Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

[lhayes1976]

I am determined to master machine sewn binding--quick question. Do you sew it on the front or back of quilt? I'm sewing it to the front just like hand sewn, but I think I may be doing it wrong. My machine sewn binding for lack of a better word is just CRAP. It's crooked and I always end up with some I missed sewing.

[Sandy Navas]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I am determined to master machine sewn binding--quick question. Do you sew it on the front or back of quilt? I'm sewing it to the front just like hand sewn, but I think I may be doing it wrong. My machine sewn binding for lack of a better word is just CRAP. It's crooked and I always end up with some I missed sewing.

I was taught to sew it on the back and then flip it over and sew from the front. That may not be how seasoned quilters do it though.

[lhayes1976]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

Sew on front for hand sewn--Sew on back for machine sewn? Makes sense to me--I don't know why I did think of that--next time I'll try that. I like to hand sew my gift quilts, but things like table runners, wall hangings, etc I just want to machine sew, but I'd still like it to look nice.

[bakermom]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I sew mine on the front then flip to the back if I'm sewing down by hand. if i want to machine stitch it on both sides, ,I sew it to the back then bring it a round to the front and pin, pin, pin to keep it lined up .I then use a decorative stitch. I find i like that better than using a straight stitch.

[sewmuchjan]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I sew from back to front and I use store bought quilt binding and blanket binding. Because that is how I was taught also by my Mother and Grandmother Attie. I like to looks of it better and I didn't like it when I made my own.

Hope this helps!!
Jan G

[janluna]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I like how Jenny does it, sewn on machine on the front and hand stitched to the back.

[jennaleigh820]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

i saw a lady on youtube machine bind a quilt and she machine the back on first than machine the front with a zig zang stich......i thought it was a good idea.......and i was thinking of taking scrap and trying it to see how it would look.....or stich in the ditch for binding

[Sewbee]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I have to machine bind since I have a problem hand sewing. My first binding project was a large potholder. I used the method of attaching the binding from the back, wrapping to the front and then attaching with a blanket stitch. It looked ok from the front, not so good from the back, but still a workable method and I believe what is usually done for machine binding.

I just tackled my second binding project yesterday but used a different method which allowed me to sew the binding completely from the front. I really did not want to use a blanket stitch on the front and wanted the binding to blend in with the quilt top. I recently saw a brief YouTube video where a lady was experimenting with machine binding and I decided to try her method.

I learned a lot doing it this first time, made some mistakes but all in all I am very happy with the results. I think with some more practice I will get better at placing the binding so that I successfully catch the edge on the back of the quilt more consistently. I had to do a few extra "stitch overs" this first time around. I think I will try to post more pics in my album showing the process I used just in case anyone else is interested in trying it out.

Here is my finished project....a 68" x 25" bedrunner for a little girl:

[debinmalaga]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

Great job on the whole project, and the binding looks great!

[Mia]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

Fantastic job, sew.... it's gorgeous

[Elaine]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I think it looks great, both the binding and the bed runner.

[Mams1017]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I think the binding looks great! Not sure I understand how you bound it all at once?

[Sewbee]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

Mams I pinned the binding to the front of the quilt, stitched it using a 3/8 seam, wrapped the binding over to the back, pinned it on the back so the edge of the binding just barely covered the stitch line, but then stitched in the ditch on the FRONT side and caught the back binding up in the seam when I did. There were a few places where I didn't catch the rear binding so had to restitch those areas again from the front. I think next time I will cut the binding wider so there is more binding on the backside to safely catch up when I stitch the front. I like stitching from the front though because it looks cleaner and is easier to keep a more consistent appearance

[Carol_Ann]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I think you did a fabulous job on the binding and you are correct. When machine binding you stitch to the backing and fold to the front. It takes a bit of practice to get the top stitching done well. You should be very pleased with the outcome. It's adorable too!

[Sewbee]

Re: Binding Machine Sewn--Front or Back?

I think you did a fabulous job on the binding and you are correct. When machine binding you stitch to the backing and fold to the front. It takes a bit of practice to get the top stitching done well. You should be very pleased with the outcome. It's adorable too!

Thanks Carol! Actually on this binding I stitched on the front and folded to the back, then stitched again on the front in the ditch to catch the binding on the back. I never stitched directly from the back side at all. Saw a YouTube explaining how to do it and thought I would try it. You are so right that it takes practice though. I made some mistakes which I hope to not repeat. I plan on trying this method several times to get better at it because I like the finished look if done correctly.