Magic Binding Technique
Magic binding for a quilt refers to a binding technique that is both visually appealing and efficient to apply, primarily because it can be done entirely by machine. Here’s a brief description:
Material
- You need two sets of fabric strips; one for the main binding (usually cut 1 1/2″ wide) and another for the flange or accent strip (cut 1 3/4″ wide). These strips are sewn together to create a combined binding strip.
Process
- The strips are first joined end to end with mitered seams to form continuous pieces for both the main binding and the flange.
- They are then sewn together lengthwise with the accent strip facing up.
- The combined strip is folded in half, with the flange’s edge slightly peeking out, creating a subtle piping effect.
- This binding is sewn to the back of the quilt first, then flipped over to the front, where the seam between the main binding and the flange serves as a guide for top stitching, which hides the seam on the front, giving a clean, professional look.
Benefits
- Speed: It’s faster than traditional binding since it’s all done by machine, which is particularly useful for those who have multiple quilts to finish or are short on time.
- Aesthetics: The flange creates a decorative edge that looks like piping without the added bulk, enhancing the quilt’s appearance.
- Durability: Machine stitching can make the binding more durable, especially beneficial for quilts that will be frequently used or washed.
Usage
- This method has been approved for use on quilts like those for Quilts of Valor, showing its acceptance in quilting communities for both functional and aesthetic reasons.
*Note:The technique is well-documented in tutorials by quilters like Aunt Marti from 52 Quilts in 52 Weeks and Laura Strickland from AccuQuilt, highlighting its popularity and effectiveness in the quilting world.