The Ultimate Machine Binding Tutorial for Perfectly Finished Quilts

While I love the look of hand binding on a quilt...I don't love the time, energy, or patience it takes to DO the hand binding! Most of the quilts that come out of my sewing room are bound by machine. In this video, I'll give you the steps I take to bind a quilt - and show you two tips to produce two different results...both by machine!
🛍️ PRODUCTS I REFERENCED
➝ Ian's Channel: ‪@OffKilterCrafterIan‬
Quilting provided by Passageway Quilting (www.passagewayquilting.com) and Beth Gude (www.gudegoods.com)
➝ Left Compensating Foot for the Juki TL Machines:
jukijunkies.com/product/compe...
➝ In The Ditch Foot for Juki TL Machines:
jukijunkies.com/product/in-th...
➝ My favorite magnetic seam guide:
jukijunkies.com/product/magne...
🎥 CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
1:07 Using Scrap Binding
3:05 Figuring out how much binding/fabric you need
5:30 How to make binding
10:44 Attaching Binding to Back Side of Quilt
13:32 Getting Mitered Corners
15:10 Joining the binding ends
19:45 Joining hack for small projects
21:12 Using a Left Compensating Foot
22:47 Wrap binding to front & finish
23:41 Mitered Corners on Front
25:36 Technique #2 (Ian’s Way)
29:06 Ending
30:16 Quilt Reveal
📌 C O N N E C T
➝ Website: www.sewbecca.com
➝ Email: [e-mail]
➝ Happy Mail: Sew Becca; 12849 Galveston Ct. Box 401; Manassas, VA 20112
➝ Instagram: / sewbecca
➝ TikTok: / sewbecca
➝ Facebook Group: / sewbeccafriends
📌 A F F I L I A T E L I N K S (in alphabetical order)
(Note: if you purchase something using these links, your costs will not change, but I may receive a small compensation!)
➝ AccuQuilt: shrsl.com/3yahx
➝ Amazon: amzn.to/3QmU1WV
➝ Annie's Kit Clubs: shrsl.com/3yahr
➝ Connecting Threads: shrsl.com/3yahm
➝ Fat Quarter Shop: shrsl.com/3dzlu
➝ Juki Junkies: jukijunkies.com/ref/Sewbecca/
➝ Legit Kits: shrsl.com/3zjgb
➝ Missouri Star Quilt Co: glnk.io/mzmmj/sewbecca
➝ Sewing Machines Plus: shrsl.com/3yai0
📌 S U P P O R T
The best way you can help me grow is to subscribe, watch the videos, and share this channel with a friend! If you're interested in supporting financially, you can join my VIP program (www.sewbecca.com/join-vip), buy some merch (located next to/below this video), buy something with an affiliate link, or check out ways to make donations here: www.sewbecca.com/donate.

[@annsipe821]

I have actively sought out and watched innumerable KZbin videos about binding and this is the best one I have seen. The pacing is spot on, the view is never obscured, and accompanying dialog clear and to the point. Babylock makes a foot called a binding foot for those with machines that take a low shaft foot - and yes this is amazing for precise stitching of the edge !

[@sewbecca]

Thank you SO much! I'll have to check into the binding foot for the Babylock - I have an Aria that my Mom uses!

[@marilynnberg4059]

Thanks so much Becky

[@elizabethbrickhouse4834]

I have a brother. I think the binding foot will fit it. Does it help you a lot? I have nerve damage in my right hand that makes hand sewing very difficult.

[@Cassieboce]

Please Please Please do more of your teaching videos. I have learned a lot. Great teacher. Thank you 😘

[@sewbecca]

More to come! Is there something you'd like to see me teach? I'd be happy to add it to my video idea list!

[@elizabethbrickhouse4834]

Becca, I agree with all of the great comments and i would like to add that your choice of binding fabric helped make things clear.

[@sandracedar368]

P.S. Yes, I follow Ian, Tiffany, Greenland, Donna, etc. I enjoy your community. THANK YOU❤

[@sewbecca]

Thank you so much for being a part of our community! We appreciate your support and are glad that you enjoy the content from Ian, Tiffany, Greenland, Donna, and others. Keep watching and let us know if there's anything specific you'd like to see on our channel!

[@dianabinkowski3927]

I physically can't hand stitch my bindings because of severe arthritis in my hands. I used to love hand stitching bindings because I knew when the binding was done, the quilt was done.

[@sewbecca]

Erin, from Love Sew Modern, has used 'big stitch quilting' to finish up bindings and it adds a beautiful touch to a quilt! I may try that in the future! Sorry to hear about your arthritis - my grandmother suffered from severe arthritis and wasn't able to use her hands for much towards the end of her life. :(

[@RebeccaRohrmann1357]

I have that issue too. Guess I should be happy I can still use the sewing machine haha

[@michelleswistak1389]

I like using my fancy stitches to add the binding. Can't handle small pieces anymore, but still making quilts.

[@sewbeitquilts]

Your backward L tip will stick in my head and hopefully keep me from having to pull out the seam ripper! I’m going to keep a look out for Ian’s full video on his method because that is one I’m going to have to try too!

[@sewbecca]

I'm so glad you found the tip helpful! It's always great to have tricks up your sleeve to avoid using the seam ripper. Good luck with trying out Ian's method too!

[@sheilachapman5462]

i loved that you ran out of bobbin thread and had that reaction, cuz it just shows us that you too have the same issue and response as us. lol

[@Auntie7024]

Great video this evening, Becca. Your techniques and instructions for binding were very helpful and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing! ❤😊

[@sewbecca]

Thank you for your lovely comment! I'm really happy to hear that you found the techniques and instructions helpful. Your support means the world to me!

[@debragerum7678]

Thank you for the very clear and detailed binding video. It was very helpful. I always struggle with getting a well fitted join, your video has helped me. I will be trying both styles of binding in the near future.

[@sewbecca]

I'm so glad to hear that the video was helpful for you! Best of luck with your future binding projects!

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

I used to hate to bind. But now I enjoy it I do a running straight stitch and being I sew top on the machine,this method adds a little homemade look🎉 thank you Becca for this refresher

[@allisonlucero1345]

Very comprehensive Becca. Thank you!

[@sewbecca]

It was a LONG video and it took a while to make - but I sincerely enjoyed the process. I've got more teaching videos coming soon!!

[@suecallen2160]

I just LOVE that you step away when you get frustrated! Plus your options really help me understand the process. Thanks

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@terribishop5313]

Learned two new techniques that will definitely help me thank you sew much!!!!!

[@sewbecca]

No problemo! Glad I could help you level up your sewing game!

[@beverlyakins2374]

Beautiful quilts, great binding tutorial

[@sewbecca]

I really appreciate your kind words about the quilts and the binding tutorial. It means a lot to me!

[@DebbieKirk-vu4jw]

Thank you so much!!Perfect timing for this,as I’m a new quilter and am just to this point on my project.

[@sewbecca]

Wonderful! I hope this video helps you!!

[@mariejohns1387]

Great video Becca!!! Thanks! ❤

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!!

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

I use your first method all the time. It works great.

[@sewbecca]

Well, I'm glad it's not just me who thinks the first method is great! It's like we're in a secret club of awesome method users. 😄

[@suzanelemay5021]

Thank you. Thank you for simplifying how to join the two ends. Great video. 🎉❤🎉

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@wendyjo139]

Great training! Love your vibe, Thanks Becca!

[@glendahyde804]

Beautiful 🥰

[@tanyaterbrock5224]

Thanks for the tip on the binding. The 1/8 inch so you can see the corners when sewing the binding together. Been quilting awhile and never knew that. Very helpful❤

[@sunshinejenny5536]

Thank you. Very clear. Very good tips!! I love the second method.

[@kaseycruze3662]

WOW! The colors are gorgeous! ❤️

[@dionnelipscomb7050]

Thank you for this tutorial on quilt binding, it was extremely helpful and you made it so easy to follow. A big thumbs up

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@maggienickischshannon2292]

LOVE YOUR TECHNIQUES FOR BINDING. I WILL BE SURE TO TRY BOTH.

[@Joyti1517]

I love your tutorials, you’re a fabulous teacher, one of the best I watched. Thank you Becca for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@sewbecca]

Thank you so much!

[@rosemarywinter1840]

What a brilliant tutorial I now see where I went wrong on the corners . Thanks so much xxxx Donna from Norfolk England xxx

[@ragdollyally]

Thank you so much for this video, I learned a lot!!! Your explanations are brilliant and easy to understand ❤

[@MsFruitboot]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial. Very clear and easy to understand. Following you now to see what else you have to share with us!!❤❤

[@Tami_from_Texas]

great video and I am so glad that I got the left compensating foot as this has been a game changer for me in perfect straight stiches every time on my binding.

[@dianesozio7035]

BEST binding video I’ve seen. Great explanation and close up shots amazing!! Thank you!

[@carolynquinlan5612]

Watched your video last night. Today I tried both methods. I had great success following your directions for joining the binding strips together once attached to the quilt. Finally I see the light. Thank you for preparing this video..

[@cheryllittmann1670]

I love your shirt Becca. Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.

[@wandawalker4191]

Great tutorial, thank you! Always love to see a new tutorial from you.

[@sewbecca]

More to come!

[@QuiltyJill]

Love the tip about using a scrap of your binding to measure!

[@citygirlfarm]

❤this is a great video. Honest explanation for those of us who struggle with binding.

[@ThePerniciousAngel]

I like leaving a couple of inches of the backing fabric all around the quilt and folding it up where it just barely touches the quilt, then folding it over to the front, clipping and only having to sew one seam. Keeps from having to figure out how much binding I need too.

[@nonya.bizness]

i figured that out- thought i had come up with a brilliant original idea LOL!- a couple quilts ago and it changed my life. same exact results without cutting binding strips, sewing them together end to end, ironing them, clipping them on the quit, sewing the first round, ironing the binding back, and FINALLY sewing another round to finish. i'm working on one now where i left a few inches of batting and a lot of backing all around, and plan to try to work it into an all-in-one chunky border/binding.

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

I use this method for mug rugs all the time. Works great.

[@livinthedream4479]

Yes although some people think using a separate binding makes it last longer and the fabric gets less worn. But yes I’ve see this done as well.

[@cawenz4840]

Great tutorial! I learned a lot, thank you! Lol that feeling when we're happily sewing along and bobbin's empty!

[@CorpusChristiCrossStitcher]

Love this! Not one great tip, but two! Thank you and beautiful quilts!

[@milliestokes9550]

Can't wait to try this information all out. Binding can be so frustrating, this looks to me to take alot of the frustration out of the binding process. Very concise instructions, Thank You so much.

[@user-cj7jq8fb4t]

your videos are really absolutely the best. For the first time I feel that I can master binding

[@kennieschlappi597]

Thank you so much for this easy to understand tutorial on binding. It was exactly what I needed in order to finish my first quilt.

[@gracepatane9384]

Best tutorial. For binding from back to front!! TY, Becca!!!

[@sewbecca]

You’re welcome!!

[@sandybettencourt5735]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@sewbecca]

You're very welcome!

[@aprildawnrussell]

This is the best binding tutorial I have seen!! Thanks so much.

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@francesmcburney1291]

Thank you very much, I love the tutorial it was great. ❤

[@nancykugler4666]

Excellent! I’m new to the quilt process and need all the help I can get. Your demonstration was excellent and you didn’t skip the steps in the process. I’m keeping this video in my “stash” for future reference and will be checking out your other tutorials as well. Thanks again.

[@louisefinn2102]

I loved how the pace was not to fast or to slow and the various options you gave for binding. I will be checking out your other videos! Thank you Becca!

[@brendaenglish5303]

You are awesome. Just finished binding my first quilt using this technique. Always did binding by hand. This is so much better. Thank you. Looking forward to more videos

[@paulachase8112]

Both of the quilts are stunning.

[@sewbecca]

Thanks a bunch! It means a lot to me.

[@martibrown2993]

Great tutorial, i think i can do this now!!!!

[@debbieguillot287]

Thanks so much for this tutorial…you are very good at the details and explaining what to do!

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vanessaknight7129]

Both jackets are adorable

[@dianabinkowski3927]

I save all scrap binding pieces left over and when I make a scrap quilt, I gather up scrap binding pieces that will go with the quilt. I sew all those scrap binding pieces together until I have enough. Scrap quilt with scrap binding. It's great.

[@simplyquiltingwithnancysanders]

Great idea!

[@sewbecca]

I've been thinking about doing that to a quilt!!

[@lkarnold6]

This was a fantastic tutorial! One of the best examples I’ve seen.❤

[@sewbecca]

Wow, thank you!

[@chrisclark9862]

Great tips! I just got both of the feet you mentioned and I’m excited to try them out.

[@sewbecca]

Wonderful! I hope you find them useful!!!

[@sewbeitquilts]

I’m so excited for this video! Binding is not my favorite so I love getting new tips! ❤

[@lynniereeves2607]

This is the best binding video I have ever seen. Thanks for the time you put into making it.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you SEW much!!

[@katethikim9126]

Nice bidding!! Thanks!!

[@RhondaKuhlmann]

Thank you! Your video got me through my very first binding!

[@sewbecca]

Glad I could help!

[@jenniferr9564]

Thank you, this was a great tutorial.

[@tanyarodgers6773]

Such a great video, thank you for sharing

[@sewbecca]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pamkahmann3833]

Great tutorial!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@sewbecca]

Thanks for watching!

[@maryh4554]

Very pretty quilts Becca!😊

[@sewbecca]

Thank you! 😊

[@bethlane3411]

Great job!

[@beckyg5489]

I think I've used every one of these methods at one time or another. For me, it really depends on the size of the quilt or project. I think the compensating foot for my Juki would be really handy. Thanks for your tutorials!

[@heidipucci9078]

Thank you❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I have been trying to "get" how to do mitered corners with the binding, and have listened and watched many many videos but now with you, it just clicked!😊I love it thank you thank you!❤

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@franpatzcraig6713]

Thanks so much for those clear explanations. I usually use the first method. I've tried the second with mixed results, but always wanted to learn to do it right.

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JodiFelkins]

Sew informative! This has helped me a great deal to know a few things I was doing correctly, and then teach me how to fix some of my errors. Perfectly paced. Love that you put this into chapter so we could go to the next chapter quickly if we need to revisit. Thanks for the easy to follow help!

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@teresaallen4933]

This video is very helpful to me. Thank you ❤️

[@sewbecca]

You’re welcome 😊

[@lance3665]

Great video thanks for sharing.

[@deedodson9661]

Excellent video, really helpful!

[@sewbecca]

Thanks! I'm glad you found it helpful. Now you owe me a virtual high-five! ✋😄

[@susanludwig5102]

I have been quilting for about a year. I am on my fourth quilt and this is the best binding video I have come across. I loved it Thank you for creating this. It was very clear and concise.

[@margm4]

Hi Becca, good tutorial for newbies. I love to hand stitch so will keep on doing it my way. Though I did like 2nd demo, especially for smaller projects! 🇦🇺❤️

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!!

[@carolmorgano7158]

Great tutorial Becca Thank you👍👏🥰🌸🇦🇺

[@sewbecca]

Thanks so much 😊

[@MonaDidWhat]

I must say this is best Binding video I’ve seen. It was very well explained. Thank you

[@sewbecca]

Mona - that means a LOT! Thank you SO much for those kind words! I will say - when I saw this video was 30 minutes long, I was worried it would tank. In order to make it shorter - I would have had to leave things out...and I wasn't willing to do that.

[@KimN1256]

Thank you for helping me figure out that sometimes I was trying to attach the ends right handed and sometimes left. Guess what that didn't work. Now I know it sounds crazy but you helped me see it in perspective. Thanks so much! Love your videos!!

[@sewbecca]

Haha, sometimes it's the little things that trip us up, right? But I'm glad I could help you see it in a new way. Happy binding!

[@claudiastevens9628]

Thanks so much for the link to the Karen Brown video. It's exactly the info I need.

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome!

[@annekent7350]

I love hand stitching my binding, but sometimes one is in a hurry. I’m definitely going to try it - and you’ve done a great job of teaching it! Thanks 😊

[@sewbecca]

I really appreciate your feedback! It means a lot to me that you found my tutorial helpful. Let me know if you have any other requests or suggestions for future videos. I'm always looking for new ideas!

[@tracileno9375]

Great tutorial!!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!

[@lizthibodeaux2496]

This video is perfectly timed for me as I am doing method 2 for the first time! I normally do method 1, but I did did give enough allowance at the points when I squared up my quilt. Excellent video!

[@sewbecca]

Perfect! I know Ian's going to do a more in-depth video for technique #2 - but hopefully, while we wait, I gave enough tips & information for folks to get started!

[@cindypeace4166]

Thank you for showing us both methods. I have a stack of quilts waiting for hand binding, but hate stitching them by hand. I’m going to try your method.

[@sewbecca]

I'm so glad you found the video helpful! Good luck with trying out the new method on your stack of quilts. I hope it makes the process more enjoyable for you!

[@patstrawhouse4005]

Hey, Becca! Great tips-and explanations-as always! I’ve always hand stitched to the back with one exception-when I machine stitched to the front of a wedding quilt the morning of the wedding. I just ordered left- and right-compensation feet, thanks! This reminded me of a comment-I think it was Ian -who said that he received feedback re a quilt entry was that his bindings weren’t ’full enough’, because he hadn’t pulled the binding right. Don’t you just love how the quilting community has grown-largely due to the isolation resulting from the pandemic? I never would have thought that I could say, Becca, Ian, Tiffany, etc, and others would know exactly who I was referring to. Love it! Stay well, my friend! Muskoka ON 🇨🇦

[@sewbecca]

I love how much the quilting community has grown! And I love all of the friends I have made!

[@simplyquiltingwithnancysanders]

Excellent tutorial! I use the first technique on my quilts also.

[@sewbecca]

I bet most people do! I've seen LOTS of tutorials on KZbin for the first technique!

[@kellietrudel8222]

EXCELLENT tutorial! Just in time too as I’m completing my first quilt for my soon to be born first grandchild. I WAS going to apply to the right side and fold to the wrong side and hand stitch but I think I’m going to try method #1. Thanks very much for doing this. Ps new subbie!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you for the compliment! Glad to have you on board!

[@rachaelmohler6344]

I loved the freak out with the bobbin and the week off. Made me feel justified in my quilting behavior ❤.

[@sewbecca]

I like to keep it real! LOL

[@rachaelmohler6344]

@SewBecca I have finished two more quilts since I started watching your videos.... binding is terrible but finished is better then perfect

[@silviaengel4095]

Thanks for this really good video tutorial about binding by machine. I always use your first method. Last year I put a quilt to an exhibition and I got one judge who loved my binding and the second judge didn't love it. But I'm the boss of my quilt and I don't like stitching binding by hand. Greetings from Germany, Silvia 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@patriciamoses2185]

I love watching you, you make it fun

[@sewbecca]

Aw, shucks! I'm just here to entertain and have some fun. Glad you're enjoying it!

[@Magic-Myrlin]

I love, love, love this video. Even though I'm a seasoned quilter I always learn something by watching experts like you. I do have a little tip that I've been using for a while and that is to sew the binding on the back of the quilt and bring to the front, I use invisible thread in the bobbin only and you might see an indentation when looking on the right side, but it's not that noticeable and looks great. I also use that same thread in the bobbin when sewing on my label to the back of the quilt after it's all done and you get the same effect, barely noticeable and looks great. Thank you for this great video.

[@sewbecca]

Oooh, invisible thread I. The binding would be NEXT LEVEL!

[@person2463]

All good if I choose to machine bind. I knew about the compensating foot, but not the stitch in the ditch. I do like, the the calm of a needle and thread... I know, I'm weird like that😮. Great tutorial, hugs,Chel 🌸

[@sewbecca]

Mary LOVES to hand bind - I prefer to just have the quilt done! LOL

[@joyceshuman3106]

I’m watching your binding tutorial. I’ve never seen your broadcast before and I love it. I have watched a number of binding videos before, but I’ve never seen one quite as accurate and precise as yours after watching you I believe I can do this. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope to remember your name and your podcast because I’m fairly new at KZbin and I just kind of happened up on you and I don’t want to miss anything now. I love your podcast. I love the way you explain things. Thank you so much for your time and your program. Joyce.

[@sewbecca]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Joyce! I'm thrilled to hear that my binding tutorial was helpful to you.

[@stevemcmillin2737]

I use both methods of binding. I apply it to the front most of the time but if I'm wanting to use a decorative stitch on the front then I apply it to the back first. Also, I saw someone use a big binder clip to keep a bunch of that fabric together and out of the way while joining the ends of the binding. Made life a lot easier on me.

[@sewbecca]

That's a great tip! Using both methods of binding gives you more flexibility in your projects. And using a binder clip to keep the fabric together is a genius idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@KateBerggren]

THis tutorial that you did is so precise that I think my husband, who knows nothing about sewing on a binding, or that it is even a "thing"..could sew a binding on a quilt. EXCELLENT , A++ Your way of showing us how to do this is probably the best I have seen. THANK YOU Becca..

[@sewbecca]

Thank you for your lovely comment! I'm thrilled to hear that the tutorial was helpful and that you found my way of explaining the process to be the best you've seen. It means a lot to me. Wishing you many successful quilt-binding adventures! Quilty hugs!!!

[@joyeb2005]

Hello , I'm new to quitting. This is my first time watching you. Your video helped me learn more about binding😊Thank you

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@arabellalunkes4532]

I use the 2nd method most of the time. Fast and easy

[@patbaker67]

Any comments on using a walking foot to sew on binding. Since I am newly retired I love the opportunity to hand stitch down my binding ( no pressure, turn on a movie, and stitch away). I feel I’m more accurate in attaching my binding by hand stitching. Thanks for the informative and entertaining video.

[@sewbecca]

Honestly - I've not used a walking foot for any of these methods. If you wanted to use the walking foot, you can use it to attach the binding to the front (still use a 3/8" seam allowance) - then turn it over to the back and finish by hand! By using the walking foot, the machine should take all the layers in consistently and make a little easier work of a thick stack of fabric & batting! Also, happy retirement!

[@dshollins5864]

Thank you!

[@pattiecoxey]

Good teaching! Quilts are very pretty. I tried both ways of binding but still don't like the extra stitching showing on the opposite side so I sew to the front and hand stitch to the back. I enjoy the process. It's very therapeutic and shows a nice finish to all of my hard work. Thanks for a good video😊

[@sewbecca]

I can totally understand that! If it's a quilt I'm *especially* proud of and don't want the stitching to show on the back, I will stitch to the front, wrap to the back, glue in place, and then let Mary hand bind (she LOVES to do this). One day, I really need to let her show me how she does it...LOL

[@jilbertb]

I have never hand stitched a binding. And i always do them sewn on to the front. And stitch in the ditch to finish.

[@guesswhonancy9028]

Thank you that helped so much

[@sewbecca]

You're welcome!