Monday 4 September 2006

A Few Questions

I nearly finished the top of O's and X's and before I go any further I would like to ask the "experts" a few questions. I read somewhere about making up your own binding strips, but can't remember where. How wide do they have to be, or is it just pure guess work? On my last 2 big quilts I overlapped the backing so binding is a first for me. I have also decided to have a go at another Tonya Tutorial and try to hand quilt with embroidery thread. Is it necessary to pin the entire quilt, or just the bit I am working on? There was something else, but I've forgotten what it was. Will no doubt remember when I get downstairs! More in a bit.

5 comments:

Pam said...

I cut my binding at 2.25", fold in half and press, then when sewing it down I miter my corners and hand stitch it to the back. I really like how the 2 layers hold up to grandkids and many washings. Charity quilts need to be made to withstand just about anything we can imagine and then some.

http://www.heirloomquilts.com.au/tut/tutorial6.php

this link will show you how I do it (mitered corners), once you get the knack of it, it is really easy and gives such a nice finish to your quilt. They suggest a 2½" strip, but I like how the 2.25" strips make it a tight fit.

Hedgehog said...

Experts? Who are they?! Binding is really one of my favorite parts of quilt-making. I'm weird, I know. Someone just put up a binding tutorial. I'll find the link and come back. I always cut my binding on the bias (you don't have to for straight edges), because I almost always bind with striped fabrics and I like them to be on the slant. I cut my binding 2.5 inches (I just did 2.25 on the latest wall-hanging and that was ok, too), iron it folded in the middle, and sew it on the front and hand-stitch it to the back. (Just like Pam's comment above.) It's the only hand sewing I really enjoy. There are lots of ways, though! Good luck! Can't wait to see the finished XOs!

Hedgehog said...

http://leahsgarden.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-leah-binds-part-1.html (Part one of four.)

Katjaquilt said...

I do it the way Pam and Hedgedog do the strip (dopple folded) and use 6,7 cm strips. I also was interested in Tonya's quilt, but I don't have time for this project at the moment. Thanks for having my blog in your link list - I was very happy when I read it.
Greetings from Germany where summer returns.

Serena Smith said...

I usually use 2-2.25 inch strips to make my binding. If I have plenty of fabric, I may cut bias strips, but usually crossgrain or lengthwise grain strips.
Stitch the strips together, fold and and press in half and stitch to the quilt in a quarter inch seam.
I stitch the binding to the front of the quilt, mitering each corner as I get to it and then tack the folded binding edge to the back of the quilt.

Here is a detailed description of how I create and stitch on my binding:
http://www.embtreasures.com/articles/quiltbinding.htm

I agree...like Pam said above, it really creates a nice finish and the double layers hold well after reapeated wear and washings!

Hope this is helpful to you!
Serena