How to Bind a Quilt by Machine

[@Ashybitz]

Still using this video today! Please continue to post!

[@Dizzycow-Tina]

FINALLY ...... I found someone who ‘actually’ shows you how to do the mitre corner on the finishing side ...lTHANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH ....... brilliant tutorial xxx

[@donnaheflin6312]

Love to see a man sewing! Awesome tutorial!

[@avayonthorp8086]

Rob I wish to thank you for every video you do. If it hadn't been for your videos I would not be quilting again. So thank you and keep em coming.

[@SuperSandra513]

Rob, you are an excellent teacher. I really enjoy watching and learning from your videos. Thanks much, Sandy

[@connietatom2492]

I love the quilt hanging in the background!

[@karenpoole8957]

Oh my GOSH! I just learned the most fantastic thing from watching this! I hate hand sewing and have attempted the machine binding but could never get it to look good. But I didn’t realize that edge joining foot I have has the raised side, at least not until I watched this! This is going to save me so much time and save my hands. Thank you so much!

[@carlynholmes]

I am a relatively new quilter. I found the Bi-Level foot at a near-by local Sewing Machine Shop in Arlington Texas. It is a baby lock snap on foot (item BLSO-BLF) and thankfully it works great on my singer sewing and embroidery machines. One word of caution, there is a "right and a left foot." The one you illustrated Rob is a left foot. Rob, thanks for your great tutorials. PS I love the binding tool.

[@myleneberardino235]

You are so good at teaching.. love this and always love watching your videos

[@nancysmith5259]

Absolutely the BEST video on binding. Thank You ever so much!

[@semco72057]

The things you showed us on how to finish the quilt is very important and I have to remember it and know what to do when I am finished putting the quilt together and is ready to bind it together to finish the job. I have some squares which my grandmother cut out, but never got to finish putting the quilts together before she got sick and eventually died. My mother didn't do quilts, but instead made clothing for herself, and my sisters. I thank you for taking the time to show us all we need to know in making quilts and bind them correctly.

[@tinafreethy9571]

I just read below that I can also use a zipper foot so I will try this method on the quilt I am working on to put into the county fair this June. I also don't have the quilt binding tool but overlap the 2 ends by the width of my fabric. To do this method, I start on the back side of the quilt attaching my binding strips. Thanks for the tips. It is nice to see a man do quilting!!!!

[@joannefisher2353]

I was really struggling to work out how to achieve the mitred binding. yours was the first video that I could clearly see what was going on and therefore understand what I should be doing. Thank you!

[@memere4137]

Fabulous tutorials, thank you from Innisfil Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@angelaeaton9102]

Great video! I sure do miss you and the old Cotton Ball location!

[@ramonamcdowell4070]

Your teaching skills are amazing!! Thanks for taking the time to show and tell how to use these awesome tools we have!! Keep it up!! Mona

[@theresabecerra7664]

Thank you for explaining this tool. I had been so flustered not getting it right. You've simplified it for me. Thank You!

[@edwolfe1950]

I have never felt so confident about putting on a binding. Thanks so much Bob!

[@lindaschulz9412]

Super clear and simple tutorial, especially appreciate selvedge is removed ahead.

[@tammydubose2722]

I have been learning so much through these videos. I am about to start free motion quilting on a t-shirt quilt. These lessons have given me so much insight. I have made a couple of quilt tops but have never put the backing on them. I enjoy sewing and can’t wait to see my end project.

[@sherribindas9181]

I have been very afraid of bindings and have watched many videos. It wasn't until I watched yours that it all came together for me. Thanks so much for your wonderful videos.

[@mollycmc1]

I have watched this each and every time I've sewn a binding! It is so great to follow along...pausing as needed....so I get it right every time. I still hand sew the back side, but the part with the little tool is just so helpful!

[@evelynpridemore2902]

OMG Rob this is the first video of yours I watched other than your stuff with Jenny. Thanks so much my binding never comes out right! I am so trying this.

[@ManSewingVids]

Welcome to the man sewing fam Evelyn! I hope this helps with your binding!

[@gailbutler7873]

Thanks for the help! I had binded quilts in the past, but it’s been awhile! Great job!

[@jackiesouza5170]

You’re fun to watch and I learn so much the way you teach sewing/quilting‼️

[@OldCountryCooks]

You're a great teacher, my first quilt isn't pretty but by gosh I finished it thanks to you.

[@myrahaws5148]

This is how I sew my bindings on with one exception, I use a zipper foot, for the same reason Rob is using the bi level foot. the zipper foot works the same way. and I move the needle all the way to left. I do not have the quilt binding tool, instead I overlap the 2 ends by the width of the fabric, 2.5 inch strip over the ends 2.5 inches and sew as you did when making your binding. then trim. thanks for another great video tutorial Rob. love your work.

[@ManSewingVids]

Yes, you could absolutely use a zipper foot as well! Sometimes it's just a matter of personal preference. Thanks for sharing your own take on things!

[@jenniferm6902]

I'd like to try your idea of using the zipper foot but I'm a bit unclear on what you're saying by "I overlap the 2 ends by the width of the fabric, 2.5 inch strip over the ends 2.5 inches and sew", can you please clarify?

[@RonsonDalby]

Jennifer, watch Jenny Doan's "Ultimate Binding Tutorial" for how to join those ends.

[@Kimmy_Bee]

Great idea...a zipper foot! I have one I've never touched! Using it tonight!!

[@chevydude658]

I love my zipper foot. I use it for rolled hems as well. It produces a great clean rolled hem.

[@scooterpoot620]

Wow!!!! I’ve been making quilts for 13 years and have been hand stitching my binding. 😢🤦🏽‍♀️ This is the BEST binding tutorial ever!! Also, I make my binding the exact same way!! The easiest way! I found it in a better homes and garden quilt book!! Thx so much for the tutorial!! You’re very easy and fun to watch!

[@jolew7912]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for showing us how to use the binding tool. I got this as a gift, and tried it a couple of years ago, and messed up the angles for cutting (3 times), which frustrated me and I put the tool away. Was binding an advent calender this morning, decided to try and use it again, watched you use it a couple of times, tried it....AND IT WORKED!!! (insert happy dance here).

[@ManSewingVids]

Woohoo! Glad this tutorial is helpful, Jo! Have fun binding!

[@lindaelainegross3460]

Best binding video ever! So clear to me now. I'm ready to break out my new machine and sew bindings on my three quilts. Thank you so much, Rob.

[@yvonnewelling129]

Thanks for your help, great tips ! Now finished my first every quilt

[@ThomasOrndorff]

I like the binding tool. I like help with the rulers. I do like your site. Great teacher!

[@mxrubyrouge]

Great tip on the binding foot! I didn't know all brands had one, only knew about the Bernina one! Thanks

[@fredandmaryjeannevine1582]

Thank you so much for your tutorials " Man Sewing". Finished my second quilt with your helpful concise instructions. Love your enthusiasm also.

[@sarahfish132]

Used this technique for years. Learned it from Eleanor Burns. On the rare occasions I bind both sides by machine, I do it as he demonstrated. Usually I do the back by hand, so I machine stitch the binding to the front side and fold to the back.

[@sandiarthur9082]

Thank you Rob! So helpful. I was taught to cut the back slightly larger than the front - like 3/8" instead of 1/4" so that the binding has something to wrap around. You don't mention trimming...looks like you just stick to 1/4". I'm trying machine quilting this time. Fingers crossed!

[@janebaker745]

Brilliant thank you, your tutorials are just so easy to follow. I'm a very early beginner at quilting and I'm just about half way through making my first ever quilt, so I shall be practicing the binding on a few place mats first!!

[@tanyaphinney9719]

Wow the way you showed how to use the binding tool was wonderful as I purchased this awhile back and went crazy trying to follow the instructions on the tool. Frustrated and threw it aside!!!!! Thanks for this video you saved me so much agonizing with this binding tool. Love your video's.

[@ManSewingVids]

That's awesome to hear, Tanya! Written instructions can be so confusing sometimes, so I'm glad that I was able to clear this up for you.

[@colleenvandekraats657]

Wonderful teaching video Rob!!!!! Thanks so much.

[@sharonbinter107]

Glad to see someone else doing back to front. My friends thought I was nuts!

[@eileenlorson]

Love the quilt hanging on the wall behind instructor!!

[@barbarabender2499]

I have always applied the binding to the top and then hand stitched the back. Old arthritis is catching up with me. I was working on a larger wall hanging and got a quarter around the hand binding and discovered my corners were so off it was horrid. Watched this last night, pulled out the seam ripper and started over on the binding in an attempt to see if I could do both sides on the machine. I used the steam a seam and then stitched it down to the front. It turned out marvelous - perfect 45 degree corners. I will never hand bind a quilt ever again. So excited to have a bad experience turn into a valuable lesson that will save me oodles of time in the future! Thanks so much for the valuable tutorial! P.S. Just how much coffee do you drink? LOL

[@gingerbart7402]

I have been trying to finish my binding but on every video I watched no one said, " right sides together". After watching one minute of your video. I now know. Thank you so much.

[@janetcozens4623]

What a Fantastic tutorial thank you so much Rob

[@mrsseasea]

I have been making quilts for the better part of 25 years, and have yet to machine finish binding. Might give it a try. Thank you for the video.

[@tinapankow394]

thank you...best teacher ever.....

[@louisebenson1645]

Thank you so much for the tips. I finished my quilt today. King size required a long piece of binding. I folded it up about 5” roll I used a pony tail scrunchie to keep it rolled as I stitched. This made it so easy to unroll a bit as I needed it.

[@donnafaybower2707]

Cool way to finish the binding. Going have to try this method, thanks Rob.

[@donnawood9568]

hi. I have seen some of your videos and I enjoy them so much! I recently saw a video showing how to use the back of the quilt (that is already quilted) to make mitered corners and finish off with the binding! I can't find it . can you direct me in the right direction????

[@gwenmalinowski3308]

Thx for the presser foot tip for binding. I'm going to pick one up before binding my next quilt. Great tutorial!

[@janetcozens5756]

Many thanks for your help in my Binding 🐣🐣🐣🐣

[@JulieJSchmidt]

Love my binding tool! I just discovered the binding foot, and cannot wait to try it on my next quilt. Thank you for showing me how it should work!

[@ManSewingVids]

I'm glad to help, Julie! We'd love to see how it goes! Take a photo and share your story on facebook.com/mensewing!

[@melissascloset9041]

Thank you so much for this! I have struggled for a while with bindings. You have made it super simple :)

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Very interesting. I’ve not used the topstitch foot before, but will try it when I do my next binding job. TFS, Rob!

[@susanmarical2300]

That is the way I like to bind too. I have just recently started hand stitching it to the back. Great job!

[@morningstarlet]

What a fantastic tutorial. Thanks for the quality content! 🧵

[@ceciliasailer101]

I always have trouble mitering my corners when sewing the binding. You made it look so easy. Wish me luck as I have watched many videos on mitering so I am hoping this time I get it right with your instructions!

[@wildyard46]

I do my bindings this same way with a few exceptions that make the procedure even faster and easier. First, I stopped pressing my binding in half because I found that it's just as easy to fold it as I go. To keep my binding off the floor, I keep a small wire trash can and I simply let the binding drop into the trash can back and forth till just the end I want to start with is hanging over the edge. I sit the can by my side on the floor and the binding just flows out as I go. Second, while stitching the binding down on the front, as I approach the corner, rather than sewing the bottom up over the fold and having the foot push it back down (where you show using the scissors to hold it in place), I fold the bottom up first then fold the side in over that, so my fold is under the fabric instead of on top, so it all stays in place and I can see right where to stop stitching and make the turn. I am unable to do hand sewing due to a disability, but even if I could, I would machine bind because it saves so much time! Try folding your corners like I do and see if it isn't much easier and faster! I learned to quilt in 2010 after becoming disabled and have made over 250 quilts since then. I make comfort quilts which I donate to those in my community who are ill or have other issues that a quilt might help.

[@marycook4190]

M

[@robinluther3617]

Great tutorial! Got the template awhile ago and was hesitating to use it (I used a tuck method previously). Bound a quilt for the first time with this technique and it turned out PERFECTLY!

[@ManSewingVids]

That's wonderful to hear, Robin!

[@sue7309]

love this video. so easy to machine bind. up the hill and down the hill.

[@TinekeWilliams]

Gosh, that will save me time doing my Age Concern quilts, thank you Rob!

[@SundaysChild100]

So glad to see the back to front application. I do the same!

[@therotundhound2354]

Hi everyone, if you don’t have or can’t get the bi level or compensating foot, you can use a blind hem foot, with the needle set over to the right. Best wishes from the U.K.

[@christinalizaola4595]

I always love watching your tutorials and Thank you for the info on the binding foot thats really gonna help me as I always machine bind my quilts and it gets a little touch sometimes lol also I have to add that I really love your t-shirt it's so cool 😊👍

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks so much, Christina! Glad that you enjoyed the tutorial! :)

[@plainjane809]

Another quilter showed me for finishing the second half of a mitered corner, it works really well and very cleanly if you turn up the bottom edge and the cover it with the side you are currently working on!

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for the great tip plainjane809! Something I'll need to try sometime!

[@esl9790]

Fantastic video, just wonderful,, thanks so much!

[@normacooper6377]

Learned a new trick-creating a channel with the iron for the diagonal stitching line!

[@brendahamrick9337]

I’ve missed you. Not sure why I’m not getting notifications.

[@rogercaouette6248]

This was a life saver. just as i needed it.

[@thomasorndorff2043]

I like your site. Have a Baby lock machine. Now I will bind the quilt, thanks.

[@ManSewingVids]

Awesome Thomas!

[@kimberlykeno853]

This was so great! Thank you!!!

[@jerrihalf5564]

I'm guessing the equivalent foot for my Bernina would be the #38 "piping foot". Rob, thanks for your demos. ...love 'em.

[@h20g1rl6]

Jerry....the "38" has the uneven sole and is a multi-purpose foot with a clear view of the needle...which is wonderful. The needle position is fixed for the straight stitch with 2-2.5mm stitch length recommended, but the foot isn't confined to one area, and that is really nice! IF you didn't get the #38 yet, and IF you didn't already find out this information... a "Lap Seam Foot 71" is recommended in Bernina's "The BIG Book of Feet" (© 2015) for machine binding a quilt. It has the 'bi-level' foot depth. The left/thicker side holds the fold of the binding 'flush' to the edge of the quilt . The right/thinner side has a square 'toe' that guides & holds the binding edge in place. These two features control the fabric and practically guarantee straight non-wandering stitching...so even when I didn't do a great job on back, it still looks even and straight on the front. It does a beautiful job. But the book recommends a 2" BIAS strip, whereas 'Man Sewing' uses a 2.5" straight-of-grain strip. Anyway, according to the Bernina book pages 180-182: The 8mm Lap Seam Foot #71 has space for moving the needle to the left and recommends 2.5-4mm stitch length, is designed for heavy material (denim/jeans, wool, corduroy and tapestry fabrics), does a wider (approximately 1/4") flat felled (f-f) seam and is recommended for Double Binding (AKA French Binding.) There are actually two Lap Seam Feet. The other one is the 4mm Lap Seam Foot #70 which has a fixed center needle position, is recommended for medium weight fabrics and does a narrow (approximately 1/8" ) flat felled seam. Instructions for how to sew a flat-felled seam are on page 181. Both are designed for f-f seams, heavy topstitching and binding. Of the two, #71 is recommended for "Double Binding" a quilt and instructions are on page 182 (again using a 2" bias strip, folded in half...so a shorter amount of binding folds over if done according to Bernini's instructions.) So, maybe your local Bernini Dealer would let you try sewing with the #71 and the #38, so you could see which you would prefer...if you haven't already bought one or the other. Happy Quilting!

[@antoinettemitchell2888]

Thank you so much for sharing. You have clearly explained binding ways that are very useful. I never heard of the. Binding tool. Btw I can't decide which side of the quilt I love more

[@mariagoumas6135]

Thank u for sharing.. I have that binding tool don't know how to use it till I saw this video thank uuuuuuuu

[@ManSewingVids]

Missouri Star also has a couple of tutorials on how to use the binding tool in different ways as well. Hope it becomes more useful to you!

[@amaurer65]

Great detail. Love it! I've been scared to do binding.

[@marlaleigh77]

OH MY. My longarm boss lady would have a COW if I had to realign the stitching in the corner like this!!! :O I have no issues with doing this.. ;) thanks

[@kimlane5961]

Excellent tutorial, thank you!

[@amaurer65]

Great tutorial! I just bound a table runner. First time doing binding. It looks OK, but it is messed up in a couple of places. I used a blind stitch with a blind hem foot. I should have watched this tutorial first! Thank you, again, for your great tips!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

This method is best practice (sewing to back and bringing to front). Clean finish on the top with neat edge stitching with none of the catch as catch can on the back if applying it the other way. Also, your binding ruler will help you pre-miter your binding which makes it so much easier to join.

[@susanrichey6039]

Love your fabric ❤

[@Bleuz2010]

Fantastic tutorial!!! Thank you!

[@fatimaflorez895]

I love all your shirts

[@AudreyAL6]

great job of teaching, love this tool!!!!

[@ManSewingVids]

It's a lifesaver, isn't it? Thanks for watching, Audrey!

[@evelynmak5441]

Used to love hand finishing binding, but my hands don't like it these days ...... Great tutorial, thank you Rob

[@traceyrothwell5686]

Thank you so much been struggling with this great idea to iron a stitch line brilliant !

[@raquelkhosravian2164]

I love your Tutorial!

[@nancyhutchison6173]

Thank you so much. I have that foot and never ever thought of using it for this. It is so much easier.

[@Hakkspettafarriss]

Wow this is awesome! Thanks for the tip!

[@adevore1971]

This makes me happy!!! :)

[@randtstofer8358]

rob, so refreshing to see your work/style. you gotta tell me where your getting your shirts!

[@mischellsmith7774]

Rob, great help. I get my "hair"clips at the dollar store they are hair clips and cost a lot less when you get them as hair clips vs quilting clips at a quilt shop

[@Robgra]

corners! I always have trouble -- I stopped 1/4" from the end, but started the next side at the edge. I should have thought to start that side 1/4" in too! Thank you! I think that will help when I fold over to sew the other side :-)

[@ManSewingVids]

I hope it does help! Let me know if you run into any issues going forward! :)

[@missyj8546]

I used to have the same issue, this video helped SO much. A sincere Thank You!

[@LauraLa4567]

Thanks for the inspiration to give this a try!

[@melindawicker9544]

I bought the binding tool but it is says to leave a 6 inch opening... I should have ordered it from your link, but I didn't see it at first. Should I add 3 inches to both sides? I'm thinking I won't have enough space to sew the ends together if I don't. BTW, I've been watching your videos - multiple times in some cases! Your videos are much easier to follow than others I've watched and I love the details you include. I made a couple of baby quilts years and years ago (talking 25!) and am wanting to quilt again. I made a bunch of mistakes on my first quilt until I found you! My current baby quilt is looking good! I'm even going to see if I'm any good and the free hand quilting soon! Thanks! Melinda

[@anitamason8008]

Thanks for this I like hand sewing but I'm not that fast at it so I'm going to invest in the binding ruler and the foot! X

[@kaylay7475]

You are amazing!

[@MiMundoEnTelas]

Hi, i have a question, please..... What is the name for the special foot? ..... Thank you in advance for the information! You are a good teacher!!

[@ManSewingVids]

Hello! That is a bi level foot, but you could also use a zipper foot! This is just my personal preference. Good luck and thanks for watching the tutorial!

[@carlynholmes]

I found the Bi-Level foot at a near-by local Sewing Machine Shop in Arlington Texas. It is a baby lock snap on foot (item BLSO-BLF) and thankfully it works great on my singer sewing and embroidery machines. One word of caution, there is a "right and a left foot." The one you illustrated Rob is a left foot. Rob, thanks for your great tutorials.

[@terryivey5374]

Goodness, so many notions for a simple task. I just keep my walking foot on. Sew near the edge, and aim for the end ! Lol. Of course, my method won't make money on the notion sales :( I do own a binder tool, but bought it in hopes of making a table runner I saw on MSQC .

[@janetrobertshaw6487]

Hi HELPFUL HELPFUL HELPFUL I new at this. Great video feel now able to do this now. Thank you. 😁😄😃😀😆👍👍👍👍👍 Jan

[@willajohnson8577]

Thanks for reminding me that I bought one if those bi level feet and how to use it!.

[@annav.1664]

Just ordered my binding tool! I have so many quilts I need to finish quilting and then there is the dreaded binding. I'm hoping the biding ruler will make it easier. I looked for the bi-level top stitching foot but it looks like it's specific to Pfaff.