• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Polka Dot Chair logo

  • SEWING
    • Free Sewing Patterns
    • Bag Patterns
    • Costumes
    • Apparel
    • Learn to Sew
    • Beginner Friendly
    • Embroidery Projects
    • Tips & Techniques
    • All Sewing
  • QUILTING
    • Quilt Blocks
    • Learn to Quilt
    • Free Patterns
    • Quilt Patterns
    • All Quilting
  • CRAFTS
    • Disney
    • Cricut
    • Printables
    • All Crafts
  • HOLIDAYS
    • Seasonal Projects
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • All Holidays
  • TUTORIALS
  • ABOUT
    • About Me
    • My Fabric Collections
    • Published Books
    • Press
    • FAQ’s
    • Contact
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
  • SHOP
  • TUTORIALS
  • SEWING
  • QUILTING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • CRAFTS
  • HOLIDAY PROJECTS
  • ABOUT
    • Published Books
    • My Fabric Collections
  • CONTACT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • SHOP
    • TUTORIALS
    • SEWING
    • QUILTING
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • CRAFTS
    • HOLIDAY PROJECTS
    • ABOUT
      • Published Books
      • My Fabric Collections
    • CONTACT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Quilts

    How to Machine Bind a Quilt; A Step-by-Step Guide

    Updated: Mar 16, 2023 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 10 Comments

    Machine binding a quilt can save you a lot of time and possibly allow a quilt to hold up better with repeated washings. Today I’ll teach you how to bind a quilt with a sewing machine using a unique trick that will yield great-looking binding and straight stitches every time!

    quilt, thread and clips on blue cutting mat

    First, I’ll say this technique is not for everyone. If you prefer hand-stitched quilt binding, that’s ok. However, if you need to sew the binding of a quilt by machine, then I think this post will help you a lot.

    Most of the time, quilters prefer to bind their quilts using a combination and machine and hand stitching. The binding strips are cut and sewn together, then machine sewn to the front of the quilt top. The binding is then folded to the back of the quilt, where it is hand-stitched down.

    Table of Contents
    • Why Would you machine Bind a Quilt?
    • What do You Mean by Machine Binding?
    • Do I Need to Cut the Fabric on the Bias?
    • Tools Required
    • What Size Should I Cut my Binding?
    • Step One: Calculate and Cut the Binding Strips
    • Step Two: Sew the Strips into a Continuous Strip
    • What Color Thread Should I Use?
    • Step Three: Sew the Binding to the Complete Quilt Top

    I prefer to bind my quilts using a sewing machine for various reasons. I’ll go into my explanation later in this post, but mostly it’s because binding a quilt by hand is too tiring for me due to arthritis.

    I’ve bound MANY quilts by machine over the years. Many times it was because I was always pressed with a deadline. I’ve tried many different methods but find myself coming back to this one over and over again.

    It involves sewing the binding to the back of the quilt instead of the front and using an edgestitch foot to give you a perfect finish!

    Why Would you machine Bind a Quilt?

    You might want to bind a quilt by machine instead of by hand for several reasons. First, if the quilt is for a baby or small child and will be washed frequently, I feel that machine binding holds up better with frequent washings.

    close up of coral and white baby quilt
    close up of coral and white baby quilt

    (free pattern for the pictured quilt)

    Another reason is that hand quilting is hard for people with arthritis. I have arthritis and find that I’ve bound a quilt by hand that sometimes my fingers hurt for days. I can’t do it. I’ve found that machine binding is much easier on my hands.

    What do You Mean by Machine Binding?

    There are two methods to bind a quilt. One is to sew the folded quilt binding to the quilt with a sewing machine. Then, you hand-stitch the binding down around the perimeter of your quilt with a blind stitch. This method yields the “prettiest” results since you can easily hide your hand stitches in the binding.

    Machine binding a quilt involves sewing the binding to the quilt by machine and using a machine to sew the binding in place. Some do not prefer this method since you have visible stitches on your quilt when you are done. However, I will show you a technique today that makes those visible stitches look pretty good.

    Do I Need to Cut the Fabric on the Bias?

    No. The only time you need to cut fabric on a bias when binding a quilt is when you are binding curves. You will want to bind your quilt using bias binding if it has curved corners.

    Tools Required

    Binding a quilt with a sewing machine does require a few unique tools. You’ll need a Walking Foot with an edge stitching sole plate. My walking foot is made by BERNINA and comes with three different foot sole options. I can easily swap out the foot soles on the foot. Walking Feet are specific to machines, so you’ll need to check with your sewing machine manufacturer to see which one you need.

    You will also need a thread matching your quilt binding and or quilt back (we’ll discuss that later).

    I also recommend that you use the following:

    • Binding Clips
    • Machine Quilting Gloves (these will allow you to grip better and feed the quilt as you sew).

    What Size Should I Cut my Binding?

    I prefer to work with quilt bindings that are 2 ½″ wide. I know that many people love 2 ¼″, but I think that extra ¼″ gives you a bit more wiggle room when you are binding. It also gives you a wide enough binding if your quilt is backed in a thicker fabric like Minky.

    Step One: Calculate and Cut the Binding Strips

    The length of your binding will depend on the size of your quilt. I use this binding calculator to determine how many binding strips I need to cut.

    Cut binding strips 2 ½″ wide by the width of your fabric from the fabric using a quilt ruler and rotary cutter. I keep my fabric folded (like it comes off the bolt) with the selvage edges together.

    Then cut off the selvage edge from all of your strips.

    black and white diagram of quilt binding

    Step Two: Sew the Strips into a Continuous Strip

    After cutting your binding strips, you’ll need to sew them together to make one large binding strip. Sew the strips together at a 90-degree angle from each other and stitch on the diagonal. This will allow you to have a diagonal seam in your binding, which will have a lot less bulk in your binding. Trim off the excess seam allowance between each strip.

    After it’s sewn into a continuous strip, fold the strip in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides of the fabric facing, and press.

    What Color Thread Should I Use?

    hand holding aqua thread

    There are a few different ways to approach this issue. One is to match the thread on your binding to the thread your quilt has been quilted with. This method works especially well if your quilt is densely quilted. You’ll hardly notice the binding stitches on the back.

    Since the binding stitches show on the back of the quilt, I recommend always using thread the same color as your machine quilting thread in your bobbin.

    You can match the machine quilting color for the top thread, or you can match the binding. I prefer to match the binding fabric since I feel like it blends better. It is ok to use a different thread color on the top of your machine then your bobbin thread.

    Step Three: Sew the Binding to the Complete Quilt Top

    I’ve outlined this step in more detail in the card below (which is printable, so you can refer back to it as often as you need).

    quilt, thread and clips on blue cutting mat

    How to Machine Bind a Quilt

    Melissa Mortenson
    Using this method you can both stitch the binding to a quilt by machine and stitch it in place with a machine.
    4.34 from 9 votes
    Pin It! Share by Email Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 1 hr
    Active Time 1 hr
    Total Time 2 hrs

    Equipment

    • Walking Foot with Edgestitch Plate
    • Binding Clips
    • Machine Quilting Gloves

    supplies

    • 2 ½" wide Binding Strip long enough for your quilt top.

    Instructions
     

    Prepare Binding

    • After you have sewn your binding strips together, fold the binding in half lengthwise and press.  Roll the binding up to keep it out of your way as you sew.
      quilt binding on aqua cutting mat

    Sew the Binding to the Quilt Back

    • Beginning at the bottom of the quilt, stitch the binding to the quilt top on the BACK of the quilt.
      The raw edge of the folded binding strip should be flush with the raw edge of the quilt.
      Use a ¼” seam allowance. Leave about 8” of binding unstitched as you begin. I recommend using a walking foot or dual feed foot for this step (in my photos, I’m using a dual-feed foot).
      gloved hand holding a quilt under a sewing machine
    • Sew the binding until you get close to a corner. When you are about ¼” away from the corner, put your needle down and rotate the quilt under the needle. Stitch a short diagonal line towards the corner of the quilt.  Cut thread.
      gloved hand holding a quilt under a sewing machine
    • Rotate the quilt 90 degrees and flip the binding straight up so that it is at a 90-degree angle from the binding you just stitched down.
    • Fold the binding so that it is flush with the unsewn section of the quilt top.  This will create a mitered corner on your quilt.
      gloved hand holding a quilt under a sewing machine
    • Starting at the top edge, keep stitching until you get to your next corner and repeat.

    Stitch Binding in Place

    • Flip the quilt so that it’s right side up and fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt. Hold it in place with binding clips. I usually work on one small section at a time and only clip that section.
    • Put the walking foot with the edgestitch sole on your machine. Adjust your needle right/left settings so that the needle goes into the fabric and catches the folded edge of the binding. The “edge” portion of the machine foot should be flush up against the binding fold.
    • Begin stitching, taking care to keep the edge foot in place as you sew. 
    • When you get to a corner, fold the corner over and use a seam ripper to hold the corner in place as you sew. Stitch up into the corner, put the needle down, rotate the quilt 90 degrees, and keep sewing.
    • When you get to a corner, fold the corner over and use a seam ripper to hold the corner in place as you sew. Stitch up into the corner, put the needle down, rotate the quilt 90 degrees, and keep sewing.
    • When you get to a corner, fold the corner over and use a seam ripper to hold the corner in place as you sew. Stitch up into the corner, put the needle down, rotate the quilt 90 degrees, and keep sewing.
      Repeat until your quilt is completely bound.

    Notes

    Tip:
    If you find that your binding is stubborn and won’t stay folded over towards the right side of the quilt. You can iron it in place. Place the quilt, backing side up on an ironing board, and press the binding away from the quilt back. 
    PRINT
    Tried this tutorial?Let us know how it was!

    You May Also Like:

    • How to Finish a Quilt
    • How to make a Fabric Binder Cover
    • Tuesday Tutorial, Patchwork Skirt
    • How to Make a Quilt from Start to Finish
    • Sewing Lesson: Five Must-Have Sewing Machine Feet

    More Projects You May Enjoy

    • English Bloom Mug Rug; an EPP Project
    • Color Combination Ideas for your Next Quilt or Sewing Project
    • 15+ Quilted Table Runner Patterns Perfect for Spring
    • First Edition; Book Quilt Block Mug Rug Pattern

    • Share
    • Email

    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judy A Kraft says

      July 13, 2021 at 11:48 am

      I too, use this method to sew on binding. However, I always struggle to match the two ends with a bias seam. Do you have any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        July 14, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        UGH. Me too. I normally don’t match them on the bias, just a straight seam then trim the seam allowance down to 1/8″.

        Reply
        • Maree says

          July 19, 2021 at 4:47 am

          Hi Melissa
          Thank you for another great tutorial. I so wanted someone to explain machine binding of a quilt. Was so excited when I saw this. I also wanted to know how much of binding to cut off at the end since you mentioned starting to bind leaving about 8 inch. Wanted to know how much I needed to leave at the end and how to cut n stitch them together before binding it to the other aside of the quilt. Am I missing something here or is it just general knowledge how to do that part? I’m really new to quilting and was looking forward to that part as well.
          Hope you can help and thank you and congratulations on all your great work 🙂

          Reply
          • Melissa Mortenson says

            July 19, 2021 at 9:40 am

            I’ll just say that I don’t do it the “right way”. This is how I do it.I leave an 8″ tail of unsewn binding when I begin. I then sew all of the binding on until I get within about 5 inches of where I started. I then overlap the binding pieces and mark the point where they overlap. I then measure out 1/4″ from EACH side of the binding strip and cut.
            Then I sew the two ends together with a 1/4″ seam and trim it down to a 1/8″ and press. I then sew the rest of the binding on.
            If you want to do it the “proper” way, here’s a great tutorial: http://www.aqsblog.com/quilter-needs-know-joining-ends-binding

            Reply
    2. Glenda Stanton says

      July 14, 2021 at 8:40 am

      Melissa, what an amazing blog! Stumbled into your page and am overwhelmed with your generosity in posting so many designs, instructions, inspirations. Thank you for sharing your wealth of creativity. Now I have to get off the internet and get busy putting the many ideas into a plan!! Thank you for the motivation.

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        July 14, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        Oh you are so sweet. Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Colleen Doyle Waclawski says

      July 18, 2021 at 7:31 pm

      I sew my binding on with fusible thread in the bobbin, And then when it fold it over the raw edge, I I press it and it sticks to the bobbin thread and it is really easy to top stitch.

      Reply
    4. Tambra Vandal says

      July 19, 2021 at 5:56 am

      Thank you Melissa! What a great way to machine bind. I too struggle when machine binding & I usually end up doing the cheater method. Your method looks like a way easier method! I will definitely be giving this method a try on my next quilt project. Love reading your newsletters & blogs, and have enjoyed sewing many of your patterns & tutorials……plus I love your beautiful Riley Blake fabric lines. ❤️

      Reply
    5. Carol Tilley says

      July 20, 2021 at 3:22 am

      Just 💖 your tutorials. So easy to follow. Thank you.

      Reply
    6. Robin says

      October 26, 2021 at 8:11 pm

      I’d like to know the kind of thread and weight you use for machine binding. I only saw a reference to color. Thanks!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello! It’s nice to meet you.

    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

    COPYRIGHT POLICY

    All my images and text are copyrighted. You may NOT use any images from this site in any kind of Video (this includes YouTube). If you would like to feature my work, you may use ONE (1) NON-COLLAGED image and must “follow” link back to my original blog post. You may NOT edit, crop, or change my images in any way without written permission. You MAY NOT print out or copy and distribute any text, images or patterns from this site. All patterns, content, instructions, and templates are for personal use ONLY! Thank you! Violators will be reported.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • About Melissa
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Press
    • Published Books
    • Fabric Collections

    Welcome to the Polka Dot Chair! Here you’ll find easy, step-by-step, sewing, quilting, and crafting projects. We design projects for Makers of all skill levels. Beginners are welcome!

    DISCLAIMER:

    While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content on this website, the information is made available without warranty of any kind. The Polka Dot Chair accepts no responsibility or liability, whether direct or indirect, as to the currency or accuracy of the information, nor any consequence of its uses. This website is not intended to substitute the advice of a professional.

    Copyright © 2022 Polka Dot Chair

    [ Placeholder content for popup link ] WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin