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I've always had someone else put the binding on my quilts, but now I've got a tablerunner that is in need of binding & I want to do that myself. I've been doing some research online about how to make binding & I've got a few questions-

What is the major difference between making bias binding & regular binding (cutting strips crossways)?

How do you sew your binding on- hand or machine?

The tablerunner basically has 6 straight lines- no curves. Part of me feels like a total novice/idiot for asking, but this is something new for me & I want to learn how to do it. I do need to have everything finished by around the 15th as I'll be attending a cross-stitching retreat & this will be my contribution to a private sewing exchange (only about 10 people in this particular exchange).

Any help you can give me would be most gratefully appreciated! TIA!

Susan

I can certainly understand your questions on binding--there are so many techniques!

From what you describe, it sounds like a table runner with pointed ends. Personally, bias binding is best as it will give you the stretch you need to make those perfect points.

Below is a link to tutorials for binding you might find useful. But remember, your binding techniques will only improve with time and experience! Good luck and we can't wait to see your finished project!

http://www.ehow.com/video_4419...ed-table-runner.html

quote:

Part of me feels like a total novice/idiot for asking, but this is something new for me & I want to learn how to do it.

Our only rule here is: there are no dumb questions!!! The last part of the above statement is what you need to focus on instead of the first part.

I use crosswise cuts of fabric for binding unless I'm binding curves. It has a little bit of stretch if needed. For me, corners were the hardest part. I had a couple of sites bookmarked that had great pictures but they seem to have been deleted. If no one else gives a similar link by this afternoon, I'll see what else I can find for you.

Here is a good tutorial on how to apply the binding..what it lacks is how to join the binding,sometimes the most difficult part of the procedure. I use my walking foot always.I'll try to find the joining technique..I like Darlene Zimmerman's no fail technique and use it exclusively.

http://latetocreate.com/2012/1...lt-binding-tutorial/

Joining the binding Tutorial at the end.I could not find Darlene's online but here is one from Perkins that is about the same.

http://www.perkinsdrygoods.com...ible-binding-finish/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TcMay,

My choice for binding is usually the crosswise cut for straight edges. I fold the binding in half lenghwise, then sew on the backside and turn it to the front and machine stitch with a straight stitch. This method gives me a better looking binding on both sides. (the front to hand sewn back was never even and took to much for my hands)

Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting has a good way to make the mitered binding corners. It does work quite well.
1. Stop stitching 1/4 inch from corner. Pull project out from under the needle.
2. fold the binding tail up straight to the top to make a 45 degree angle of binding strip on the project corner.
3. Hold the angle fold in place and bring the binding tail back down straight in line with the second edge of the project.
4. Put the project back under the needle and begin sewing 1/4 inch from the corner.
5. Repeat for each corner.

NOTE: When begining to sew the binding, start in the middle of a side and leave a beginning tail of 10-12 inches to use for joining at the end of sewing around the project. Stop sewing about 8-12 inches (depending on size of project size length) and leave another tail.

1. Lay the beginning tail on seam line to about the middle of the open area and fold back.
2. Finger press to mark the fold.
3. Lay the ending tail on seam line to meet the first tail fold and fold it back and press to mark.
4. Cut the first tail at the fold.
5. Use the cut off first tail scrap to measure the opened size of binding strip (usually 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 inch strips) Just lay the opened scrap on the second tail fold and cut the binding at the size of the binding strip.
6. Open both binding ends and sew the diagonal seam, trim, press seam open, fold binding closed again. Finish stitching the binding on.

I hope this helps. Let us know if you have more questions.

i use Binding the Angel tutorial. I know your just doing a table runner, so maybe this is over the top.
http://youtu.be/a2hWQ5-ZccE

i cut mine at 2 1/4, it is cut just like i would cut off strips for a block. ( i used bias binding for curved corners) When i get to 1/4" from the end of the corner, i stop, needle down, and turn the quilt, to run the stitching off the end. I NEVER back stitch there..because i have had to remove a stitch or two to get that corner right. when i bring the strip back, i press,fold it back down, lined up with the edge
(90 degree), and press. it is just the way i do it. i keep the craft iron right next to me..

i know, a lot of extra work,but they do look nice when finished.

May, Perkins dry goods is a nice picture tutorial for joining the ends!

I have only used and bias binding. I can get 15yds from a half yard piece. I use this tutorial

http://sandyquilts.blogspot.co...inding-tutorial.html