Quilt binding is the final step in creating a beautiful, finished quilt. One of the most challenging aspects of this process is turning the corners. But don't worry, with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you'll be turning corners like a pro in no time. Let's dive into the world of quilt binding and explore how to do corners like a seasoned quilter.
Before we start, ensure you have your binding strips ready. Typically, binding strips are 2.5 to 3 inches wide, but you can adjust this based on your preference. Also, make sure your quilt is squared up and pressed, as this will make the binding process much smoother.
Understanding Quilt Corners
Quilt corners are where the binding meets at the corners of your quilt. There are two main types of quilt corners: mitered corners and French corners. We'll discuss both, but for now, let's focus on the more common mitered corner.
Mitered corners create a 45-degree angle at the corner of your quilt. They're called mitered because they mimic the mitered edge of a miter saw. This type of corner is clean, classic, and works well with most quilt designs.
Preparing for Mitered Corners
Before you start turning corners, you need to prepare your binding strips. First, press your binding strips in half, wrong sides together. This will create a crease down the center of your strip, which will help you keep your binding straight as you sew.
Next, you'll need to calculate how many mitered corners you'll have. For a standard quilt, this will be four. However, if your quilt has additional sides, like a border, you'll need to calculate accordingly. Each mitered corner will require a 45-degree cut on both the top and bottom of your binding strip.
Sewing Mitered Corners
Now that you've prepared your binding and calculated your mitered corners, it's time to start sewing. Begin in the middle of one side of your quilt. Place your binding strip along the raw edge of your quilt, with the right sides together. Sew along this edge, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
When you reach the corner, stop sewing. Without cutting your thread, fold your binding up at a 45-degree angle. The raw edge of your binding should align with the raw edge of your quilt. Sew along this new edge, again leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Once you've sewn this second edge, you've created your first mitered corner!
French Corners: A Fancy Alternative
French corners are a more decorative alternative to mitered corners. They involve folding the binding over at the corner, creating a neat, finished look. French corners are often used on baby quilts or other quilts where a more decorative finish is desired.
French corners are sewn similarly to mitered corners, but with an additional fold. After sewing the first edge of your corner, instead of folding your binding up at a 45-degree angle, you'll fold it over at a 90-degree angle. This creates a neat, finished corner that's perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your quilt.
Sewing French Corners
To sew a French corner, start by sewing the first edge of your corner as you would for a mitered corner. Once you've sewn this edge, instead of folding your binding up at a 45-degree angle, fold it over at a 90-degree angle. The raw edge of your binding should now be facing out.
Press this fold, then fold it back over itself, creating a neat, finished corner. Sew along this new edge, again leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Once you've sewn this second edge, you've created your first French corner!
Congratulations, you've now mastered the art of turning corners on a quilt binding! Whether you prefer the classic look of mitered corners or the elegant finish of French corners, you're now equipped to add the perfect finishing touch to your quilts. Happy quilting!