | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Topstitch Needle | 1.5mm | Heavy fabrics, quilting, and binding |
| Quilting Needle | 3.5mm | Quilting, piecing, and binding |
Tips for Determining the Proper Needle Size
Determining the proper needle size can seem daunting, but it’s relatively straightforward once you have some practice under your belt. When choosing a needle, consider the following factors:
- The type of fabric you’re working with
- The weight and thickness of the fabric
- The type of thread or yarn you’re using
In general, heavier fabrics and thicker threads require larger needles. For example, if you’re working with a thick, dense fabric like denim, you’ll want to use a larger needle to accommodate the heavier material.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly larger needle size if you’re unsure. You can always adjust the needle size as needed, but using a needle that’s too small can lead to puckering and uneven stitches.
Preparing the Quilt for Binding
As we reach the final stages of our quilting journey, it’s essential to prepare our quilt for the binding process. This stage is crucial in giving our quilt a polished, professional finish. In this section, we’ll focus on pressing the quilt, trimming the edges, and securing the layers before binding.
Pressing the Quilt
Pressing the quilt is an often-overlooked step, but it’s essential for ensuring a smooth binding process. To press the quilt, place it on a heat-resistant surface and use a steam iron on the wool setting. For cotton quilts, use the steam setting, and for synthetic quilts, use the dry setting. Make sure to iron the quilt in sections, working from the center outwards to avoid creasing the fabric.
When ironing, pay particular attention to the seams, pressing them smoothly and in the same direction as the fabric. You can also use a seam roller to help flatten the seams. By pressing the quilt, we’re ensuring that the fabric is smooth, stable, and easy to work with.
Trimming the Quilt Edges
Trimming the quilt edges is a crucial step in preparing the quilt for binding. To trim the edges, use a rotary cutter and mat, cutting slowly and carefully to avoid accidents. Make sure to cut the edges evenly, using a ruler or cutting mat as a guide. This will help prevent the binding from becoming uneven and create a professional finish.
When trimming the quilt edges, we’re removing any excess fabric that may be visible after the binding is applied. This not only creates a clean, finished look but also helps to prevent the binding from becoming bulky and uneven.
Securing the Quilt Layers, How to machine sew a binding on a quilt
Before binding the quilt, it’s essential to secure the layers in place. To do this, use a pin or a clip to hold the layers together, starting from the center of the quilt and working outwards. Make sure to pin or clip the layers tightly, but not too tightly, as this can create wrinkles or creases in the fabric.
Alternatively, you can use a quilt binding ruler or a sewing gauge to help guide your stitches and create a straight edge. By securing the quilt layers, we’re ensuring that the binding will lie flat and even, creating a smooth, professional finish.
Remember to always press the quilt before binding to ensure a smooth, even finish.
Machine Sewing the Binding
As we begin to sew the binding onto our quilt, it’s essential to align the quilt and binding carefully to ensure a smooth and even finish. A misaligned binding can lead to puckering, uneven seams, and a generally unprofessional-looking finish. In this section, we’ll cover the steps to align the quilt and binding, as well as the settings for a walking foot or even feed foot, and discuss the best stitching length and tension.
Aligning the Quilt and Binding
Before we start sewing, we need to align the quilt and binding carefully. This involves matching the top edge of the quilt with the edge of the binding, making sure that the binding is straight and even.
Settings for a Walking Foot or Even Feed Foot
When sewing a long seam like the binding, it’s essential to use a walking foot or even feed foot to help guide the fabric and prevent bunching or dragging. This attachment allows the machine to feed the fabric evenly, reducing the risk of thread breakage and uneven seams.
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Here are some recommended settings for a walking foot or even feed foot:
- Speed: Reduce the speed of your machine to prevent the fabric from moving too quickly.
- Tension: Adjust the tension of your machine to ensure that the fabric is being pulled through evenly.
- Stitch length: Increase the stitch length to allow for a longer stitch, which is more suitable for sewing a long seam like the binding.
Choosing the Best Stitching Length and Tension
Choosing the right stitching length and tension is crucial when sewing a binding to prevent puckering or uneven seams. Here are some factors to consider:
Stitching Length
The stitching length should be slightly longer than the standard stitch length, around 3-4mm. This allows for a more secure stitch and reduces the risk of thread breakage.
The longer stitch length also helps to distribute the thread tension more evenly, reducing the risk of puckering or uneven seams.
Tension
The tension of your machine should be adjusted to ensure that the fabric is being pulled through evenly. The ideal tension will depend on the type of fabric and the machine being used.
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Here are some general guidelines for adjusting the tension:
- For cotton and linen fabrics, reduce the tension slightly to prevent puckering.
- For thicker or heavier fabrics, increase the tension to prevent dragging or bunching.
Finishing the Binding Edges
As you near the end of your machine-sewn binding, it’s essential to focus on completing the edges to ensure your quilt looks professional and polished. Trimming excess binding fabric, turning corners, and securing loose edges are crucial steps to maintain a neat and tidy finish.
Trimming Excess Binding Fabric
Trimming excess binding fabric is an essential step to prevent bulkiness and uneven edges. This process not only ensures a clean finish but also prevents the binding from becoming distorted or puckering.
- Using scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully trim the excess binding fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
- For a more accurate cut, use a ruler or a binding trimmer to help guide your cutting tool.
- Be mindful of the edges, as uneven trims can lead to lopsided binding.
Turning Corners
Conclusive Thoughts
By following these 8 easy steps, you’ll be able to machine sew a binding on a quilt like a pro, creating a beautiful and polished finish that enhances the overall look of your quilt.
Essential Questionnaire
Q: What is the best type of fabric to use for a binding?
A: The best type of fabric to use for a binding is a fabric that complements the quilt top, but also has a bit of texture or interest to it.
Q: How do I prevent my binding from bunching up when sewing?
A: To prevent your binding from bunching up, make sure to use a walking foot or even feed foot on your sewing machine, and keep your binding strips consistent in width.
Q: Can I use a serger to finish the edges of my binding?
A: Yes, you can use a serger to finish the edges of your binding, but make sure to align the edges carefully to avoid any unevenness.
Q: How do I prevent my binding from fraying?
A: To prevent your binding from fraying, use a fray check or a fabric stabilizer on the edges of the binding before sewing it onto the quilt.
