Quick Tips for Less Wonky Binding Corners

Binding corners have always gotten the best of me. I hate struggling over less than perfect - and I do mean less than perfect - miters at my corners! BAH! So, with lots of binding ahead of me on a stack full of quilts sitting on my table, I thought I would share some tips that I have recently employed to help out.

Step 1: Get that 1/4" Right

When you approach the corner of your quilt, make sure to stop 1/4" from the edge. I have found that using the 1/4" mark on my plate helps out a lot. My plate happens to have markings and the first line on the plate shows me that 1/4" - so that's when I stop sewing.

 

Step 2: Turn and Fold the Binding

Now it's time to turn the quilt and start the corner folds. Fold the binding away from you making a 45 degree angle and finger press in place. Making sure that the fabric is flat and the angle sharp will help keep things in line.

Step 3: Make Another Fold and Pin in Place

Fold the binding fabric towards you now to complete the folding. For me, this is where things traditionally get a little dicey. To help with that, I decided it would be a good idea to pin the fold in place - this keeps things from shifting as you move onto the next step.

Step 4: Start Sewing Again

Starting right from the edge of the quilt as shown, sew the binding place and you're on your way again! Once you've sewn things down, remove the pin and keep on going until you reach the next corner, and then do it all again.

Here's My Finished Corner

Here are some pictures of the front and back for you to see. I have just pinned in place here as a check to make sure everything went fine and dandy - and it did! YAY! Now for a little hand sewing in front of the TV tonight.