Mastering the Art of Finishing Hand Sewn Quilt Edges: Techniques and Tricks

The process of finishing the edges of a hand-sewn quilt involves several techniques, each bringing a unique aesthetic to the finished product. Whether you prefer a simple and minimalist approach or a more intricate design, there are multiple methods to achieve the perfect look for your quilt. This article explores some popular edge finishing techniques, including binding, mitering, and inserting Prairie Triangles, to help you perfect the finish of your hand-sewn quilts.

Binding the Edges

Binding the edges is a common technique used to cover the raw edges of a quilt while also adding a border that matches the color of the outermost border. This technique not only enhances the appearance of the quilt but also provides stability by reducing fraying.

To bind the edges, start by preparing a fabric strip that is cut as desired, using a bias cut for added flexibility. These strips are sewn to the front of the quilt quilt, usually on the right side, and then folded over to the back. From there, the binding is handstitched into place. For a more detailed guide on how to do this, you can watch an excellent instructional video from the Missouri Quilt Company.

One method for joining the start and end of the binding is mitering. This involves creating a 135-degree angle at the corner, making the corners of the binding look neat and clean. This trick was first demonstrated to me by experienced quilters, and I highly recommend watching the video linked above for a step-by-step tutorial.

Minimalist Edge Finishing

For a minimalist finish, especially in art quilts, I often use a simple zigzag stitching technique. This involves sewing zigzag stitches around the edges of the quilt, typically varying in length and width to create a visually appealing pattern. The stitches are usually about 5-10 layers deep, and the colors are chosen to harmonize with the overall design of the quilt. This minimalist approach keeps the focus entirely on the quilt itself without any distractions.

A technique I learned from the talented quilt artist Sue Benner is to finish the edges with a constructed border. This involves cutting and stitching fabric strips around the entire edge of the quilt. The strips can be cut on the bias to add flexibility and easier mitering. The corners are then mitered, and the strips are sewn together to form a continuous edge.

Mitering the Edges

Mitering is a technique commonly used to create neat and tidy corners on a quilt. This method involves folding the fabric over and creating a 135-degree angle at each corner, making a / shape. To achieve this, you need fabric that is slightly larger on the back than the front, or you can adjust the size of the front so that the back fabric is wide enough.

The size of the turn-over depends on the width of the fabric and the size of the quilt. If you’re working on a larger quilt, you might need to piece two or three lengths of fabric together to make a wider strip. My grandmother's quilt had a very narrow turn-over, which was later redone using a wider strip of fabric.

Inserting Prairie Triangles

Inserting Prairie Triangles is another technique where squares of fabric are folded into triangles and sewn into a string of overlapping trim. This method can create a visually striking look, suitable for various types of quilts.

To create Prairie Triangles, first cut squares of fabric into triangles. The size of the squares can vary depending on the quilt and the desired look. The triangles are then sewn in a string, with overlapping trim to create a seamless edge. This string of trim is sewn around the two long sides and whatever you designate as the bottom on a bed quilt, or all four sides for a wall or lap quilt. The triangles can overlap a lot or just enough to fill any gaps.

This method can be sewn on one side or both sides at once using a machine. If done by machine, the stitches may be more visible, but hand stitching can provide a more flexible and less noticeable finish. For the hand stitching, you can use the specialization of a presser foot on a sewing machine to keep the stitches hidden.

Conclusion

Finishing the edges of a hand-sewn quilt requires careful consideration of the desired look and the technique that best suits your project. Whether you choose to bind, create a minimalist zigzag edge, miter the corners, or insert Prairie Triangles, the key is to practice and experiment until you find the perfect finish for your quilt. Happy quilting!