How To Bind A Blanket: A Step-By-Step Guide
How To Bind A Blanket: A Step-By-Step Guide
As someone who loves to sew, I often find myself making blankets for friends and family. However, I used to struggle with binding the edges of the blanket. It wasn’t until I learned the proper technique that I realized how easy it can be. In this article, I will share with you my step-by-step guide on how to bind a blanket.
What is Binding?
Binding is a technique used to finish the edges of a fabric. It is commonly used in quilting to give the quilt a polished look. However, it can also be used on blankets, tablecloths, and other fabric items.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric for binding
- Fabric for blanket
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Iron
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Cut the fabric for your binding. The width of the fabric should be 2.5 inches and the length should be the perimeter of your blanket plus 10 inches.
- Iron your fabric in half lengthwise, wrong sides together.
- Place your binding along the edge of your blanket, right sides together. Pin in place.
- Sew the binding to the blanket using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
- Trim the excess fabric from the corners of the blanket.
- Press the binding away from the blanket.
- Fold the binding over the edge of the blanket, tucking the raw edge under. Pin in place.
- Stitch in the ditch or hand stitch the binding in place.
- Trim any excess threads and enjoy your finished blanket!
Top 10 Tips and Ideas:
- Choose a fabric that complements your blanket.
- Use a walking foot on your sewing machine to help prevent stretching and puckering.
- Iron your fabric before cutting to ensure accurate measurements.
- Use different fabrics for the front and back of your blanket for added interest.
- Experiment with different binding widths to find what works best for you.
- Use a rotary cutter and ruler for accurate cutting.
- Pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage.
- Practice on scrap fabric before binding your actual blanket.
- Use a contrasting thread for added visual interest.
- Consider adding mitered corners for a professional look.
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Binding adds a professional finish to your blanket and can be customized to match your fabric. It also helps to protect the edges of your blanket from fraying.
Cons: Binding can be time-consuming and may require some practice to perfect. It also adds an extra layer of thickness to your blanket, which may not be desired in warmer climates.
My Personal Review and Suggestion:
After learning how to properly bind a blanket, I have found it to be a simple and rewarding technique. While it may take some practice to perfect, the finished product is worth the effort. My suggestion would be to start with a smaller project, such as a baby blanket, to get the hang of the technique before moving on to larger projects. Overall, I highly recommend binding as a finishing technique for your fabric projects.
Question and Answer:
Q: Can I use bias tape instead of fabric for binding?
A: Yes, bias tape can be used for binding. However, it may not be as customizable as using your own fabric. Additionally, bias tape may not be as durable as fabric binding.
FAQs:
Q: How do I know how much fabric to buy for binding?
A: A general rule of thumb is to calculate the perimeter of your blanket and add 10 inches. This will ensure that you have enough fabric to properly bind your blanket.
Q: Can I machine wash a blanket that has been bound?
A: Yes, a bound blanket can be machine washed. However, it is important to follow the care instructions for your fabric to prevent any damage to the binding.