How to Serge On A Fusible Binding

If you’re a quilter, then your binding stack may be getting high. We have a solution that will help you knock that stack down and get it back under control. Follow our tutorial to add binding to your quilt using a serger and fusible thread. This technique allows you to temporarily fuse the binding before you either machine stitch or hand stitch it, or when you just need something quick and temporary until you have time to finish the binding properly. 

Materials

• Quilted but unfinished quilt
• Binding
• Fusible thread
• Serger (We love the BERNINA L890 Quilters Edition)
• Iron (this LauraStar makes it a breeze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Set up your serger:
  • Set up the serger for a three-thread overlock stitch. Refer to the machine’s guide for detailed setup instructions.
  • Attach the fusible thread to an additional horizontal spool pin at the back of the machine.

• Prepare your quilt and binding:
  • Place the binding fabric on the back side of the quilt.
• Start serging the binding to your quilt:
  • Leave a little bit of a tail at the beginning of your binding.
  • Serge along the edge of the quilt, letting the serger trim a little bit of the edge to clean it up. This is fine even if you have a wider binding.
  • For corners, stop a little before the end (about 1/4 inch) and create a 45° angle fold in the binding to make a mitered corner. Pivot and stitch off.
• Take care with the mitered corners:
  • Stop a little before the corner, about a ¼”, and fold the binding at a 45° angle away from the quilt then fold it back over itself to create a neat corner.
  • Return to the serger and continue serging along the new edge.

• Finishing up the stitching:
  • Once you’ve finished serging, use the cutter on the serger to cut the threads.
• Fuse the binding:
  • Pull the binding over to the top of the quilt making sure that it is even.
  • Use an iron to press and hold the binding in place. The heat will activate the fusible thread, making it sticky and securing the binding temporarily.

• Topstitch the fused binding to make it permanent:
  • Once the binding is temporarily fused, you can topstitch it down using your machine.
  • Remember, this is only a temporary binding until it is properly stitched so do not wash until that is done! 

Bonus Tips

• The binding process is reversible. If you prefer, you can bind the other way with the quilt top on top, stitch the binding, and then flip it over to fuse it to the back.
• Allow the fused binding to cool and set before moving the quilt.

You now have a quick and easy way to add binding to your quilt using a serger and fusible thread. If you’re more of visual learner, follow along with this video tutorial from our YouTube Channel and check our more of our tutorials, tips, tricks at Quilting Mayhem.

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