Across the Sea Quilt-Along: Binding Your Quilt

You've done the hard part and now it's a race to the finish line! Congrats to all of you for working so hard on your Across the Sea Quilt.

So, let's talk binding.

For our quilt-along you will need 1/2 yard of fabric to make your binding. I cut my pieces 2.5" wide x WOF.

Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts has a fantastic tutorial on binding that takes you through the whole process. Rita of Red Pepper Quilts also has some great info on binding too.

Image from Red Pepper Quilts

Source: redpepperquilts.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

All binding is first applied by machine then you have two options for finishing your binding. You can hand sew it on or machine sew it. Sarah has some great tips for machine finishing your binding- be sure to pop over and check out her suggestions.

Craft Apple Image

Source: craftapple.wordpress.com via Angie on Pinterest

I usually hand sew my binding as I did for this quilt.  I've found this tutorial to be really helpful. I use the ladder stitch which makes an invisible stitch and leaves a clean finish for the back of your quilt. Craft Apple has another great tutorial for the ladder stitch.

That being said, I really like Rachel's tip for machine finishing your binding with a zig-zag stitch.

So, whichever way you choose, binding is the final step. All that's left (after a quick wash and a dry) is taking it out of the drier and seeing the fabulous finished result of a snuggly, crinkly, well-loved quilt all ready to go. That is the BEST part!

Can't wait to see your quilts! 5 days to go (by Oct. 3) to upload your pics to the ATS Flickr group to be entered to win the gift certificate to Sew Fresh Fabrics!

Don't stop now, you can do it!