Cheater's Binding - a mini tutorial

I have always done my binding like this, I honestly didn't know there was any other way. Obviously I do now, but I guess that's what happens when you are largely self-taught LOL.

Ok, here goes... CHEATER's BINDING (A binding for quick quilts , NOT for Heirlooms etc!)

Cut your binding strips... I cut them about 2.5 inches, but you can do them 3inches wide if you want it really easy (But a bit more wasteful)

Fold the width in half and press it flat

Then fold the half up towards the centre...so that the fold measures approx. 3/4 of an inch. (if you are using 3 inch strips, just fold them in half and then the halves in half again)

Do this on both sides

And then fold them together

Pin this fold closed. It is essential that the fold meets exactly. Pin it (closed) together as the pinning is the most important part later on!!

Here you can see the binding measures 3/4of an inch.

Now, pin the binding to the edge of the quilt.

Make sure that your pin goes through to the same part of the binding on the front as on the back. This IS the most important part. Your pins mimmick your stitches so pin well making sure that the binding is exact on both sides!!

When you come to the corners, fold at right angles

and fold down to get your mitred corners

Pin down

I pin a lot :O) (it's important and saves you time later!)

Check the back to make sure that your pins are in the same position on the back as front.

Continue around the whole quilt until you come back to the start

Fold the edges of the end over

and pin. Now you are ready to sew...

I use a decorative stitch to sew around the edges. (I would not recommend a straight stitch in case your pinning is not perfect) You can use a zig-zag too.

And you are done. I don't sew anything other than the edge. Because it's a sturdy method, I don't even handstitch the corners or the join done as it should not come apart. I hope this wasn't too basic or obvious to anyone. I use it a lot as you can bind a quilt quick-quick and with practice it actually looks very presentable - not for Heirloom quilts, but for those quick ones :O)