Common Questions About Binding

In a Bind?

How many of you have finished a project and...it’s been sitting around, incomplete, because it hasn’t been bound?

Binding is one of those things that quilters, sewists, and machine embroiderers can get nervous about and even dread. But knowing a few tricks makes all the difference!

Here are some common questions about binding, along with helpful tips from Kim, Ginger, and Deanna. 

#1: Why Make My Own Binding?

At Kimberbell, we love making our own binding because you can get the exact look you want. (You can definitely be more creative, like we were with these projects from A Quilty Little Christmas Gallery Wall!) 

Pre-made binding, though convenient, is often not the right fabric or softness to match your project. It's so easy to make your own binding, why not just whip it up from fabric you already have? 

#2: How Wide (and Long) Should I Cut Binding Strips?

We usually do binding with fabric strips that are 2 1/4" wide. As far as the length goes, many patterns will give you instructions on how much to cut. But if they don't, just follow the easy math formula below!

Simple Math Formula for Binding

• Determine the perimeter of your project by measuring all of the sides and adding them up. (For example, the Pumpkins & Potions Ladder Quilt is a 20 x 60" size. So 20+20+60+60=a perimeter of 160".)
• Add 10" to the perimeter to account for corners and overlap. In the example above, you'll now have the number 170. (Adding this extra 10" gives you more wiggle room!)
• Figure out how many strips you'll need by dividing the perimeter number + ten  by the width of your fabric. So if your fabric is 40" wide, you'll divide 170 by 40, which is 4.25. Round that up so you're cutting 5 strips. 
• Find out how much fabric you'll need by multiplying the number of strips by the width of those strips. In our example above, you'd multiply 5 x 2.25, which is 11.25. You'll need to buy 1/3 yard of fabric. 😊

#3: What Is Cutting on the Bias (And Does That Matter with Binding)?

Cutting on the bias means you cut fabric at a 45° angle to the selvage or weave of your fabric. This gives your fabric more stretch and softness, which is great for rounded corners and scallops!

If you have a striped binding, it's also fun to cut on the bias to create an angled stripe like this one from Kimberbell's Candy Corn Quilt Shoppe!

So if you need some stretch or want to create a candy cane type of stripe, go ahead and cut on the bias. (Pssst! There's a video link below for Kim's EASY method of doing this!) 

#4: Should I Hand Bind or Machine Bind Kimberbell Projects?

Either method is great! Some people (like Ginger and Kim) love to do hand binding. They really enjoy popping in a good movie, sitting with a needle and thread, and relaxing while they bind by hand.

Deanna, however, prefers to use the machine. By the time she's done with a project, she's ready to get the binding done quickly! It's really all about what you prefer.

Do you like binding by hand or machine better? (Drop a comment below!)

#5: How Do I Pick Binding Fabric? 

Choosing binding fabric is just another way to Experience the Joy of Creativity^®! Pick something that coordinates with your quilt somehow, maybe in a solid color or a smaller print. 

Now, it doesn't have to be a fabric that's in your project—it can be a totally different fabric. You can do a playful pop of color, like a frame, or something that just blends in and doesn't grab a lot of attention. Up to you! 

How to Make Bias Binding Strips From a Fat Quarter

Now, reading a blog post is great . . .but there comes a point when watching a short video is a much better way to learn something new. (Am I right?)

So please CLICK HERE for Kim's easy trick of making 4 1/2 yards of binding from just one fat quarter. The demonstration is at the 12:32 mark. (You do NOT want to miss this. Enjoy!)

Experience the Joy . . .of Binding

Binding can be really fun and the sky's the limit with your creativity. I adore this small holly print on the binding from one of our One Hoop Wonders quilts. Oh my goodness, binding can add so much beauty! 

I hope these tips help you enjoy the binding process and taking every project across the finish line!