Sewing binding on a quilt by machine is an art that requires precision, patience, and practice. As we dive into the world of machine binding, it’s essential to understand the importance of binding in quilting and its benefits. From adding a professional finish to protecting the quilt’s edges, binding is a crucial step in the quilting process.
In this article, we’ll explore the materials needed for sewing binding, preparation of the quilt for binding, the machine binding process, handling quilt corners, points, and seams, and provide tips and tricks for a successful machine binding experience.
Materials Needed for Sewing Binding
Sewing binding on a quilt using a machine requires a variety of tools and materials. In this section, we will discuss the essential tools required for the task and explore the types of threads and fabrics suitable for quilt binding. Additionally, we will delve into the importance of choosing the right binding width and selection of binding strips.
Essential Tools for Sewing Binding
The tools required for sewing binding on a quilt are relatively simple and can be found in most sewing kits. However, having the right tools can make the process much easier and more efficient.
- Sewing machine: A sewing machine is the primary tool for sewing binding on a quilt. It is essential to choose a machine that is suitable for the task, with a sturdy and stable base, and adjustable stitch length and width settings.
- Sewing needles: Specialized sewing needles, such as sharp or ball-point needles, are designed for sewing fabrics and are ideal for sewing binding on a quilt.
- Sewing threads: Sewing threads come in various weights and types, including cotton, polyester, and blends. For sewing binding on a quilt, it is recommended to use a high-quality cotton thread or a thread specifically designed for sewing fabrics.
- Sewing scissors: Sharp sewing scissors are essential for cutting binding strips and fabric.
- Rotary cutter and mat: A rotary cutter and mat are useful for cutting binding strips and fabric efficiently and accurately.
- Ruler and marking tools: A ruler and marking tools, such as a seam gauge or a marking pencil, are handy for measuring and marking binding strips and fabric.
Types of Threads Suitable for Quilt Binding
The type of thread used for sewing binding on a quilt is crucial for ensuring a strong and durable finish. In general, it is recommended to use a high-quality cotton thread or a thread specifically designed for sewing fabrics.
- Cotton threads: Cotton threads are a popular choice for sewing binding on a quilt due to their strength, durability, and resistance to fraying.
- Polyester threads: Polyester threads are another option for sewing binding on a quilt, offering excellent strength and resistance to fraying.
- Blends: Thread blends, such as cotton-polyester blends, offer a balance of strength, durability, and resistance to fraying.
Types of Fabrics Suitable for Quilt Binding
The type of fabric used for sewing binding on a quilt is also crucial for ensuring a strong and durable finish. In general, it is recommended to use a high-quality cotton fabric or a fabric specifically designed for sewing bindings.
- Cotton fabrics: Cotton fabrics are a popular choice for sewing binding on a quilt due to their strength, durability, and resistance to fraying.
- Calico fabrics: Calico fabrics are another option for sewing binding on a quilt, offering a balance of strength, durability, and a decorative touch.
- Floral fabrics: Floral fabrics can add a decorative touch to a quilt’s binding, but may not be as durable as cotton or calico fabrics.
Choosing the Right Binding Width and Selection of Binding Strips
Choosing the right binding width and selecting the right binding strips are crucial for ensuring a professional-looking finish on a quilt. In general, it is recommended to choose a binding width that is proportional to the size of the quilt and the desired visual effect.
- Narrow bindings: Narrow bindings, typically 1-2 inches wide, are ideal for small quilts or decorative accents.
- Wide bindings: Wide bindings, typically 3-4 inches wide, are ideal for large quilts or decorative accents.
li>Medium bindings: Medium bindings, typically 2-3 inches wide, are suitable for most quilts and offer a good balance between functionality and visual appeal.
A professional-looking finish on a quilt can be achieved by choosing the right binding width and selecting the right binding strips.
Preparation of the Quilt for Binding: Sewing Binding On A Quilt By Machine
To ensure a seamless and professional-looking binding process, it is essential to prepare the quilt properly before machine binding. This involves pressing the quilt to remove any wrinkles or creases, and handling it with care to prevent damage to the fabric or the stitches.
Pressing the Quilt
Pressing the quilt is a crucial step in preparing it for machine binding. It helps to remove any wrinkles or creases that may have developed during the quilting process, making it easier to work with and ensuring a smoother binding process. Use a hot iron and steam to press the quilt, paying particular attention to areas where the binding will be applied. Make sure to press the quilt while it is still warm, as this will help to set the stitches and prevent them from coming undone during the binding process.
Stabilizing the Quilt
Stabilizing the quilt during the binding process is crucial to prevent the fabric from shifting or distorting. This can be achieved through various methods, including using a walking foot or a Teflon foot on your sewing machine, using a stabilizing strip or interfacing on the back of the quilt, or pinning the quilt in place.
Methods for Stabilizing the Quilt
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Using a walking foot or Teflon foot on your sewing machine can help to stabilize the quilt and prevent it from bunching up or shifting during the binding process. This is particularly useful when working with densely packed quilts or those with a lot of texture or unevenness.
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Applying a stabilizing strip or interfacing to the back of the quilt can help to keep it flat and prevent it from stretching or distorting during the binding process. This is particularly useful when working with quilts made from delicate or lightweight fabrics.
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Pinning the quilt in place can help to keep it stable and prevent any movement or shifting during the binding process. This is particularly useful when working with quilts that are too large to fit on your sewing machine or when working with dense or heavy fabrics.
Additional Tips for Preparing the Quilt
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It is essential to clean and press the quilt thoroughly before machine binding to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated during the quilting process.
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If necessary, trim any loose threads or stray fibers from the quilt before machine binding to prevent any interference with the stitches or the binding process.
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If you are working with a particularly dense or heavy quilt, consider using a heavy-duty sewing machine or a specialized quilting machine to help with the binding process.
Binding Quilt Edges
When sewing a binding onto a quilt, the goal is to create a clean, finished edge that complements the design and fabric of the quilt. However, it can be a bit tricky to handle the corners and pointed areas, especially if they’re part of a curved section. A well-attached binding will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the quilt but also make it more durable and easier to care for. Proper binding skills will also result in your quilt lasting for many years.
Corners
When sewing binding around a quilt corner, you want to make sure the seam lies flat, without any bulk or creasing. This requires accurate folding, precise stitching, and a smooth fabric movement through the machine.
- The key to a nice flat corner is the folding of the binding strips around the edges of the quilt, making the binding strip sit flat against the back of the quilt. For this reason, you’ll want to use a clear ruler that lies flat against the back of the quilt so that you can accurately draw and cut out the strips.
- The next step involves folding the binding strips as you go to create the seams in the binding strips. This makes sewing the binding strips together very difficult to see the binding strip edges properly. Using a ruler at this step can help identify how the strips line up before folding them back on themselves and pressing.
- Finally, when sewing binding onto the quilt edge for the corners, always sew at the beginning or end of a seam, to keep from getting the corners distorted and make sewing through the corner faster and simpler.
Points and Curves
For pointed areas on a quilt, the best method to sew binding strips is using the zipper foot. This tool is ideal for precise curves and narrow edges. When sewing a curve, a ruler can help guide you along the curves, making it easier to see where the seams should be sewn. A curve should be drawn to the length the curve is, rather than to the width of the binding strip.
For pointed areas, sew at an angle to keep the binding from bulging out and creating a noticeable edge. For curved lines, sew the binding by following the curve as much as possible but not sewing through the points.
Irregular Shapes, Sewing binding on a quilt by machine
Quilts often come in unique shapes and sizes that can pose a challenge when binding. For irregular shapes, the best approach is to use a custom-fitted binding that takes into account the quilt’s shape. This involves measuring and marking the binding strips to fit the quilt’s dimensions. When fitting the binding, use a long ruler laid against the quilt, using a seam gauge, or using a cutting ruler to accurately measure the length of each seam.
The binding strips themselves will be cut in the exact shape of the quilt’s corners and curves. Use scissors to cut the binding strips as you go, to maintain accurate measurements. For a binding edge along an irregular curve, sew using a curve ruler for precise curves or a regular ruler for simpler curves.
Alternatives in Machine Binding
In the world of machine binding, quilters often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering which method to choose for their next project. With the variety of techniques and stitches available, it’s no wonder that even the most seasoned quilters may feel overwhelmed. However, fear not, my friends, for in this chapter, we will delve into the wonderful world of alternative methods and stitch options that will breathe new life into your binding process.
Hand-Guided Binding Techniques
Hand-guided binding techniques offer a level of precision and control that is hard to match with automated methods. These techniques involve guiding the fabric with the hands while sewing, allowing for smooth, even stitches and a more personalized finish. Quilters with experience in traditional sewing methods may find hand-guided binding techniques to be a welcome respite from the hum of the machine.
- Using a walking foot or even feed foot: These specialized presser feet are designed to keep fabric moving steadily under the needle, reducing the risk of skipped stitches or puckering.
- Guiding the fabric with the hands: This technique requires a high level of hand-eye coordination but allows for incredibly precise control over the stitching.
- Using a binding foot: Similar to a walking foot, a binding foot is designed specifically for sewing binding, allowing for smooth, even stitches and a professional finish.
Free-Motion Binding Techniques
Free-motion binding techniques involve using a foot pedal or other device to release the fabric from the feed dogs, allowing for a high level of creative freedom. This method is perfect for quilters who want to add intricate patterns or stitches to their binding.
- Using a walking foot with a separate hand wheel: This setup allows quilters to control the fabric and stitching with precision, while still enjoying the benefits of free-motion sewing.
- Employing a free-motion foot or embroidery stabilizer: These specialized devices enable quilters to sew intricate patterns and stitches with ease, without the need for tedious hand-guiding.
- Utilizing a hand-cranked sewing machine: These vintage machines require the quilter to manually rotate the hand crank to control the fabric and stitching, providing a unique and charming finish.
Incorporating Quilting Stitches and Patterns into the Binding Process
Incorporating stitching and patterns into the binding process can add an extra layer of visual interest and personality to a quilt. Quilters can choose from a wide range of stitches and patterns, from simple to intricate, to suit their style and skill level.
- Chain stitching: This technique involves sewing in a continuous chain, creating a smooth, even fabric flow.
- Diagonal stitching: By sewing diagonally, quilters can create a unique, dynamic pattern that adds visual interest to the binding.
- Embellishing with beads or sequins: Adding small decorative elements like beads or sequins can add a touch of whimsy and elegance to the binding.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, sewing binding on a quilt by machine is a skill that can be mastered with practice and patience. By following the steps Artikeld in this article, you’ll be able to achieve a professional-looking finish and protect your quilt’s edges. Remember to experiment with different binding techniques and styles to add a personal touch to your quilts.
FAQ Overview
What is the purpose of binding a quilt?
Binding a quilt serves several purposes: it adds a professional finish to the quilt, protects the edges from wear and tear, and helps to prevent fraying.
What are the essential tools required for sewing binding on a quilt by machine?
The essential tools required for sewing binding on a quilt by machine include a sewing machine, binding clips, scissors, and a sewing gauge or ruler.
How do I choose the right binding width for my quilt?
The ideal binding width for a quilt depends on the size and type of quilt. Generally, a 2.5-inch-wide binding is a good starting point for most quilts.
Can I use any type of fabric for binding a quilt?
No, it’s essential to choose a fabric that complements the quilt top and backing. Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics are popular choices for binding.
How do I handle quilt corners during the binding process?
Quilt corners can be challenging to bind, but there are several techniques to make it easier. You can use a corner clip or a special corner binding tool to help guide the binding around the corner.
