How to Sew Quilt Binding With the Triple Zigzag Stitch With Adam Sew Fun

Learn how to attach quilt binding using the Triple Zigzag stitch with Janome Maker Adam Rateliff!
Adam says, If you are like me, you hate binding your quilts. I'm not sure why I dislike it so much but there is something about the process that really puts me off. I LOVE every step of the quilting process until we get to the binding part. Well, that all changed when I received my Janome Continental M7. I was taught this binding trick using what I call a triple zigzag stitch and I have not looked back. Do I love binding now, no way! But, I do enjoy the process more and have finished 7 quilts with it so far. For this process, I am going to be using the HP plate and foot to install the binding on the back side of the quilt. Once the binding is in place we can fold it over to the front, change out the foot and plate, switch to stitch 11 (triple stitch zigzag) and sew the binding down on the front. I try to line up the edge of my binding fold with the stitch line from stitching my binding on so it looks perfect on the front and back. It's so fast and with the power of the machine, the quilt gets pulled through so easily. I hope you try this technique and don't forget to subscribe to Janome KZbin Channel and follow Janome Sewing Machines on Facebook and JanomeAmerica on Instagram.
Thanks for watching and see you next time,
Adam
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[@DangelyOnes]

One of the best binding tutorials I have ever seen! ❤

[@JanomeJAI]

Yay! Thank you! :)

[@juanita542]

I have tryed this ,with your hints I think I can be perfect. Still learning at 94 !

[@NWMNLady]

I am learning at 80 so we should get together!!

[@noranevers]

I am a month shy of 75 and I'm excited

[@leodruken2523]

Finally someone who makes sense on how to join a binding. I was at my third go round when I found this video and now it’s done! Thanks.

[@JanomeJAI]

Thanks for letting us know the video helped you :)

[@rosemaryhanderson6122]

You are the best teacher on binding. I have watched many and this works for me without the stress of not knowing how it will finish up. I have macular degeneration in my right eye. The progression of it was stopped for a few years but now at 80 years old my sight in unraveling again. I understand the process, as you know it affects my sewing and my confidence. Your whole explanation answered everything I have worried about. I know longer feel as if binding is a guessing game. I have a PFAFF I splurged on when I had the money once and it has been good to me. One more thing. With my scraps I make small quilts for shelters small animals come in all sizes. I pack them up and send them to different places. Lost animals don’t care if patterns don’t match, sometimes I’ll send some tiny enough to hold one kitten because you never know who needs something in a shelter. Oh and by the way my oldest son was named Adam.

[@kimberlyholborn1324]

I sew with a different brand of sewing machine, but love your teaching style. You’re a very good instructor 🙂

[@vivienlee610]

What a super video.. I don't feel so intimidated by binding and mitred corners now.

[@imogenethomas1138]

“ done is better than perfect “ my life’s theme. I’m adopting your idea of contrasting color in the bottom right hand corner. Your quilt is beautiful, and I love the zigzag!

[@donna8243]

Great motto!

[@jackiewinn7640]

😊😊😊​@@donna8243

[@colletteseders2874]

This is the process I have been using for the last 14 years. I have only done hand stitching on a quilt binding once. That was enough. I often use tiny hearts - one of the available stitches on my machine - and that looks very pretty. The star stitch works well, too.

[@apboyce]

I hear you! I hand stitched a few bindings and my left hand (holding) would go numb after a bit of time so it was very frustrating. Then when I realized you could use the machine for all the steps - what an epiphany! At first it felt like “cheating” but I remember sitting on the machine using one of the decorative stitches for it and thought, “would my ancestors making quilts actually reject a technique that would make the process less difficult?” And then I actually started getting quilts done and off to people to use! Makes me feel good to finish the whole process start to finish and let someone enjoy the quilts!

[@joycej9415]

I used to always hand stitch my bindings. But it was in the last 20 years that I started machine stitching as I now have arthritis in my hands. I love using this stitch he is talking about. But I found that worked and just stopped experimenting! Thanks to your comment I have to play with some new stitches. I have hearts and stars, what fun!

[@marleneslattery5638]

I always hand stitch bindings and the quilting too My finger on the bottom is torn up from the needle lol😅

[@fransak2723]

I didn’t realize about the bulk in the corner when you flip the binding to the front. I’ve always made them go the same way. I’ll try this tip. When you are joining the ends of the binding I always cut mine just an eight of an inch less than the width of the binding to help it lay smooth without any bulk or excess fabric as the bind has a tendency to stretch a little when the final seam is made. Great tips here. Thanks

[@christinea52]

I appreciate your honesty in showing how you “lost control “ of the binding while sewing. All sewers have this issue, some of us more than others 😂. For me, I have to stop and remind myself it isn’t a race! A really helpful video!! Thanks for posting it.

[@michaeldangelo5810]

Thank you! That measuring strip technique for joining the binding at the gap is wonderful and, Adam, it removes the sense of danger about cutting things too short or too long.

[@KimPhilibert1203]

Thanks for showing us how to be perfectly imperfect! I appreciate you showing me this because binding is also my nemesis.... Now it won't be so bad 😊

[@adamsewfun.]

I'm the king of perfectly imperfect LOL

[@judynickell8696]

Thank you so much for this video. Since I found it I haven’t made any mistakes sewing my ends together. Have have watched others but you do it slow and explain what you’re doing. Again thank you

[@JanomeJAI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patpotucek6465]

I used the Triple Zigzag stitch for the first time this summer, to control hems on a fleece wearable blanket that I was making for a grandchild. I loved the results, but it never occurred to me to use the stitch to topstitch my bindings. I have been machine-stitching my bindings for a couple of years, now, but with a straight stitch. This is so much more decorative and interesting, as well as sturdier! I watch a lot of quilting videos, Adam, but your teaching style and voice resonates with me. Also, every time I bind a quilt, I have to look up instructions for that pesky ending miter of the binding strip. I think that your demo has been accepted by my brain! Please keep sharing!

[@sunshineandwarmth]

I love decorative stitches. Ever since I first had a machine, I've used my zillion deco stitches everywhere on everything. So, of course, I used then when I started making quilts. Not only do zigzags look great, but lots of other decos can be used. They are great for binding quickly and making sure the proper area is covered on both sides. I often match a stitch to the theme of my quilt. As long as it's not a complex multi-directional stitch, it works fine. You can also do the binding stitch w a different color or w metallic thread since they are meant to be decorative. Have fun!

[@fightsewbig]

Triple Zig Zag works great when you need the extra strength or coverage of a zig zag but also need lots of stretch. I use it on my 4 way stretch fabrics. I never thought of trying it on quilt binding. I’m going to try it.

[@nitadaltonhypnosis]

Until today I didn't know I needed that pop of color in my bindings! Love, love, love your creative expression!

[@conniesmith8659]

Binding is a great way to use the decorative stitches on your machine!

[@bonitaames3834]

Love your process!! You sew like I do. I'n not a perfectionist but I do a good job. I will be watching more of your presentatiions. Thank You!!!

[@allieshepherd7860]

When the binding is completely sewn onto the back, I press it up so that it doesn't fight me when I turn it to the front. An extra step, but it really helps. Clover makes a bamboo stiletto that does not poke through the fabric and holds better than the metal.

[@judywiller2146]

I do the ironing step also and then the corners are ready to go too.

[@dinglebat63]

After pressing it up, I (fabric) glue that sucker down

[@kathyramsay4191]

I do it also, it’s a game changer

[@sewdivadiane]

All good points. I also start 4-5 inches before the corner and then come around.

[@nancy9478]

I never thought of that, than you!

[@kathiereeves3213]

So glad you’re doing this video - makes binding so much better! Thank you -

[@yapper80]

Thank you for showing how to do the binding !That was awesome!

[@RuthRSmith]

I've enjoyed your video. I've been quilting for 37 years and didn't know about using a stiletto as you did. Thank your.

[@joycescott6649]

I have a Janome 6600P and I am going to try this method of binding. Thank you for this informative video.

[@user-bx6nl2ps4u]

😊I finally finished a quilt that I started 3 years ago. The tips and tricks were so good. It turned out perfect. This was for my MIL’s 80th birthday but now it is in time for Christmas. Thank you so much.

[@jenniferflores6191]

"What it is gonna be is done." I love it.

[@lkschroll5805]

I always dread binding my quilts but now I can't wait to try this out!!!

[@JanomeJAI]

:)

[@abbie1285]

I consider myself a rockstar bind/hemmer, but I learned a lot from this video. Thank you so much.

[@rosalievanwicklen3862]

I like the way it looks...I have 2 quilts waiting to be binded......so I'm ready to try it. Thank you it was a very nice tutorial..Orlando, Florida 😸

[@barbarajomullen79]

I love the colors/fabrics you used in the quilt you used to show binding. It's really beautiful.

[@SEWalke]

Do you remember what fabrics these are? ❤

[@debcavan]

The multiple zig zag is a wonderful stitch. It is really cute for a baby quilt. I will have to try it on my next child's quilt. A regular zig zag tunnels the fabric drawing it up and isn't near as cute. For over twenty years I have been using a tiny tiny zig zag on the very edge of the binding on all my quilts except competition quilts. The zig and the zag make it less noticeable to the eye and the edge does not flip over. I watch a point on my foot for guiding my edge of my binding. Machine feet guides are so useful. They just make things so much easier. You can imagine trying to watch the needle to guide. Oh my, I am fuzzy eyed just thinking of it. I don't know if I can make this clear for perfect folded corners but I will try. You folded over the binding on the side you were going to sew. Take your finger nail and bend the binding over the edge of the top of the quilt. When you fold the top edge of the binding down, you will have a perfect mitered binding. If I have my fold made and it is not perfect, I use a pin adjusting the amount of the binding on the side you are sewing over the adjacent edge of the quilt. I get perfect miters every time with no effort. Love the multiple zigzag. Thank you for the suggestion. I can see it in a contrasting color making a quilt even more fun for a child.. May you enjoy your quilting journey as much as I have enjoyed mine. I am grateful for all the quilters who have shown me tiny little things that bring joy as I quilt.

[@marshadickson6238]

Sometimes my corners are a bit rounded though I’m doing it the way you demonstrated any suggestions?

[@debcavan]

When you turn the corner when applying your binding, make sure your top fold is right on the edge of your quilt, not over and not under. Check of the right side that your binding is lining up exactly with your quilt. Then check the left side. Are the layers lining up. Most of the time the curve is caused by the first, that the fold of the binding is not lined up perfectly on the fold. I hope this helps. Deb@@marshadickson6238

[@annielyst]

Terrific! I machine sew all my bindings. I have two quilts to bind today. I'm going to try this. I love the "They're not going to be blue ribbons, they're going to be DONE!"

[@merryhill4790]

Adam, you can use a lot of your decorative stitches on your binding, my favorite is the serpentine stitch, looks great on back and front. Thanks for your video love watching you. You mentioned Kelly McKenzie, at Janome (longarm specialist) she is the best and always ready to share her expertise. The two of you have made my longarm experience so much fun. thanks.

[@Str8eeth]

I come from a family of Hand Binders…..😢to them it is totally unacceptable to machine bind. I DON’T CARE…they are my quilts and I’ll machine bind if I so choose! This method is always best because you don’t have to worry about the stitch on the back falling off the binding onto the actual quilt back. And it looks really nice on both front and back. Thanks for the tute!

[@suejames3793]

This is great! Would have never thought about doing this. I make dog quilts and wheel chair quilts and they are required to have machine stitched binding. Charity quilts have rules!

[@marshaford9727]

Better understanding equals new teaching. Praise God

[@deniselawrence7491]

Best complete binding video with the addition of the zig zag for finishing! Great Job Adam!

[@sharonw667]

Dear Adam, I just wanted to let you know that I followed your lead. First, I straight stitch my binding to the back, using my HP plate and foot, and then, I switched the plate and foot and zig zag. Wow, I love it!!! Many thanks to you.

[@d.s.friendly7616]

Came upon this by accident. EXCELLENT demonstration. I like hand finishing because I can do it while watching baseball or basketball on TV but this method is something I will keep in mind, especially for baby quilts. Thank you.

[@DigitalDesignsbyPJ]

Well, I’ve been quilting for years and never saw that method of finishing off the binding when you’re putting the two together before flipping it over. I can’t wait to try it!!

[@geretyl]

Thanks for another way to finish the binding. I always machine stitch my binding on, never hand-stitch. I sew to the front first and pull to the back. Then stitch in the ditch on the front side. One other tip I just learned is to use steam-a-seam to hold down your binding before stitching it down.

[@nancyguss6739]

Thanks Adam. The zig zag stitch looks great.

[@pamelahale8681]

Great video. Still struggle with binding. Technique worth a try. Great explanation.

[@venus8296]

I don't have a Janome, but that triple zigzag stitch is on my machine - this is such a game-changer! What a terrific way to machine bind. Finally I technique that absolutely catches the binding on the back of the quilt! Thanks so much for this tutorial. I bound three table toppers and two runners yesterday, and now they're ready to be wrapped for Christmas!

[@helenwilliams7112]

Thanks, Adam, for the tip on folding away from the bulk at the corners! I know that will make a big difference sewing around the corners!

[@cherylcapelli408]

Adam, thank you so much for this awesome instruction on binding. Like you, not my favorite step…but your tips on how to connect, fold corners on front and back and the decorative stitch idea are a game changer for me! I am a novice as well and grateful for your help. I am now a faithful follower.

[@gloriabingel445]

Adam, thank you for showing us this binding stitch.. it will make doing our bindings so much easier.

[@kimpalin9879]

I used this method on my granddaughter's quilt. Turned out beautifully. Usually hand sew. Never again. Thanks

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

Love the colors of your quilt!

[@bbsan49]

I so enjoyed this video. You explained everything so I could understand and I'm so grateful. Thank you.

[@esworden]

OMG Adam! I have been quilting for 7 years, and I’ve watched at least a dozen different videos on machine binding… always to remind me how to connect those tails at the end! Yours is the first time it’s ever made sense and clicked in my head! Of course it just needs to work just like the diagonal seam used to make the binding!!! 🤦‍♀️ I’m pretty sure I’ll never have to watch another video - or pin and do guess-and-check - or have faith, only to have to rip it out ‘cause I had it twisted yet one more time! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@1043dawn]

Great demo for making a binding strip ❤❤❤❤❤

[@barbarajohnson1572]

I have been using the "sew to the back and "serpintine" for years... FAST and looks great... not all machines have that,,, but TY for sharing with others !

[@adamsewfun.]

I'm going to try the serpentine next.

[@HellcatBB]

I just tried this today and can’t remember when I have been more proud of my binding. Thank you

[@myrleenmanley]

I have seen so many videos about joining the two ends of binding. This is THE FIRST that stuck. I had five to bind and I got them all right the first time!! Thanks!!!!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love your binding way on your quilt.

[@anotherblonde]

Loved it ! I love Janome machines, their robustness, their multi-stitches, and their ability to stitch in a fancy stitch backwards. Great colours too.

[@kendranewton9071]

Love finishing the angle on the binding that way, learned it last year and been using it since. Adore the colors of fabric in this quilt, beautiful.😊

[@suecone2198]

I love this! I have a Brother with this stitch so I think I can do this. I am sure it will take some practice but I am up for that!

[@sharonflemming3026]

I’ve been machine binding my quilts for years when I saw someone do this years ago. They used a straight stitch to stitch the binding down which took me several quilts to master lol. Because of my arthritic hands I press the binding from the back first - pressing it out towards the edge flat . It really helps when you try to fold it to the front. This is the first video I’ve seen joining the binding this way which is the way I always do it. So much easier!

[@rustysneedlestwistedthread2554]

Oh Adam! I adore seeing you rep for Janome! -Mandi in Texas

[@patriciakalisak4300]

I never thought of doing that zigzag stitch. I’m going to try it. It looks beautiful on your binding!

[@theresajukiewicz3092]

That’s brilliant Adam!

[@pboyd7007]

Adam, well done!! You are an excellent teacher; thorough instructions with clear, slow, and concise vocalization. This is my first time on your channel and I look forward to future videos, plus watching your previous videos. Thank you!

[@kathybarry2556]

Just watched this. Thank you for your cheerful manner and clear instructions. I’ve been thinking about trying machine binding for some time but haven’t got around to trying it so far. I actually like binding, I’d be happy to bind other people’s quilts, but I do it the “traditional “way, ie hand sew the back. I find it quite relaxing and gives me a chance to enjoy my quilt close up while I sew. A cuppa and a good movie also help 😊. HOWEVER… I can see that machine binding is a skill well worth learning, and that it is definitely more durable, especially when machine washing quilts( although my hand sewn binding seems to stand up to machine washing quite well - never had a problem).So I will give it a go on a smaller quilt I’m working on and see how it goes. And I will be watching your video again( and probably again), weird sound and all(I could still hear ok, not really a problem). Thanks again, Adam.

[@sarar.5407]

I'm going to have to try this, with a smaller stitch. I used to have problems with the corners, until I realized it works 100% better if the two sides have a crease in the opposite direction. Front on the right and back on the left or vice-versa. Love the different color corner. Scrappy binding adds character. Thank you.

[@lindaleach7954]

I like your clever way to join the ends of the binding. I always struggle with that. Thank you!

[@sadiesadiemarriedlady7900]

I agree! I hate binding but love quilting. Love my Janome machines! I hv 9850mc and a smaller electronic Janome for travel.

[@seanmcquillan3390]

I’ve never used a zig zag stitch on my binding but I’ve done it on self binding baby blankets, I’ll have to give it a try. The gourmet quilter has a great binding tutorial. I’ve used her technique on all of my quilts, no joining end strips together, so it’s a really easy method. Works great every time. Worth checking out.

[@cynthiacarter532]

I've used this stitch for decades on the edge of cross stitch fabrics. Supports the fabric threads better than regular zig zag or a serged edge. Works on Aida, linen, evenweavs, etc. Hand sewn whip stitch works too!

[@gretroman8235]

Very well done video screen shots for all of this method. Especially joining the binding edges. I love decorative stitches for binding. I first used them on tablerunners. I think the zigzag would be a good way to finish my children's quilts. I prefer handstitching but now have arthritis in both hands and have to limit my handstitching time. I have to confess that I have quilts waiting for binding too.

[@adamsewfun.]

I think we all have quilts waiting to be bound. : )

[@sandreawhite7534]

Oh My Gosh! I see those quilts and all I want to do is add the binding, put in an audio book and sit and hand quilt all day long. Send them to me. I’ll do it. LOL.

[@tracycook7355]

Wow what a great find your amazing teacher

[@sevenandthelittlestmew]

I’m planning to use a decorative star stitch for my Cats in Space quilt. It’s going to be fun!

[@susancoombs4942]

I can’t wait to try your method of binding. It looks so awesome with the zigzag stitch and makes so much more sense. Thank u for this video😊

[@kathygannonOBWQF]

I love love the ‘heartbeat’ stitch. Mode 2, stitch 31 on my MC 6600

[@tammydugas9527]

What a fabulous idea.

[@carolbarnes7844]

I love your technique. Never have put the binding on the back first. I have a stack of quilts that needs binding. Here I go, thanks to you. Thanks for sharing.

[@JanomeJAI]

You are so welcome!

[@vikingprincess813]

This was an excellent tutorial. I’m not a quilter, but need to bind my machine embroidery projects. I’ve been too afraid to try binding. This will definitely help me. Thank you sew much.

[@louisefinn2102]

I tried your method today and it worked perfectly! I love the finished look of it! Thank you for great instructions!

[@lindamorrison2758]

Adam, I'm lazy so I was doing mug rugs and table runners with a zigzag. And a friend of mine said well that's interesting ... That's a neat way to finish off a quilt.

[@vlynnkepley4821]

I use this stitch and the wave stitch. I love this for quilt binding and hemming receiving blankets.

[@adamsewfun.]

I have to try the wave stitch, now to finish something so I can do it.

[@user-qj9yl8qr8y]

I just love how real this is. So many factors affect our quilting and his open honesty was great! I have a Janome M7 that is fairly new and I am excited to try this out. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@patnordmark5222]

I sew down the binding on mine with the feather stitch. Looks really pretty.

[@carlabattle8301]

That tip about the bulk on the corner is so helpful. Thank you

[@JanomeJAI]

So glad and you are welcome!

[@folkartandfantasy]

Great video thanks. Particularly liked your joining the binding technique.😊

[@maureenb3152]

Love the tips and your enthusiasm, I have a quilt that needs to be sent away, and I've put it off, but I'm ready to go now!

[@user-wm6qe4sz2d]

Thanks so much Adam for sharing this process - and your method for joining the ends - pure rock n roll… I did it! 😅❤

[@ShazBookOwl]

I 💚 the idea of the 'Red' corner to distinguish the bottom of a quilt (& realise it may be a different contrast colour depending on each quilt). Definitely gonna use that technique. Thank you.

[@marytillman372]

I bind this way too. I use different decorative stitches. Looks great and gets DONE!

[@gigiontube]

Great video ! Just sharing ideas… You can do a straight stitch on front using a “stitch on a ditch” foot. I align the margin of the binding against the wall (in the middle) of the foot, move the needle to the right how much you want, 1/8 of a inch, and stitch. You will be surprised how easy is and straight line close to the margin of the binding you can achieve. Happy quilting 🙏

[@adamsewfun.]

I will have to try that.

[@sharbubr2802]

Me, too…but I’m going to try this on a table topper I need to bind.

[@jodifarnel8373]

I can't hand stitch any more and have been binding mine almost the same however have not been using the triple stitch but I sure will from now on. Enjoyed the video as it reaffirms that nothing is perfect and we can do things any way that works for us. My quilts are meant to be used, washed and enjoyed by whoever gets them

[@joansplawn6409]

best explanation and demonstration of joining the binding THANK YOU

[@tinamcnalley2575]

Adam, thankyou for the excellent binding video. I have yet to begin quilting (sewn for 50+ years) so what I need to familiarize myself with is the various stages of fabric manipulation and you demonstrated those mitered corners and attaching/trimming the binding perfectly. I've done drapes and upholstery so that dealing with the bulk of the fabric and letting the machine pull the fabric thru isn't new to me, but so imporatant for newbies to grasp to avoid trips to the repair shop. I use the 3 stitch zz to finish most of my garment seams as it provides less bulk than a serged edge. I would have never thought to use it on quilt binding. Thank you for your time making this video. I'm hitting like & subscribe!

[@kathleenfcpl]

You're a great teacher Adam. Thanks for the triple zigzag stitch idea.

[@lynnspessard8434]

Great tutorial. Love your fabrics too

[@nancychristian3026]

Thank you. I just finished hand sewing my binding on a quilt for a total of 7 hours. I enjoy hand sewing bindings because I watch movies and videos with a coffee or tea. I’m going to try your zigzag method though because it looks so good. 🙏🏻🐞

[@barbclark2423]

This is very helpful! I have always done my binding by hand as it is a good excuse to watch a little TV while I'm doing the handsewing and the quilt keeps me warm. But sometimes you just want it done! I may just try this on my next quilt! Thank you.

[@gwenharlow4328]

Well it works and will be stronger probably than the hand stitched edge. Great idea using the zigzag. It is really hard to get a good result with any other stitch.

[@krissigallo7923]

Thanks for the share, planning to bind a quilt with this technique this weekend!

[@reneegosda6851]

Thank you for the suggestion. I am also notorious for providing my dogs with quilts when trying out new patterns or techniques.

[@Tla81]

I was taught to sew onto the front and fold to the back and hand sew it. It looks much neater to me.

[@jadm222]

It is much neater but I know I won’t finish it that way. I want something fast and that gets it done. I hand sew all the quilt tops that will hang someone to show.

[@robertaalexander9532]

OMG Adam! Your way to join the ends is the BEST I’ve ever seen! Always learning from you 🤗