Tomorrow is World Quilting Day. I have been quilting for about a year since having to go on disability from being an RN for 25 years. I love my new art, however; if someone does not give me tips for perfect mitered binding I am going to give-up. I have watched videos, practiced and you name it. When I turn the binding over to the back side, the mitered corned just aren't right. It seem as if a 1/4 inch seam allowance is not enough. PLEASE HELP. Thank you so much.
Welcome, Deanna! What size binding are you using? I use 21/2 to 3' depending on the fabric. Also , you can sew your binding on the back and turn to the front and maybe if you can see the corner it will be easier for you. I f you iron the binding down flat around the quilt it is easier to sew those corners. That was a tip from another quilter here at QCA.Are you using your machine or hand sewing??? Hand sewing the binding is easier for me, to sew those mitered corners. Don.t give up!!! It takes practice, practice and practice. Im sure others here can give you some tips and good advice to help you out. Good Luck! Susan
I like the Martelli Minute Miters to help me make crisp miters. Here is a link to their website.
Martelli
They sell them as part of their zip bind system, but you can purchase them alone, too. Amazon has a good price on them.
I do cut a wider binding strip than most. I cut it at 3 inches, fold and press, and attach with a 3/8 inch seam.
Maybe you could post a picture of the troublespot on your mitered corners in case someone can see something specific to suggest.
On the banks of the Mississippi River in north central Minnesota (Brainerd lakes area)
Hi Susan, I use a 2 1/2 inch binding and sew on my machine. I will use your suggestions and continue trying. Deep breath. Thanks for replying.
Thank you Nancy. I am going to continue to work on these and not give up. I like that Minute Miter and hope that it is easy to use. Again, thanks for your tips.
deanna, i had the same problem. i was watching a video one day and something clicked. i'm from the "if a little bit is good a whole lot is better" train of thought. i was leaving the fold, the one you do at the corner with a 45 degree angle, at or above the top edge of the quilt. the spokesperson said to make sure you don't leave it above the edge of the quilt, and just a smidge below the edge is better. well, duh, it is the little details like this that i miss. now my mitres look tons better. before they were kity corner angled. i hope this helps you.
gini in north idaho
If you are a Premium Member and have gone through the steps for QNN.tv, Patrick Lose shows a great technique for mitering the corners. Just thought I would share. I'm watching it now and it's very interesting. Of course, I have to keep rewinding to catch all he says!
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Here's the link tonhis video. it's really good.
http://www.qnntv.com/videos/0027_binding-with-patrick-lose/
I watched the video and it was very helpful. I also utilized a lot of ironing of the binding that I just completed and it really helped a lot. Thanks to everyone for your helpful hints. Practice, practice, practice is the key to success.
Deanna
I had trouble with mitered borders an watched a fons and porter video and it helped. I think its under how to videos. Have fun quilting!
Quilting My Rainbow
Great video, Roxana! Thanks for pointing that one out.
Hi, I am very new to this and was having alot of trouble. I found a tutorial on Missouri Star Quilt Company that helped but my favorite is http://craftygemini.blogspot.com/ . I have only used the warm and white batting. I cut 2 and a quarter strips. This has worked the best for me. Don't give up though, you will figure it out.