About that Binding

The first time I did it, it was on a whim.

But I was compelled to do it again.

It just seemed right to do it again.

And last week, I did it yet again.

I guess when it comes right down to it, you'd call it "matched" binding. Basically, I make binding strips in different colors, approximating the size of what they need to cover and match. Then I trim and add as I get to the next section. Ie. Machine-stitch, measure-cut-add another color, machine-stitch....continue. Matching binding at a 'straight' seam is about 150% times easier than at an angle, which I did on quilts #2 and #3 above. So let's start there!

Measure around your quilt and jot down how many inches of each color of binding you will need, allowing yourself at least 6-8" extra in length (more if you will be adding in any particular color more than once, like I did with the white binding in the picture above). Cut and prep binding as you usually do.

Now begin sewing binding on just like normal, stopping a couple of inches before the change in color. 

With the binding laying flat, mark where the colors meet, then measure and cut 1/4" past that. Basically, you are just giving yourself a seam-allowance for adding on the next color.

Stitch the two colors together, right-sides together with 1/4" seam and finger-press seam open. (Normally I piece binding with a diagonal seam, but to get that right-out-to-the-edge look, it'll need to be straight.)

Just keep sewing around your quilt, repeating this process while adding your matching binding strips.

All stitched on and just finish as you normally do. (If you machine-stitch your binding from the back, it should work the same way!)

So there you go . . .

If you try this method, be sure and tag with #matchedbinding and tag me when you post on Instagram!

Linking up with TNT Thursday, show off friday, sew and tell, and Fabric Tuesday.