Applying Binding
Before attaching the binding, it is necessary to trim the backing and batting level with the quilt top and to also check that all corners are squared. Sometimes the quilt can become distorted during the quilting stage. Lay the quilt, right side up on a smooth, flat surface. Ease the cutting mat under the quilt. Using the long ruler and rotary cutter, trim any excess batting and backing fabric even quilt the quilt top. I usually check the border straightness with the edge and average the ruler straight to that and cut the edge of sandwich even. Work around the quilt, checking that the corners of the quilt are 90 degrees.
The finished binding, as seen from the front of the quilt, is usually 1/2". To get the circumference measurement of the quilt, measure the quilt's width and length through the quilts center, then double this measurement. Strips are cut across the width of the binding fabric. Cut enough strips to obtain the required length of binding plus 20".
Cut 2 3/4" to 3" wide strips. Remove selvage edges and sew together lengthwise.
Fold and press in half with wrong sides together.
Line up the raw edges of the folded binding with the raw edges of the quilt in the middle of one side.
Use a walking foot attachment and regular thread on top and in the bobbin to match the binding.
Begin stitching 4" from the end of the binding.
Sew with 10 stitches per inch or 3.0 to 3.5.
At the corner, stop the stitching 1/4" from the edge with the needle in the fabric. Raise the presser foot and turn the quilt to the next side. Put the foot back down.
Stitch backwards 1/4" to the edge of the binding, raise the foot, and pull the quilt forward slightly.
Fold the binding strip straight up on the diagonal. Fingerpress the diagonal fold.
Fold the binding strip straight down with the diagonal fold underneath. Line up the top of the fold with the raw edge of the binding underneath.
Begin sewing from edge. You have now created a mitered corner on this side of the binding.
Continue stitching and mitering the corners around the outside of the quilt.
Stop stitching 4" from where the ends will overlap.
Line up the two ends of binding. Trim the excess with a 1/2" overlap.
Open out the folded ends and pin right sides together. Sew a 1/4" seam. Fingerpress seam open. Refold wrong sides together.
Continue to stitch the binding in place.
Trim the batting and backing up to raw edges of the binding, if needed.
Fold the binding to the back side of the quilt. Pin in place so that the folded edge on the binding covers the stitching line. Tuck in the excess fabric at each miter on the diagonal.
Hand stitch binding in place on the back using small slip stitches. At each corner, neatly tuck and fold fabric to miter corner. Fold thickness opposite the front on the back at mitered corner.
Or from the right side, "stitch in the ditch" using invisible thread on the front side and a bobbin thread to match the binding on the back side. Catch the folded edge of the binding on the back side of the stitching.