Quilts | betsybeadhead

How to self bind a quilt

This is the easiest way I know to bind a quilt.

No faffing about with bias tape or wondering what color to use as a frame for the quilt top. All you see is the quilt.

This is what it looks like completed.

Lay out your quilt sandwich like this –

quilt top right side down

backing, right side up

batting

You can also do this in reverse, with the batting on top if you like. Just make certain that the quilt top and back are right sides together.

I use canned vegetables to hold the layers as I lay out the pieces.

Pin thoroughly. I use curved quilting pins.

Sew all around the edges, leaving a gap at the bottom for turning. I usually make it about 18 inches long. Backstitch the beginning and end of where you leave the turning gap. I find using a walking foot at this point is very helpful.

Here is a photo of the turning gap. Note how the layers are arranged. I often use muslin for the backing so I don’t have to think about what to use. Plus, there is no “right” or “wrong” side to it.

Lay the quilt on the floor and trim around the edges of the quilt about ½ inch. Be certain to trim the corners at an angle.

Remove the quilting pins.

Turn the quilt inside out, and use your finger or a tool (like a knitting needle) to turn the corners all the way out. You can finger-press the seams to make them flatter.

Lay the quilt back down on the floor and repin it with quilting pins.

Fold in the turning gap. Use clips to hold the turning gap closed. Sew it closed.

Quilt however you like.

I suggest you first try this out with some scrap pieces to learn how to do this.

I’m learning how to do the L7 quilt block. It is like Fence Rail (also known as Rail Fence) but there are only 2 strips, not 3 or more.

Making quilts doesn’t have to be hard. I’m trying to show you easy fun things that still count.

There are precut collections of fabric that make life easier for beginning quilters. One example is sometimes known as “jelly roll” or “roly-poly”. Different companies use different names. They are 2.5 inch by the width of the fabric (WOF). This is usually around 44 to 45 inches.

You need 32 strips to make this blanket – half blue, half yellow. Or use whatever combination of colors you like. Having a dark/light combination looks nice.

Here’s the basic idea –

Sew 2 jelly roll strips (2.5 x 40 inch) together. Press. Cut into 4.5 inch blocks. (Each strip set makes 9) Assemble into 4-patches that make the shapes of an L and a 7. Sew together. Repeat. You can get different effects with different colors, or go all scrappy.

Here’s a little more detail –

I’m all about short-cuts, but there are some things you shouldn’t skimp on. Ironing is one of them, and so is cutting off the selvedges.

Take 2 strips and sew them together. Choose one dark and one light.

Press open.

Yeah, I hate ironing too. Just do it. It will look better if you press your fabric after every seam. And your blocks will fit together better. Put on a good audiobook and get going on your ironing and soon it will be done.

Your life will be easier if you use a rotary cutter. The brand doesn’t matter – get one that fits your hand and is comfortable to use. Make sure you can replace the blades on it too. You’ll also need a quilting ruler and a rotary mat so you don’t damage your floor or table.

Trim off the selvedge ends. They don’t have the same texture as the rest of the fabric, so it will make it look better if you do this.

When sewn together, the two strips end up to be 4.5 inches high. To make a square, cut the strip sets (the two sewn together) into 4.5 inch units. You will get 9 squares out of each strip set.

You can save a step by not moving the fabric for the second cut, and use the 1/2 inch already cut on the right as your edge.

Assemble into 4 patches, making them look like an L for the top two and a 7 for the bottom two.

I had a variety of blues and yellows, so I had to make a decision on the layout. These are the 4 patches laid out in an ombre pattern.

Here is the final quilt. I call it “Fireflies at twilight”. It is 46 inches square.

You can use the same concept to make quilts without using precuts. I cut the center strips (the wood) into 2 inch wide, while the larger colorful pieces are 4 inches wide to make this Autumn leaves and twigs L7

It is about 40 inches square. All made from fabric from @smartartandcraftsupplies (including the backing). Finished on 6/30/23

Here is what the basic block looks like –