Binding Tool Instructions

We recently started carrying this fantastic tool for finishing the ends of your binding. The instructions are on the tool. If you remember to always have the Binding Tool face up and to use the marking line and point of the tool to trim away the excess, you will have perfect binding every time.

I have found that sometimes it is easier to understand something with step by step written instructions and illustrations. If you would like to watch a video that shows how to use it here is a link to that http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex2PajesRvU too.

 Here is a mini quilt sample.

Quilt after It Has Been Quilted

As mentioned above the instructions are on the Binding Tool. Make sure when you are using it that the instructions are face up so you can read them easily.

Binding Tool Right Side Facing Up

Leave a 12" opening from where you start and finish your binding.

Sew Binding Leaving a 12" Opening

Make the tails at least 10" long on each end. The opening must be 12" but the tails can be longer. I start my seam with the tail 10". After I've stitched it down I don't worry too much about the end tail as long as it is at least 10" long.

Binding Tails Are at Least 10" Long on Each End

The short straight side of the Binding Tool always lines up with the end of the binding seam.

Align Short Straight Edge of Tool up with the end of Binding Seam

Line it up on the right side of your quilt. Bring the binding tail on top of the tool and mark with a pencil using the "Mark Here" line on the tool. If your line isn't perfectly straight don't worry. This is just a reference point.

Mark on Line on Right Hand Side of Quilt

Rotate the tool 180 degrees and do the same thing on the left side of the binding.

Mark on Line of Left Hand Side of Quilt

There are a few different variations of the Binding Tool. Some don't have any reference letters. Others have an L and an R. The current tool has the letters A and B. Whatever yours looks like, the process is exactly the same.

Open the right side of your binding strip. Make sure that the tool is face up so you can read the directions clearly. Line up the Mark Here line with the line you drew on the binding. (If your tool has the R & L you are lining up the R. If it has an A & B you're lining up the B with the line you drew.)

Line up the Line on the Binding Tool with the Drawn Line on the Binding

Trim away the ends of the fabric along the angled part and short little point at the end of the tool. It will look like this.

Right Binding Trimmed on a 45 Degree Angle 

Open the left side of your binding strip. Rotate the Binding Tool 180 degrees. This time line up the point of the tool (the L if you have that or the A if you have that) with the line you drew. It is very important that the tool is right side up and that you line it up at the point, NOT at the Mark Line like you did on the right side. 

Line up the Point of the Binding Tool on the Drawn Line on the Binding

Trim away the excess binding at the point and along the angled side. It should look like this.

Left Side of Binding Trimmed on a 45 Degree Angle

Now put the angled ends of the binding right sides together. Make sure that you don't twist the binding strip as you do this.

Binding Strips Right Sides Together

Sew a 1/4" seam. Press open.

Press Open

Re-fold the binding in half. The binding is exactly the size of your quilt. Use a 1/4" seam allowance to stitch it  down to your quilt.

Perfectly Flat Binding with a Nice Flat Mitered Seam

Perfect binding every time! All of the calculations are in the Binding Tool. It makes finishing  the binding a breeze.

Note: If your binding is too long, you probably lined up with the line on the tool on both sides. Remember to line the right side of your quilt up with the line on the tool and the left side up with the point on the tool.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I'll be happy to help you.

Happy Quilting!
Carol