No-Math Binding?

[soul60s]

Hello all!

I have been watching videos on binding. All of the ones I had seen had you measuring out 8-10" for a tail, attaching the binding, and sewing the two ends when they meet (I didn't want to type every step, sorry). But then I saw this one for no-math binding. Has anyone used this method? It all seemed so much easier.

At the end she mentions about sewing your binding before trimming your quilt. Aren't you supposed to square it first?

How to Bind a Quilt - 6 Simple Steps - YouTube

Thanks for any help. I am about to square off and make the binding.

[HandsomeRyan]

Re: No-Math Binding?

I use that method often and it works fine. (The double hourglass quilt was done that way this morning as a matter of fact.) It will make that section of binding just a bit thicker because of the extra layers of fabric but it is so much faster and easier.

If I were making a quilt for myself or another quilter I was trying to impress, I'd probably stitch the ends of the binding together the old fashioned way then hand stitch the binding onto the quilt. For non-quilters, they won't know/care if you use this method and machine stitch the binding. You'll save time and headache.

Edit: I noticed in the video she is using straight grain binding. I much prefer bias cut binding. It seems more difficult but there are dozens of ways to cut it which aren't that hard. Due to the stretch of it you can make the finished binding look a lot better with bias cut and if you get into things like scalloped edges or rounded corners you'll need bias binding anyway so it is a good thing to learn if you don't already know how.

[soul60s]

Re: No-Math Binding?

I use that method often and it works fine. (The double hourglass quilt was done that way this morning as a matter of fact.) It will make that section of binding just a bit thicker because of the extra layers of fabric but it is so much faster and easier.

If I were making a quilt for myself or another quilter I was trying to impress, I'd probably stitch the ends of the binding together the old fashioned way then hand stitch the binding onto the quilt. For non-quilters, they won't know/care if you use this method and machine stitch the binding. You'll save time and headache.

Edit: I noticed in the video she is using straight grain binding. I much prefer bias cut binding. It seems more difficult but there are dozens of ways to cut it which aren't that hard. Due to the stretch of it you can make the finished binding look a lot better with bias cut and if you get into things like scalloped edges or rounded corners you'll need bias binding anyway so it is a good thing to learn if you don't already know how.

Ummm.... embarrassed to say I don't even know the difference.

[Annav]

Re: No-Math Binding?

I have used this method, and it is fast and easy but does make the binding thicker in that section.

[HandsomeRyan]

Re: No-Math Binding?

Ummm.... embarrassed to say I don't even know the difference.

Nothing to be embarrassed about. That's why we discuss these things. I didn't know what it was either until someone told me.

Straight grain binding is exactly what it sounds like (and what is shown in that video). It is strips of fabric cut in the direction of the grain of the fabric. Generally cut from selvage to selvage although cutting long ways up a bolt of fabric would technically work.

Bias binding is strips of fabric that are cut at a 45° angle relative to the grain of the fabric. The advantage of cutting on the bias is that it allows more stretch which can allow it to go around curves.

To better understand what I mean, cut a square of quilting fabric into a 2" square. Try tugging on two opposite sides and you'll see that it really doesn't stretch at all, now pull on two opposite corners and you'll see that the fabric stretches a lot. By cutting strips on that 45° angle you can use that stretch to your advantage.

The top strip is straight grain, the bottom strip is bias cut.

[soul60s]

Re: No-Math Binding?

Nothing to be embarrassed about. That's why we discuss these things. I didn't know what it was either until someone told me.

Straight grain binding is exactly what it sounds like (and what is shown in that video). It is strips of fabric cut in the direction of the grain of the fabric. Generally cut from selvage to selvage although cutting long ways up a bolt of fabric would technically work.

Bias binding is strips of fabric that are cut at a 45° angle relative to the grain of the fabric. The advantage of cutting on the bias is that it allows more stretch which can allow it to go around curves.

To better understand what I mean, cut a square of quilting fabric into a 2" square. Try tugging on two opposite sides and you'll see that it really doesn't stretch at all, now pull on two opposite corners and you'll see that the fabric stretches a lot. By cutting strips on that 45° angle you can use that stretch to your advantage.

The top strip is straight grain, the bottom strip is bias cut.

Thank you so much for that explanation. It made more sense than what I read. Visuals helped too. Doesn't that make more connecting seams though if you only have 1/4 of a yard? The fabric I have was precut in a kit so I don't have much to play with, I think. If I am wrong, please correct me. You are such a huge inspiration to me.

[HandsomeRyan]

Re: No-Math Binding?

I usually cut my bias binding from 1/2 a yard of fabric. You are absolutely correct that if you have limited (or a small piece of) fabric that straight grain may be better/easier way to go.

Also to amend my previous post: I only referred to the stretch of bias binding as it relates to curves (which is a major benefit) but it also allows a little more stretch to cover the extra bulk of the fabric in the "pocket" when using the binding technique in the video. I realized I never really explained that and you were probably thinking, "But this quilt doesn't use curves or scalloped edges?!". I think straight grain binding will work fine for your current project pocket and all though.

Best of luck. Take lots of pictures!

[easyquilts]

Re: No-Math Binding?

Ryan... Striped bindings are a favorite of mine.... The bias one is cool.

[Simply Quilting]

Re: No-Math Binding?

I use to buy all of my binding until this Simpli-EZ Bias Binding Ruler - TQM Products came along. I found it so easy to make bias binding and the binding tool makes it easy to complete the binding. I was nervous the first time I used it because I was afraid I would mess it up. But it worked perfectly.

[TRLSRL72]

Re: No-Math Binding?

This was such helpful information. Thank you so much

[Auntpiggylpn]

Re: No-Math Binding?

I use that method often and it works fine. (The double hourglass quilt was done that way this morning as a matter of fact.) It will make that section of binding just a bit thicker because of the extra layers of fabric but it is so much faster and easier.

If I were making a quilt for myself or another quilter I was trying to impress, I'd probably stitch the ends of the binding together the old fashioned way then hand stitch the binding onto the quilt. For non-quilters, they won't know/care if you use this method and machine stitch the binding. You'll save time and headache.

Edit: I noticed in the video she is using straight grain binding. I much prefer bias cut binding. It seems more difficult but there are dozens of ways to cut it which aren't that hard. Due to the stretch of it you can make the finished binding look a lot better with bias cut and if you get into things like scalloped edges or rounded corners you'll need bias binding anyway so it is a good thing to learn if you don't already know how.

I am a DIE HARD BIAS BINDING FANATIC!!! It isn't difficult to cut at all and I think it just hugs up against the edge of the quilt and lays sooo much flatter. I really dislike when I don't have enough fabric to cut it on the bias and have to use straight of grain instead. Usually, I will switch my fabric choice for binding.

[New York Sue]

Re: No-Math Binding?

How to Bind a Quilt - 6 Simple Steps - YouTube

I bought the binding tool, and fussed and fussed around with this, ad nauseam....
The above link shows my method, and I'm sticking to it!

[Iris Girl]

Re: No-Math Binding?

This is how I join mine at the end after stressing with the binding tool and making everything crooked this works so easy.
QM How-To: Join the Ends of Binding | Quilty Pleasures Blog

[easyquilts]

Re: No-Math Binding?

This is how I join mine at the end after stressing with the binding tool and making everything crooked this works so easy.
QM How-To: Join the Ends of Binding | Quilty Pleasures Blog

The binging holo was not fun.... So, now I use the method Jenny taught in her Ultimate Binding Tutorial... But, I can see how easy this method would be... I'll have to try it...

[HandsomeRyan]

Re: No-Math Binding?

At the end she mentions about sewing your binding before trimming your quilt. Aren't you supposed to square it first?

I always square up first.