Mitered corners are a classic quilting technique that adds a touch of elegance and professionalism to your finished projects. Binding a quilt with mitered corners not only enhances its appearance but also ensures a neat, secure edge. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step, from cutting your binding strips to sewing those perfect mitered corners.
Before we dive in, let's ensure you have the right tools and materials. You'll need a quilt with finished edges, binding fabric (usually cut into 2.5-inch strips), scissors or rotary cutter, a quilting ruler, a sewing machine with a walking foot (optional but helpful), and pins or a binding clip.
Preparing Your Binding Strips
Binding strips are typically cut 2.5 inches wide, but you can adjust this width based on your quilt's size and desired look. Remember, the binding will be folded in half, so the finished binding width will be half of your cut width.
To create your binding strips, cut your fabric on the bias. Bias binding is more flexible and stretches less than straight grain binding, making it ideal for quilts. If you're using pre-made binding, skip to the next section.
Cutting Bias Strips
To cut bias strips, first, draw a line from one corner of your fabric square to the opposite corner, creating a diagonal line. Then, cut along this line. You'll now have two triangles. Cut each triangle into strips along the bias, using your desired strip width (usually 2.5 inches).
Press your strips in half, wrong sides together, creating a crease down the center. This will help you keep your binding strip aligned as you sew.
Sewing the Binding Strips Together
Lay out your binding strips, right sides together, in the order you'll sew them. Overlap the ends by about 1/4 inch. Sew along this overlap, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.
Now, press the entire binding strip in half, wrong sides together, using the crease you made earlier as a guide. This will give you a continuous binding strip, ready to be sewn onto your quilt.
Binding the Quilt Edges
Before you start sewing, decide which edge you want to start with. It's often easiest to start with a side that has a straight edge, like the top or bottom of your quilt.
Sew your binding to the raw edge of your quilt, starting about 1/4 inch from the corner. Sew with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, using a walking foot if you have one. This will help prevent your quilt from shifting as you sew.
Mitering the Corners
When you reach a corner, stop sewing about 1/4 inch from the corner. Fold the binding up at the corner, creating a 45-degree angle. The raw edges of the binding should meet at the corner. Pin this in place.
Now, fold the binding back down, creating a miter. The raw edges of the binding should still meet at the corner. Sew across this miter, backstitching at the beginning and end. Continue sewing along the next side of your quilt.
Finishing the Binding
Once you've sewn all the way around your quilt, you'll have a raw edge of binding left. Fold this binding over to the back of your quilt, creating a continuous binding around the edge. Sew this in place, using a ladder stitch or your preferred method of binding attachment.
Your quilt is now bound with mitered corners, giving it a polished, professional look. Enjoy your finished project, and happy quilting!