The Finishing Touch: Quilt Binding
Binding is the final step in the quilting process, where a narrow strip of fabric is sewn around the raw edges of the quilt sandwich to enclose them and provide a clean, durable finish. While it may seem like a simple task, calculating the exact amount of fabric needed is essential to avoid running out of binding mid-sew or wasting precious material.
Calculating the Perimeter
The first step is determining the total perimeter of your quilt. However, you cannot just use the mathematical perimeter. You must add a 'Joining Buffer' (typically 10 to 12 inches) to account for the overlapping fabric where the two ends of the binding meet, and for the extra length needed to navigate the four 90-degree corners.
The Formula
Binding is almost always cut as strips from a bolt of fabric. We must determine how many linear strips are required to cover the perimeter, and then multiply that by the width of your desired strip.
Yardage = [Ceil( (2W + 2L + 12) / (FabricWidth - 2) ) * StripWidth] / 36
Bias vs. Straight Grain
- Straight Grain Binding: Cut parallel to the selvage. It is faster to cut and more fabric-efficient. Best for quilts with straight edges.
- Bias Binding: Cut at a 45-degree angle. It has significant stretch and is mandatory for quilts with curved edges (scalloped or rounded corners), as it can navigate the curves without puckering.