Different Types of Quilt Finishes

Good news! Your quilt is all pieced and you’ve even quilted it. Now the only thing left to do is finish the edge. But which method of quilt finish is best? Like with so many things in quilting, there’s no one right answer but the technique you choose impacts not only the finished look but also how well it holds up over time. Let’s walk through some popular options so you can pick the best one for your quilt.

Double Fold Binding

First up is traditional double-fold binding, sometimes called French binding. This is a favorite for many quilters because it’s easy to manage and gives your quilt a durable edge. You start with a folded strip sewn along the raw edges, then fold it over to the back for a nice, finished look. It’s a sturdy choice, perfect for quilts that get a lot of love or machine washing like bed or baby quilts. The process of sewing it down and getting those mitered corners nice and square takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. 

Mock Piped Binding

Mock piped binding is a fun way to add a little extra flair without too much extra work. By using two fabrics—one narrow strip for the “piping” effect and a wider one for the main binding—you can create a neat little pop of color along the edge. It’s mock piping because it’s not actually stuffed with a cord, so it’s more of a flange. It’s a bit more decorative and is great for quilts you’ll be showing off or displaying. 

Bias Binding

If your quilt has curves or scallops, you have to use bias binding. Since bias-cut strips have a bit of stretch, they’re more flexible around curves and even hold up better to frequent use and washing. Cutting fabric on the bias (diagonal) takes a little more precision and uses more fabric, but the result is a super-strong, smooth edge but if you’re new to binding, starting with a straight binding will be easier.

Facing

Facing creates a sleek, edgeless look. Instead of wrapping a visible binding around the edge, facing involves sewing a fabric strip to the back and turning it under so it’s hidden. It’s used most often for modern or art quilts where you want to keep all the focus on your quilt design. It takes a bit of skill, as you’ll want to carefully trim and press the fabric so nothing shows from the front. 

Machine vs Hand-Sewn Binding

Now, the big question: do you do machine binding or a hand-sewn finish? Machine binding is fast and sturdy, so it pairs well with quilts that need that extra strength. However, machine stitched binding has visible stitches. You can have fun with contrasting threads and decorative stitches, but take care to make the stitches neat.  Hand-sewn binding, on the other hand, is a bit of a labor of love. After attaching the binding to the front, you hand-stitch it to the back using a ladder or blind stitch, giving it a near invisible finish. It’s more time-consuming but ideal if you want a cleaner look, like for a show quilt or heirloom piece.

In the end, it’s all about what works best for the look you’re going for and your quilt’s end use. Machine binding is quick and sturdy, while hand-sewing can be an invisible finish. With your pick of binding styles, there’s a perfect finish for every quilt and every quilter. And Quilting Mayhem is here to give you pointers, tips, and even classes so you can make a perfectly finished quilt every time. You can do it!