How To Sew Blanket Binding?

Hi there, my sewing friends! Have you ever seen a warm, handmade blanket and thought to yourself, “I wish I could make one of these myself?” You’re in luck, though! I’m going to take you through sewing blanket binding step-by-step in this tutorial. You are going to enjoy sewing whether you are an expert sewer or a novice just dabbling in the craft. I’m here to demonstrate how to give the ideal final touch to your works with blanket binding. It’s a great method. Now choose up your most beloved blanket project and let’s begin this thrilling sewing journey. I can assure you that achieving results that seem professional is quite simple!

What is Blanket Binding?

A strip of fabric called blanket binding, usually composed of satin or cotton, is used to surround a blanket’s rough edges, giving it a polished, long-lasting, and ornamental appearance. It not only gives your treasured blankets an additional degree of protection, but it also gives your crafts a unique touch. You can select the ideal blanket binding to go with your project because it is available in a variety of colors and designs.

You can purchase blanket binding online or create your own using fabric that matches the pattern of your blanket. Thus, learning how to sew blanket binding is a talent you’ll cherish, whether you’re trying to fix an old favorite blanket or want to create a new one. Now that you are aware of its nature, let’s get sewing blanket bindings.

Benefits of Using Blanket Binding

You might be wondering why you should bother with blanket binding at all in the first place. Well, there are several fantastic benefits to using blanket binding that are worth exploring.

One significant advantage is durability. Blanket binding reinforces the edges of your blanket, making it more resistant to wear and tear. This means your favorite blankets can withstand countless snuggles and wash cycles, retaining their quality for a longer period.

Customization is another noteworthy benefit. With the wide range of binding options available, you can personalize your blankets to match any theme, color scheme, or design you desire. This is a great way to create one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.

Blanket binding also serves as a protective barrier against fraying. By neatly encasing the raw edges of the fabric, it prevents fraying, ensuring that your blanket maintains its integrity over time. This is especially valuable for handmade blankets that you want to keep in excellent condition.

Types of Blanket Binding

When it comes to sewing blanket binding, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. The “satin blanket binding” is one of the most popular choices, known for its luxurious and glossy finish. It’s available in a wide array of colors, allowing you to match or contrast with your fabric for a stunning effect.

If you prefer a more natural, matte finish, “cotton blanket binding” is an excellent choice. It’s soft, durable, and can easily blend with a variety of fabrics. Cotton binding is ideal for a cozy and rustic look.

For a super-soft and plush feel, “minky blanket binding” is a top choice. It’s perfect for baby blankets or projects that prioritize comfort. Minky binding is available in various textures and colors, giving you plenty of options to explore.

“Bias tape binding” is a versatile option that comes in both single-fold and double-fold varieties. It’s excellent for creating a clean, finished edge and is often used for quilts and blankets. It’s also available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Lastly, if you’re feeling extra creative, you can make your own “DIY fabric binding” from fabric scraps. This allows for ultimate customization, as you can choose any fabric that compliments your project.

Choosing the Right Blanket Binding

Make a note of these two key considerations when selecting and preparing your blanket binding:

1. Width and Material Selection

The width of your binding is an important factor to consider. Typically, blanket binding comes in various widths, ranging from narrow (about 1 inch) to wide (around 4 inches or more). The width you choose can affect the visual impact of your project. Narrow binding provides a more delicate, subtle finish, while wider binding can create a bolder, more pronounced edge.

The choice of material for your binding can significantly impact the texture, durability, and overall feel of your blanket. As mentioned earlier, you have options like satin, cotton, minky, and bias tape, each with its unique characteristics. For softness, minky or cotton can be great choices, while satin offers a luxurious, shiny finish.

2. Pre-Washing Blanket Binding

It’s advisable to pre-wash your binding material before sewing. Like most fabrics, binding materials may shrink when washed. Pre-washing helps prevent any unexpected changes in the size of your binding after it’s attached to your blanket.

Washing the binding before use can also test its colorfastness. This is especially important if you’re using colorful binding that could bleed onto your blanket during the first wash. Pre-washing will help you identify any potential color issues. Pre-washing can also soften some binding materials, like cotton, making them more comfortable and pliable for sewing.

Steps To Sew Blanket Binding

Now that you’ve selected the perfect blanket binding and prepared it for use, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of sewing.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, keep these materials handy:

• Your chosen Blanket Binding
• The Blanket or Fabric you want to bind
• Straight Pins or Clips
• Sewing Machine
• Matching or Contrasting Thread
• Scissors
• Ruler or Measuring Tape
• Iron
• Fabric Marker for marking your sewing lines

Attaching Blanket Binding to Your Project

Step 1: Prepare the Binding

Open up your blanket binding and press it with an iron to remove any creases or wrinkles. This will make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Measure and Cut

Determine how much binding you’ll need by measuring the perimeter of your blanket. Add a few extra inches to ensure you have enough. Cut the binding to the required length.

Step 3: Start Sewing

Lay your blanket flat with the right side facing up. Take your binding and align it with the raw edges of the blanket. Leave a tail of binding at the starting point (around 4-6 inches).

Step 4: Pin or Clip

Use straight pins or clips to secure the binding in place. You can also use a fabric marker to mark your sewing lines if you’re a beginner.

Step 5: Sew the Binding

Using a sewing machine, stitch along the binding’s edge, about 1/4 inch from the edge of the blanket. Continue sewing until you reach the first corner.

Mitering Corners for a Neat Finish

When you reach a corner, you’ll want to create a neat, mitered fold. You can read my post on how to sew mitered corners for a better understanding.

Step 6: Corner Fold

Stop sewing about 1/4 inch from the edge of the blanket when you’re a few inches away from the corner. Lift the presser foot and pivot the blanket 45 degrees.

Step 7: Fold the Binding

Lift the binding straight up, creating a 45-degree angle fold. Then, fold it back down, aligning it with the next edge of the blanket.

Step 8: Continue Sewing

Lower the presser foot and continue sewing along the new edge, making sure to secure the folded corner with your stitches.

Step 9: Repeat for Remaining Corners

Repeat this mitering process for each corner of your blanket.

Step 10: Finishing the End

When you’ve sewn all the way around and you’re back to where you started, overlap the ends of the binding. Trim the excess, leaving a bit of overlap, and sew the ends together securely.

Step 11: Final Stitch

Continue sewing to close the gap, creating a seamless finish. Backstitch to secure the thread.

Step 12: Press and Fold

Once your binding is sewn all the way around, press it with an iron for a crisp, finished appearance.

Working with Different Edges and Shapes

Sewing blanket binding doesn’t just apply to square or rectangular blankets. You can use the below techniques to enhance a wide variety of projects with different edges and shapes. Let’s explore how to work with various designs:

1. Blanket Binding on Straight Edges

• Start by measuring the length of your straight edge and cut the binding accordingly, just as you would for a square or rectangular blanket.

• Secure the binding to the raw edge, ensuring it’s aligned evenly. Use pins or clips to keep it in place.

• Proceed to sew the binding along the straight edge, following the steps mentioned earlier. When you reach a corner, simply fold it as you would for a square corner.

2. Blanket Binding on Curved Edges

• For curved edges, it’s best to use bias-cut binding. Bias binding is more flexible and can smoothly curve around edges without puckering.

• Start by securing one end of the bias binding to your fabric. Gradually align and pin or clip the rest of the binding around the curved edge.

• Sew the binding while keeping the fabric slightly stretched to match the curve. Sew slowly, adjusting the binding as needed to maintain a smooth, even edge.

• For curved corners, you can fold the bias binding at a 45-degree angle, just as you would for square corners. This will create a neat finish on the rounded corners.

3. Tips for Irregular Shapes

• Similar to curved edges, use bias binding for irregular shapes as it offers flexibility. Cut the binding on the bias to accommodate the shape’s curves and angles.

• Begin by attaching the binding at one point on the shape and gradually pin or clip it in place, adjusting as you go. This may require more pins or clips to ensure it stays in position.

• Sew slowly, guiding the binding along the irregular shape. For sharp corners, you can use the same mitering technique as for square corners, folding the binding at a 45-degree angle.

• Once you’ve sewn all the way around the irregular shape, trim any excess binding to create a clean finish.

Machine Stitching vs Hand-Sewing

When it comes to sewing blanket binding, you have the option to choose between using a sewing machine or hand-sewing for the final steps. Using a sewing machine for the final attachment of the binding is the most common and efficient method. After you’ve attached the binding to the front of your project, flip it over to expose the backside of the binding. With the folded edge securely in place, sew a straight line along the entire length of the binding. This secures the back of the binding and creates a clean finish.

While machine stitching is quicker and efficient, hand-sewing can offer a neater, more invisible finish. Thread a hand-sewing needle and knot the end of the thread. After attaching the binding to the front, fold the binding’s back edge in and secure it with pins or clips. With small, even stitches, sew along the folded edge of the binding. The goal is to make your stitches as inconspicuous as possible. When you’ve sewn the entire length, knot the thread and trim any excess.

Summary

It’s now time to conclude this post! Consider blanket binding as the ideal way to finish off a sentimental photo. It’s really great that you can customize the appearance of your blanket by sewing it on your own.

Recall that you have two options: either you sew by hand, like you might sew on a button, or you use a sewing machine, which works like magic to hold everything in place. You get to be the artist of your own blankets and sew it as per your choice. So enjoy yourself, stay warm, and keep making your lovely blankets!

Frequently Asked Questions

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