Mitre corners are a classic and elegant way to finish the edges of your quilts, adding a polished touch to your bedding or wall art. Binding mitered corners not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reinforces the quilt's edges, ensuring longevity. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to mitre corners on a quilt binding, complete with tips and tricks to make your project a success.
Before we dive into the process, ensure you have all the necessary materials: your quilt top, backing, and binding (cut into strips), scissors or rotary cutter, a quilting ruler, a marking pencil, and a sewing machine with a universal needle.
Preparing Your Quilt and Binding
Begin by ensuring your quilt is square and all edges are straight. Trim any uneven edges using your quilting ruler and rotary cutter. Next, calculate the binding width. Typically, binding is 2.5 to 3 inches wide, but you can adjust this based on your quilt's size and desired look.
Cut your binding strips to the required length, ensuring they're long enough to wrap around your quilt with a 10-inch overlap on each corner. This overlap will allow you to create the mitered corners.
Sewing the Binding to the Quilt
Start by sewing the binding to the front of your quilt, along one side. Place the raw edge of the binding along the edge of your quilt, with the right sides facing each other. Sew along this edge, using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Repeat this process for the remaining three sides.
Once all sides are sewn, press the binding away from the quilt. This will make it easier to fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and create the mitered corners.
Creating the Mitered Corners
At each corner, fold the binding up, so the raw edges meet at a 45-degree angle. This is the start of your miter. Mark a line ¼-inch away from this point on the binding. This line will guide you as you sew the miter.
Fold the binding back down, so the raw edges are aligned with the quilt's edge. Sew along the marked line, using a ¼-inch seam allowance. This will create your miter. Repeat this process for all four corners.
Finishing the Binding
Once all miters are sewn, fold the binding over to the back of the quilt. Press the binding in place, then sew it down, using a slip stitch or a machine stitch, depending on your preference. Ensure you catch both the binding and the quilt in your stitches to secure the binding in place.
For a clean finish, trim any excess binding from the corners, ensuring you don't cut into your stitches. Press the binding one last time to ensure it lies flat against the quilt.
Now that your quilt is bound with mitered corners, it's ready to be displayed or used. The mitered corners add a professional touch and showcase your quilting skills. Happy quilting!