Get creative when binding your quilt.
As you make a quilt, you aren't limited to just one or two types of binding to finish your project. Depending upon whom the quilt is intended for, you can create a whimsical binding using strips of ribbon or a pointed-edge binding. If you are making a quilt that your child will be taking to day care, you can "pillowcase" the binding because the quilt will be undergoing hard use every day.
Ribbon Edging
Create an eye-catching ribbon edge for your quilt by sewing small lengths of ribbon in between the top and bottom fabric. After you have pinned the quilt's seams together, cut lengths of ribbon -- about 4 inches for each. Use different kinds of ribbon that either complement or contrast with the colors of your quilt. Pin them between the bottom and top fabric, then machine stitch them using a one-quarter-inch seam allowance on the binding.
Binding Tapes
Buy several packages of commercial binding tape, in a color that contrasts with the main colors of your quilt. Be careful what type of binding tape you choose. If you choose binding containing 50 percent polyester and 50 percent cotton, once you have washed your quilt, the binding won't lie flat. Instead, look for a precut bias binding manufactured in rolls. This option has two drawbacks: you have few options for binding width, and pattern and color choices are limited.
A Pointed Binding
Make a quilt binding out of Prairie Points. These are also called Dogtooth Borders, Cat's Ears or Sawtooth Edging. This is a more labor-intensive binding, because you have to fold and sew small triangles, then sew each point into the quilt, both on your sewing machine and by hand -- you blindstitch the quilt edge to each point.
Bind With Double Fold
To complete a double fold binding, make a double layer of quilting fabric, which gives you a durable binding. You can make the binding using the straight grain or working on the bias.
Birthing or Pillowcase
Use this method to make a quilt that needs to withstand hard use. As you are making your quilt, sew the quilt backing to the batting and quilt top with the right sides facing in. When you are ready to finish the quilt, turn it right side out so the wrong sides are now inside the quilt. Top-stitch or blindstitch the open edge together, like a pillowcase.
Make a Single Fold
Using either straight grain strips of fabric or fabric on the bias, cover the edges of your quilt with one layer of fabric. This is best for quilts you plan to hang for display or for quilts that won't be used or washed frequently.
Ric Rac Binding
The ric rac edge can easily be added to a quilt you are making with a pillowcase edge. Buy a wide ric rac that either complements or contrasts with the main colors of your quilt, pin it to the wrong side of either the top or bottom of the quilt, then sew it together, using a one-quarter-inch seam allowance.
Make a Faced Edge
The faced edge is ideal for a contemporary quilt. Purchase facing at the craft store, then sew it on to finish the edges of your quilt. When you are done, the quilt and design both end at the edge -- there is no binding.
