Binding a Quilt

[Bubby]

I use Thread Heaven and Aurifil thread for hemming bindings. You can also use a heavier weight thread with good results. Connecting Threads sells a good Egyptian cotton thread that comes in all colors and is very reasonably priced. Regardless of what brand thread I use, I always use the Thread Heaven. It prevents the thread from tangling and makes it glide through the fabric.

[Vonnie]

I cut my binding at 3". Sew to the back using the walking foot. Then change out the foot for the stitch in the ditch foot. Flip the binding over to the front and adjust the needle position slightly to the right of the guide. That way I get a consistent stitch width from the edge of the binding. It's a very narrow seam. The guide really helps with this. And the fact that my binding is wider means that when I stitch it down, it is past the bulk of the binding on the back so it's not sewing through so many layers and the stitch on the back just looks like another line of quilting. I got to where I don't use a decorative stitch just so it will look like another line of quilting on the back. Try it, you might just like it. I know my hands do! And there's nothing wrong with seeing the stitch line - people see our quilting lines.

[Spiff]

I cut my binding at 3". Sew to the back using the walking foot. Then change out the foot for the stitch in the ditch foot. Flip the binding over to the front and adjust the needle position slightly to the right of the guide. That way I get a consistent stitch width from the edge of the binding. It's a very narrow seam. The guide really helps with this. And the fact that my binding is wider means that when I stitch it down, it is past the bulk of the binding on the back so it's not sewing through so many layers and the stitch on the back just looks like another line of quilting. I got to where I don't use a decorative stitch just so it will look like another line of quilting on the back. Try it, you might just like it. I know my hands do! And there's nothing wrong with seeing the stitch line - people see our quilting lines.

I use 2 1/2 inch binding but do the same way. The stitch in the ditch foot gives me a nice clean line on the front.

[Claire Hallman]

There is a thread called Rice's silimide. I have gotten it from Wawak and have used it for years. It is waxed[?] or treated somehow and hardly ever tangles. It comes in a package in a continuous loop, you make one cut along the bottom and it is easy to pull strands out for the hand sewing. It is just the right length, too. I have 4 neutral colors that seem to work with everything.
I do sometimes also machine bind, I like the serpentine stitch on my machine for children's quilts or anything that will get hard use.

[Vonnie]

You might want to try Mettler silk finished cotton thread. Does not tangle as easily.