Finishing Edges of a Quilt: Techniques and Tips

Finishing the edges of a quilt involves a variety of techniques, each with its own unique look and feel. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or a more detailed finish, there's a method that suits your artistic vision. This article will explore some common binding and finishing methods, along with tips on how to achieve a polished and professional look.

Binding the Edges

The most common method for finishing the edges of a quilt is binding. Binding involves adding a strip of fabric to the edge of the quilt to cover any raw edges and create a neat and finished look. This can be done in several ways, but one particularly effective method is the European binding technique (also known as the Missouri Quilt Company method).

European Binding Technique

I use this method typically to match the color of the outer border, creating continuity with the quilt's overall aesthetic. Here’s how to do it:

Sew the binding: Cut your binding strips on the bias (at a 45-degree angle). Sew the binding to the front of the quilt right sides together, ensuring even tension. Fold and press: Fold the binding over to the back side of the quilt and press it with an iron. Hand stitch: Handstitch the binding in place, beginning and ending by stitching into the binding rather than the quilt to prevent it from pulling.

A helpful instructional video from Missouri Quilt Company on YouTube can guide you through this process. Quilters who first learned this technique experienced a moment of clarity and insight, making it a stand-out method in the quilting community.

Minimalist Edge Finishing

For a minimalist approach, I finish my art quilts with a series of zigzag stitches. These stitches vary in width and length, providing a clean and modern finish that complements the overall aesthetics of the quilt. No binding or edge is used here, as the focus is on the artwork itself. This technique was introduced to me by the versatile quilt artist Sue Benner.

Examples of Zigzag Stitches

Scattered zigzag stitches are sewn around the edge of the quilt, creating a cohesive look. The stitches are of varying widths and colors, blending seamlessly with the quilt’s design. This method emphasizes the beauty of the quilt’s pattern and colors, making it perfect for modern and contemporary quilts. You can see examples of this technique on my website.

Other Binding Methods

There are two main ways to create a bound edge on a quilt, and both involve handling the fabric differently:

Method 1: Larger Backside Fabric

In this method, the back side of the quilt is larger than the front. The edges are folded over, and the corners are mitered to make a clean, picture frame-like appearance. This method may require extra-wide fabric for smaller quilts like crib or lap quilts. Strips of fabric can be pieced together to create a larger width for larger quilts.

Method 2: Bias Strips

Bias strips, cut at a 45-degree angle, are folded and sewn onto the edges of the quilt. This method is more flexible and allows for easier mitering of the corners. Once the corners are mitered, the binding is sewn down along both sides, creating a neat and professional look. Depending on the quilter’s skill level, hand-stitching or machine-stitching can be used, with the latter likely showing more visible stitching.

Inserting Folded Triangles

Another innovative method is the insertion of folded triangles known as Prairie Triangles or Shark’s Teeth. These triangles, made from coordinating or matching fabric, are sewn together to form a string of overlapping trims. This string is then sewn around the edges of the quilt, either to the backing or the top fabric with batting.

The triangles are folded and then stitched, either by hand or machine. This technique creates a decorative and textured edge, adding visual interest to the quilt. By pressing and turning the edges, the triangles are extended out, and the other side of the fabric is folded or pinned into place. This method requires a bit more skill and attention to detail, but the results can be stunning.

Experimenting with these different techniques can help you find the perfect finish for your quilting projects. Whether you prefer a clean, minimalist look or a more intricate binding, there’s a method that will enhance your quilt’s beauty and durability.