Do you love the look of big stitch binding on a quilt but don’t have time for hand sewing? Over the years, I’ve perfected the art of machine binding to achieve a polished, professional finish—quickly and efficiently!
With just a few tools and techniques, you’ll be able to bind your quilts beautifully using your sewing machine. Let’s get started! I've included the links to my 3-part video tutorial on Instagram for all of the visual learners of the world like myself!
Essential Tools for Machine Binding
Before we dive in, make sure you have these supplies on hand:
Iron & Ironing Board – For crisp, flat binding.
Quarter-Inch Foot – Ensures even stitching along the edge.
Stitch-in-the-Ditch Foot – Helps create nearly invisible finishing stitches.
Knee Lift or Automatic Presser Foot Lift – Provides hands-free control for better maneuverability.
Step 1: Attach the Binding (Stitch Length 3.0)
Begin by sewing the binding to the front of your quilt using a quarter-inch foot as your guide. Align the raw edges of the binding with the quilt’s raw edge and maintain this alignment as you sew all the way around.
Need more help joining the binding ends? Check out [this blog post] for a step-by-step tutorial!
Step 2: Pressing the Binding – A Crucial Step!
Pressing is the key to achieving a professional finish, so don’t skip this step!
I always press from the back of the quilt.
Run your finger along the underside of the binding to smooth out any puckering or bunching before pressing it flat.
Pull the binding over into a fold gently—avoid pulling too hard, which can distort the fabric.
Hold the iron on the folded edge just long enough to create a crease, but not so long that it scorches the fabric.
Pressing Corners for a Perfect Mitered Edge
Press straight across the corner first.
Then fold the next side of the quilt over, aligning it perfectly with the first pressed edge—this ensures a crisp mitered corner without distortion.
Step 3: Final Machine Binding Stitches (Stitch Length 3.0 - 3.5)
Now for the finishing touch! This step secures the binding neatly to the back of the quilt using a Stitch-in-the-Ditch foot.
Place your quilt right side up under the presser foot.
Position the folded edge of the binding so that the "rudder" of the foot aligns in the gutter between the quilt and the binding.
Use the knee lift to keep your hands free for better control.
Work in 5-6 inch sections: Flip the quilt over, tuck in raw edge threads, and firmly hold the binding before stitching.
Handling Corners Like a Pro:
Flip the corner of the quilt to tuck and fold, securing the side closest to your chest first.
Next fold the binding closest to your right hand —this ensures a perfectly mitered corner.
Hold that corner with your thumb and forefinger and give the quilt some tension (meaning pull back on it ever so slightly to ensure the folded edge stays put).
Sew slowly and stop when your needle is down in the exact corner of the binding gutter. Lift the presser foot using the knee lift, rotate the quilt, and continue sewing slowly.
Finishing Touches
Backstitch at the end for extra security.
Sew forward 3-4 more stitches, then pull threads to one side to tie them off neatly.
While backstitching alone might be enough, I prefer this extra step for added durability—especially if the quilt is for a customer!
By following these simple but effective steps, you’ll achieve a professional machine-bound quilt every time! No more time-consuming hand sewing—just crisp, clean edges and beautiful binding in a fraction of the time.
Have you tried machine binding? Let me know in the comments! Happy quilting!
Comments