Hand Binding a Quilt: A complete tutorial for how to Bind your Quilt with hand stitching two ways!

Do you want to learn how to Bind your Quilt with hand stitching? Watch this quilt binding tutorial video to see two different methods for hand stitching the binding of a quilt! This is an easy quilting tutorial perfect for someone learning how to quilt!
Hand sewing the binding on the quilt was the way my grandma taught me to do it, and is still my favorite method for binding a quilt. I thoroughly love the slow pace and getting to snuggle under the quilt while I work at it.
If you choose the sew your binding on by hand, you'll sew the first side of your binding down on the machine, and then flip it over and sew it by hand. This video is a full tutorial from how to make quilt binding to big stitch quilt binding.
First, I'll show you how to prep your quilt and make the binding, and then I share my tips for successfully sewing the binding onto one side of your quilt with the sewing machine. Next, we dive into how to hand stitch the binding down using either invisible stitches, or big bold hand quilting stitches!
Do you have a favorite way to bind quilts?
Find my 3-part blog series for How to Bind a Quilt here:
homemadeemilyjane.com/quilt-b...
homemadeemilyjane.com/quilt-b...
A common question about binding a quilt is whether you need to cut the binding on the bias. For straight-edge quilts, you can cut the quilt binding straight on grain, not on the bias. If your quilt has curved edges or rounded corners, you’ll want to cut the binding on the bias. In this video I cut width of fabric strips on the grain.
Here is my favorite ruler for cutting out quilt binding:
Stripology Ruler on Amazon: amzn.to/3yWqkzp
Stripology Ruler on Fat Quarter Shop: shrsl.com/35l6a
The quilt shown in this video is a variation of the Sprightly Quilt Pattern, which can be found in my shop here:
homemadeemilyjane.com/product...
00:00 Quilt Binding Tutorial
00:42 Prepping your Quilt for Binding
01:12 Making Your Quilt Binding
03:04 Sewing Binding onto your Quilt
05:03 Perfect Mitered Corners
6:30 Joining the binding ends
10:01 Hand Stitching the Quilt Binding
10:59 Supplies for Hand Stitching
13:03 Invisible stitches for Hand Binding
15:59 Big Stitch Hand Binding
Shop all my favorite quilting tools on amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/homemadee...
When you purchase through this affiliate link, I make a small commission which enables me to continue creating fun videos!
Find more creative tutorials at www.homemadeemilyjane.com
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[@julianneuebelein7011]

First time hand stitching the binding and this was by far the easiest tutorial to follow. It also turned out looking way better than when I followed other methods. Thanks, Emily :)

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Wonderful! I’m so glad this tutorial helped 👏🏼

[@dorislacroix7938]

I’ve been quilting for many years and my favorite method is invisible binding. You’re tutorial is excellent, 10 stars! I did learn one new trick, rolling the binding up and placing it in the spool pin is genius! Congrats and keep up your good work.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you!!

[@pennyhuffman2570]

Agree! Me too!

[@user-gi9mg8df7r]

Thank you. I like the invisible stitch and your tutorial is very clear. I was given quilt material from a woman who has terminal breast cancer. In the bin was a quilt top and about 5 yards of material that went with the top. I am a beginner and wanted to finish the quilt for this woman. So I went to a quilt shop. The top edge of the quilt was finished with prairie points. The shop owner put the batting and back on for me with her long arm quilting machine and left a material edge for me to turn under and stitch so the prairie points show. I am ready to tackle this task. Tomorrow is the womans birthday She will be 80. I hope to give it to her on Monday. Thank you again for your informative video. Gretchen

[@carolynforehand3490]

I like doing both versions of binding. I recently attached binding to back side, so the big stitch was on the front...love it!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

That's a great idea!

[@BeckyScully-ds5sk]

I enjoyed your video. I like the invisible binding best. I learned a few things. Thanks

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Sall1B]

Brilliant video thank you. As a newbie quilter, I really appreciate the clarity of your explanations and the excellent camera work.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kathyclark616]

Thank you. After struggling and struggling for days I found your site. You make absolute sense. I've gone from giving up to getting excited to quilt again.

[@user-nu2jv1lq8f]

Thank you for this video!

[@patidavis8799]

I learned so much thank you😊

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

You are so welcome!

[@wandawarren1796]

Learned new methods. Excellent instructions ❤

[@judithadams7480]

I like the invisible stitch. I have alway knotted my thread in beginning and love your way of knotting right on the quilt. Thank you

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you! I’m glad you discovered a new technique to try out 💕

[@karin0963]

I've never hand stitched the binding. Thank you for sharing. Great tutorial.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marilynmiller5401]

I prefer the invisible. Thanks for your help!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I’m so glad you found this tutorial useful, Marilyn! It’s always great to try a few things to see what you like best ❤️ Happy Sewing!

[@user-sm7gp9lu1e]

So one thing that I would love to see a video for is how you end it and start a. new piece of thread. I'm doing a queen quilt.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

That’s a great point! I usually just tie a knot and tuck the tail inside the binding (instead of trimming the thread) and then try my best to start the next stitch as close to the previous so it doesn’t look like a new thread starting

[@lorriechamp6411]

I like the invisible I don’t think I could do it straight enough for the other to look good. You’re very good at explaining everything. I appreciate you.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Getting the stitches straight definitely takes a little practice. Thank you for your kind words! ❤️

[@taryncornelius548]

I am a new quilter and the hand binding technique you describe so clearly worked great ! Thank you !

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Fantastic! I’m so glad!! Happy sewing

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Great tutorial! Thank you for sharing!

[@suefitzgerald2955]

Great tutorial. Sewing the ends of the binding together has always been a struggle for me. Your method was really easy. Thanks.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annstephe4624]

My old eyes want to try the "big stitch" but my OCD says No Way 😊. I'll stick with the blind stitching by hand. I am hand binding a large quilt that is on my lap right now. Your instructions are nice and clear. Thank you

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

If you practice the big stitch in a smaller project, you might really enjoy it! It does take a little practice to get the stitches all perfectly straight and the same length but it’s so worth it (in my opinion) ❤️ Happy Sewing!!! Enjoy all the cozy stitching time you’ve got!

[@kathykata8051]

Loved watching your video. I usually machine bind because it is much faster, but you made hand stitching look so easy, I just might try it again. I have never even thought about using larger, more visible stitches on the binding, but can see how it would be a nice way to finish some quilts, so thank you for that. I also loved the idea of rolling the binding. What a time saver!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

The big stitches are faster too 🙌🏼😁

[@marianotar]

Super tutorial. I've seen many KZbin videos on attaching binding and yours is the best of them all. I will definitely give the glue basting option a try on my next quilt.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Glad it was helpful! thank you for your kind words 😍

[@shorti4ever]

Love love love this tutorial! Thank you!

[@dinky..]

Very helpful! Thank you 😊 I have no unanswered questions!💕

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeancutshall8108]

Good refresher, as I usually machine bind quilts. Am using the blind stitch method in restoring an old quilt. Thanks!

[@erincoffin4861]

I've had a twin size quilt "ready to go," for months! All I needed was the confidence to sew on the binding. I just did it! My next step is the invisible hand stitching. You did a great job explaining the process - trust me, I've watched a lot of tutorials on the subject but until I watched this one I stayed stuck! Rolling the binding / putting on the spool pin - awesome! Thank you!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you!!! I’m so glad you found this video helpful!

[@georgiahanchera6449]

I have watched videos on machine binding. Now that I have watched your video, I prefer the looks of the invisible stitches, also topstitching. I’m going to my sewing room right now, to attach my first binding by topstitching! Thanks for the motivation!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thanks for your comment, Georgia! I hope your binding went on well and I’m so glad you found my videos helpful! ❤️ happy sewing!!

[@lindsaynicholson4737]

great tutorial! thanks for helping me figure out how to finish the binding for my quilts - I finally am happy with how they look and even found joy in the process :)

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I’m so glad!!

[@carolweber573]

I love this tutorial Great job! I love the binding on the thread spool!

[@christinesmith989]

Really informative thank you. I am just starting to quilt as you go and hadn't a clue how to sew the edges but you have taught me the invisible way which is perfect! I will be searching how to handsew my squares together next. Thank you again. xxx❤❤❤

[@nikkihunter7606]

Thank you so much for this info! I’m just learning how to hand bind.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

You are so welcome!

[@nancybabb5958]

Loved this tutorial! Never did hand binding but looking forward to trying it

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Wonderful! You can do it!!

[@lorrainemcmillion395]

Loved this video! Thank you for all the tips in it

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@amaurer65]

Great tutorial! Now to decide which to use on each quilt.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you!

[@kidsnkittens]

Excellent tutorial! You’re a very good teacher. I’m excited to try the big stitch to add a decorative touch to my current quilt. Thank you thank you!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you Tami! Your kind words are so encouraging 💕

[@sheilaraelapsley6412]

Invisible binding I liked best.

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Good tutorial!!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you!

[@cindyjosephson9034]

This is an outstanding video!!! 15 stars!!!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

That’s so kind of you to say! Thank you!!

[@cindyjosephson9034]

@@HomemadeEmilyJane You make it look so doable for beginning quilters...step by step!! WOW!!

[@ChickenTender57]

Thank you for a nice tutorial. I’ll be trying the big stitch this time.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

You’re welcome! Happy sewing 🤗😘

[@poppyandfernando]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

You're very welcome!

[@TiffMar328]

This tutorial was so nice! Thank you so much

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you for your kind & encouraging words 💕

[@jeanrichards8042]

I've done a few quilts and used machine binding on them. I'm working on a very special quilt right now and wanted to hand bind it. This video is fantastic and I will refer back to it as I'm binding...who knows, maybe I'll be a convert to hand binding!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you for your kind words!! This type of binding is definitely my favorite!

[@marywiker392]

I loved your tutorial! It took me a couple tries with matching up the binding at the end, but I got it!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Woo hoo! Way to go! That’s the trickiest step for sure but I’m glad you were able to master it! ❤️ happy sewing!

[@user-ob8ve6wy2g]

Invisible ❤

[@coolbythelakequilts]

I’m still relatively new to quilting. I only recently tried hand stitching my binding and will never go back to machine binding on the back side. I’m excited to try the big stitch method. I think the style of quilt will determine which style (invisible vs big stitch) will work best with the design.

[@user-bq8ln9su3u]

Thank you this was very helpful!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I'm so glad! Thank you!

[@joyazembren]

Big stitch binding was new to me. I may try it. When I started quilting 3 years ago, I did invisible stitch. Now I use machine on both sides due to arthritis and speed but the hand stitching is so relaxing.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Hand stitching is so relaxing!! I have arthritis too, so I can’t do it for long periods at a time, but when I do hand stitch I always love it!

[@reneejohnson5041]

Hi Emily, just discovered your channel and am so happy I did. Thanks for this wonderful tutorial on hand binding. I have always machine stitched mine on, but have been curious about learning a proper way to hand bind. I also have just started dabbling with big stitch hand quilting. Love that I found this tutorial on both ways to hand bind. Thank you! Looking forward to watching new videos from you and plan to go back and watch all you've made so far. Thanks! again I am also curious to know the quilt pattern and quilting on this quilt you are binding. I'll check in the notes. Oh and the new trick I learned from you today is rolling the binding up and placing it on the spool pin. Thanks!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thanks for your kind words, Renee! The pattern is my Sprightly quilt pattern, and I used Fat Quarters instead of yardage. This article shows how: homemadeemilyjane.com/scrappy-sprightly-quilt/

[@NitaTaylor-xs6iu]

I have viewed many tutorials on bindingquilts, but very few address the issue of binding seam placement. I have experienced having a seam in the binding landing on or too close to a corner which interferes with getting a good miter on the corner. Other than that issue, I find your tutorial extremely helpful.

[@mrs.coombs7210]

I’m new to hand binding, andI found your video to be very helpful. Do you have a video to show what to do when you get to the corners? Thank you!

[@trishrose9450]

I do cross stitch crib quilts, I don't have a machine. I have been looking for a tutorial for quilting and binding by hand

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

You came to the right KZbin channel! ❤️

[@kerrileo120]

Do you have a way to bind a quilt that doesn’t use a machine at all? That’s done entirely by hand?

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

You could try “self binding” which is a method where you actually use the backing of the quilt to fold over towards the front and stitch it down. I’ve only ever done it once though, and I don’t have any tutorials for that method, so you’ll have to do some searching for that

[@peggybinette8605]

I’ll have to try the big stitch method. My tip is a rechargeable LED neck light.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Love that tip!! I have a rechargeable led desk lamp that I stick between couch cushions so I can stitch while watching a movie 😂

[@kerryjames1923]

Fantastic tutorial, my favourite is invisible but I think I will give the big stitch a try on the right project. I also love the design you quilted on your quilt, did you do it yourself and if so was it longarmed or standard sewing machine?

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thanks for your kind words!! This quilt was long armed using a computerized edge to edge design 😊

[@arianascott5657]

I’m a new quilter and the only issue I have with the tutorial is that you’re still using a sewing machine for a decent chunk of it. I’m currently working on an Amish hexie quilt and I plan on only doing it my hand as I don’t have a machine. Great methods in the video tho. It’s a really good tutorial if you have the option of using a machine to assist.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thanks! I’ve never tried Amish quilting before but now I’m wondering what their binding methods are like. It’s so neat how there are so many different ways to quilt!! ❤️

[@arianascott5657]

@@HomemadeEmilyJane it’s a really fun way to quilt. There’s so many different methods and patterns to it as well. Especially when it comes to quilting the layers together.

[@Gypsyditzy]

I don't have a sewing machine. What stitch and needle and thread should I use to sew through all. Of that?

[@gail020759]

I like to do the invisible stitches. I needed a review on doing all of this for an almost completed wall hanging and came across you for the first time. You did a great job and this was just what I needed. Thanks so much. I have subscribed to your channel and I’m now going to check out your latest quilt pattern!!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you!! I’m glad you found this helpful!

[@MrsFlax-iu3ro]

I wish u would have shown how to turn a corner with big stitch, something about an “x”. Thank you.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I don’t do an X at the corner, I just start a stitch at the end and then do the next stitch angled 90 degrees to keep going

[@user-wd2by8if6v]

What I wanted to find out is how to finish stitching when you reach the end if your thread and need to start stitching with a new thread.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Tie a knot and bury the thread tails inside the binding 💓

[@pat190]

wonderful close-ups!! thank you! what is the name of this stitch?

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you! It’s a running stitch

[@danaheatley3339]

On the big stitch is the thread doubled or single

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I don't double the thread, I find that using 8 wt or even 12 wt perle cotton is plenty thick for the big bold stitches.

[@amaurer65]

What weight was the thread for the invisible stitch?

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I love using Decobob from Wonderfil which is 80 wt! But anything 50 or higher would be fine

[@user-yh6lb3dd4z]

IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO THE WHOLE BINDING BY HAND? ON THE CHANCE YOU HAVE NO SEWING MACHINE AVAILABLE.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I’m sure it is possible - people have been making quilts for much much longer than sewing machines have been around 😁

[@user-yh6lb3dd4z]

THANK YOU, I'LL TRY IT. @@HomemadeEmilyJane

[@sheldonandmelaniehounsell6895]

I think you just turned me away from wanting to make quilts. I didn't have a clue what you were talking about and you made everything look soooooo hard

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Wow! This comment took me by surprise. I’m so sorry you feel that way! There are many different methods for binding a quilt, so maybe by machine would be a better route for you to go if the hand stitching is intimidating for you. Please remember that it’s a human behind the screen. I put many hours of hard work into creating tutorials, and although it didn’t turn out to be helpful for you, my biggest hope is that someone may learn from these techniques.

[@gmr1241]

So, um... Hand sewing means 'get the sewing machine out'? I don't have a machine. Now what?

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I’ve never made a quilt completely by hand but have you seen the technique where people use their backing fabric as the binding by folding it over the front? I think that method would work well! Best of luck!

[@joannemarieclare]

Omg really 12 minutes and still not a stitch

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

I’m not sure what you mean… Is there something I can help you with? ❤️ I try to make my videos as thorough as possible so anyone can follow along, and I include chapters so you can easily fast forward to a specific step if you need to.

[@stephanieadams3747]

You talk for 14 minutes before actually getting to the hand binding. What a waste of my time. SHORTEN YOUR VIDEO AND GET TO THE POINT!

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Hi Stephanie! I try to make all my videos as comprehensive as possible so beginner quilters can follow along too. I'm sorry you found it frustrating. To save time in the future, make sure you use the timestamps listed in the video and in the description to fast-forward to a specific step. Here are the timestamps for this video: 00:00 Quilt Binding Tutorial 00:42 Prepping your Quilt for Binding 01:12 Making Your Quilt Binding 03:04 Sewing Binding onto your Quilt 05:03 Perfect Mitered Corners 6:30 Joining the binding ends 10:01 Hand Stitching the Quilt Binding 10:59 Supplies for Hand Stitching 13:03 Invisible stitches for Hand Binding 15:59 Big Stitch Hand Binding I try my best to include these on all my videos so it's easy to navigate. Happy Sewing!

[@tnt9238]

@@HomemadeEmilyJane wow some people are just cranky…not mentioning any names. I really enjoyed your entire video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and explaining everything so throughly.

[@HomemadeEmilyJane]

Thank you!! I appreciate your kind and encouraging words 💕

[@kimbird2015]

I thought you did a wonderful job explaining all the steps to binding a quilt. I do enjoy the last step of hand stitching the binding down. I have not tried the big stitch method but will keep it in mind . I do have a question about where you trim your batting before binding.. I see yours is trimmed to the edge of your quilt. Some I have seen leave a 1/4 in of batting beyond the edge.. would love to hear your thoughts on each method.😊