How to Sew Corners for Binding: A Comprehensive Guide for Quilters

When it comes to making a quilt binding, one of the most crucial steps is learning how to sew the corners properly. This process ensures a clean, professional appearance and durable finish. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the entire process, from the initial placement and binding attachment to the final steps of mitering and securing the corners.

1. Audition Your Binding Placement

The first step in binding your quilt is to audition its placement. This is a crucial stage where you can ensure the final look of your quilt will be as intended. Start by laying out your quilt on a flat surface and positioning the binding strips along the edge where you plan to sew them. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the binding is a consistent width and fits comfortably around your quilt edges.

2. Attach the Binding to Your Quilt

Once you have your binding arranged, it's time to attach it to the quilt. Begin by cutting a 2 1/4” wide strip of fabric, ensuring it is straight-grain and about 8 inches longer than the finished dimensions of your quilt. Seam your binding strips as needed, and then clip and press the seams. Fold the binding wrong sides together and press flat. This folded binding will ensure a clean, professional look on the front of your quilt.

3. Flip and Sew the Corners

To start stitching the binding, begin on the back side of the quilt, aligning the center point of the bottom edge. Leave a 4-inch or so tail loose and start stitching 1/4” in from the edge of your quilt. When you approach a corner, stop stitching 1/4” from the corner and rotate the fabric 45°. Stitch straight to the outer corner of your quilt. Snip the thread, fold the binding perpendicular, and start the next edge 1/4” in from the corner. Repeat this process for all the corners on the quilt.

4. Join the Binding and Secure Corners

Eventually, you will come to a point where your loose tail and the binding you're working on meet. Clip the binding at a 45° angle and slide the binding into the loose tail. Stitch both together to create a clean and uniform look. Turn the quilt over and fold the binding to the front side. Mitered corners will be perfectly formed by the stitch you made into the corners on the back side. Press the binding well, pin, or clip it flat.

With the corners mitered and pressed, it's time to secure the binding down. Use a 2.5mm straight stitch or a decorative stitch on the face of the quilt. For quilts where you want to stand out, a patterned binding and marled thread can enhance the overall aesthetic. Use a satin stitch or a scalloped satin stitch to achieve a more intricate look, or opt for a straight stitch for a simpler and more traditional finish. Be sure to keep your needle down at the corner but raise the presser foot during rotation.

Spin the quilt a quarter turn, lower the presser foot, and continue around the edges. Make sure to back stitch the end to secure your stitches. Keep in mind that the binding is the only stitch on a quilt that needs to be back stitched; all other stitches are covered by the quilt's pieced and quilted fabric.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can ensure a professional and durable finish to your quilt's binding. Proper corner sewing is the key to a quilt's overall appearance and longevity, making this a valuable skill for any quilter.