Binding Rag Quilt Edges

Creating a rag quilt is a fun technique for any sewing enthusiast. Not only do you get to play with various fabrics, textures, and colors, but you also create a warm and unique quilt that tells your story. Adding the binding to the edges is one of the final steps. Here, I will guide you through making and sewing the binding onto your rag quilt edges, ensuring both durability and style.

Why am I Binding Rag Quilt Edges

Before we jump into binding, it's important to grasp what makes rag quilt edges special. Rag quilts feature frayed edges, giving them a soft and rustic appeal. Why would one want to add binding to a rag quilt? When applying binding, you enhance not just the quilt's appearance but its longevity as well. The binding encases all of the seam edges, making sure that none of them will unravel.

All of my quilts are used a lot and also washed a lot and I don't want any seams to unravel so I am always binding rag quilt edges.

Choosing the right fabric for binding is key. I typically select cotton, or a poly cotton blend as it pairs wonderfully with the cozy feel of the rag quilt. I use sheets and upcycled men's button down shirts for the fabric of the binding

Preparing the Binding

Let's get started with preparing the binding strips.

Choosing Your Fabric

This is where your creativity shines! If you have a quilt made up of patterned pastel colors, you could use one solid color to create an eye-catching framing effect. Or, you could do as I do and create a binding by joiining strips of fabrics together. I chose, this time to create a binding from solid pastel colored fabrics which would blend and not contrast with the pastel colored patterned fabrics of the quilt, tying all the elements together.

Cutting the Binding Strips

Cut your chosen fabric into strips that measure 18 -20 cm wide with varying lengths anywhere from 25 - 45 cm in length.. To calculate how much binding you’ll need, measure the length of all 4 sides of your quilt and adding an additional 10 - 15 cm for folding the corners over on the length of the 2 longer side strips.

If your quilt is large, you may need to sew several strips together for one continuous piece. To do this, join strips right sides together, trim the seam allowance, and press it for a flat finish.

I created a pastel multi colored binding and used fabric pieces of differing lengths, basically using what I had in my stash.

Ironing the Binding

Begin by folding the binding strip in half lengthwise and pressing it to create a nice crease.

I then fold the raw edge down by 2 cm and iron again

Then I fold the binding (including the folded raw edge) in half and iron again

I continue ironing the entire strip while rolling it into a coil

Attaching the Binding to the Quilt

With the binding strips prepared, it’s time to attach them to your rag quilt edges.

Sewing the Binding

I first sew the binding on the top and bottom of the quilt. Using a quarter-inch seam allowance, more or less, sew the binding to the quilt's edge. If you have a walking foot you can use it, it can help to prevent any shifting.I don't use one, I don't even pin (one actually should :) I sew slowly and carefully lining up the edge of the binding with the edge of the quilt and checking myself continually. Sew all the way to the edge of the quilt and backstitch 2 or 3 stitches and then cut off the excess of the binding.

I hold the binding towards me with the folded down raw edge facing left, I open it out to the right and place it on the ragged side of the quilt matching up to the edge with the seams facing me.

I press the seams open as I sew the binding down so that they lay flat.

Finishing the Binding

Once your binding is attached, it’s time to finish it off by folding and securing it on the back side of the quilt.

Folding and Pinning the Binding

Fold the loose edge of the binding over to the back of the quilt, encasing the raw edges. This step is essential for a neat appearance. Use clips or pins to secure the binding as you go along. Hand-stitching the binding down is very neat but it is very time consuming and for the quilts that are not artistic, and that I use regularly and wash regularly. I prefer a strong machine stitch.

Here you can see that I have folded the binding over to the back of the reversible rag quilt. I line the binding slightly over the seam and sew it down as close to the edge as possible.

Now I sew down the binding on the 2 sides of the quilt and I have to enclose the corners.

Securing the Binding at the Corners of the Quilt

Now the extra 10 cm on each strip (5 cm on top and 5cm on the bottom) comes into play. The corner is folded over to cover the edge of the binding.

I fold the corners in and under the binding and then top stitch it.

I fold the extra 5 cm down covering the corner edge of the quilt.

In order to minimize bulk in the corner I cut away exces fabric in the binding like this

Then when I fold the binding over there is no bulk at the corner edge.

I begin sewing at the corner towards the inside edge of the binding and then down the binding attaching it to the quilt. I do the same on all 4 corners.

Finished

Final Touches

After securing the binding, give your quilt a final press to eliminate any creases. To enhance that cozy feel, gently wash your quilt to fluff up the ragged edges, making them softer and more inviting.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain the quilt's soft fluffy texture, wash it gently in cold water and either tumble dry on low or hang on a washing line to dry in the wind.. Doing this will help your quilt remain vibrant, reducing the risk of fading and fabric wear.

Wrapping Up

Adding binding to the edges of your rag quilt may appear challenging at first, but with the right techniques and a lot of patience, you can achieve a beautiful finished look. Choose fabrics that enhance your quilt's personality, cut your binding strips accurately, iron them and take your time when sewing them on.

Remember, the binding serves a dual purpose: it's functional and enhances the visual appeal of your quilt. Let your creativity shine as you continue quilting!

Happy sewing!