What is Flange Binding?
Flange binding is a decorative quilt finishing technique, adding a contrasting fabric strip between the quilt top and the traditional binding.
It offers a unique, sophisticated look, enhancing the quilt’s overall aesthetic appeal with a subtle yet impactful detail.
This method involves sewing a wider strip to the back of the binding, creating a visible “flange” that frames the quilt beautifully.
Many quilters seek flange binding tutorials and PDF guides to master this elegant technique for their quilting projects.
Definition and Purpose
Flange binding, at its core, is a quilt binding technique distinguished by an added strip of fabric – the “flange” – visible on the quilt’s face. This flange sits between the quilt top and the main binding fabric, creating a decorative frame.
Unlike standard binding, which simply finishes the raw edges, flange binding serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Functionally, it encases the raw edges securely, preventing fraying and adding durability.
Aesthetically, it introduces a contrasting color or pattern, enhancing the quilt’s visual appeal; Many quilters download a flange binding PDF to understand the precise measurements and steps involved. The purpose is to elevate a quilt from simply finished to beautifully detailed, offering a polished and professional look. It’s a technique favored for showcasing quilt designs and adding a touch of elegance.
History of Flange Binding in Quilting
The origins of flange binding aren’t precisely documented, but it gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century, evolving from traditional quilt finishing methods. While not a centuries-old technique, it quickly became a favored choice for quilters seeking a more refined look.
Early examples often featured contrasting fabrics to highlight quilt blocks and patterns. The rise of quilting guilds and the sharing of patterns, including those available as a flange binding PDF, contributed to its widespread adoption.
Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company significantly boosted its modern resurgence through accessible tutorials. Today, it remains a popular choice, blending classic quilting with contemporary design sensibilities. It’s a testament to how a simple addition can elevate a quilt’s aesthetic, continuing to inspire quilters worldwide.
Materials Needed for Flange Binding
Flange binding requires fabric for the flange, binding, backing, and quilt top. A flange binding PDF often lists precise yardage calculations for each component.
Fabric Requirements (Calculating Yardage)
Determining fabric needs for flange binding involves calculating the quilt’s perimeter and adding extra for mitering corners and joining strips. A flange binding PDF guide typically advises adding 20 inches to the perimeter measurement.
For the flange itself, 1-inch wide strips cut across the width of fabric (WOF) are common. The binding strip is usually 2.5 inches wide, also cut WOF. Many resources suggest cutting enough strips to equal or surpass the calculated length.
Consider the fabric width (typically 42-44 inches) when estimating how many strips you’ll need. A detailed PDF will often include a yardage chart based on quilt size. Don’t forget to account for potential pattern matching if using directional prints!
Tools: Rotary Cutter, Mat, Ruler, Sewing Machine
Essential tools for successful flange binding, detailed in most flange binding PDF tutorials, include a rotary cutter, self-healing cutting mat, and a clear acrylic ruler – ideally 6” x 24” for long cuts. Precision is key for accurate strip measurements.
A reliable sewing machine is, of course, crucial; A ¼-inch seam foot is highly recommended for consistent seam allowances. Iron and ironing board are also vital for pressing seams flat, ensuring a neat finish.
Seam rippers are useful for correcting mistakes, and pins or clips help hold fabric layers together. Some PDF guides suggest using a walking foot for even fabric feed, especially with multiple layers.
Creating the Flange Binding: Step-by-Step
Flange binding creation, often detailed in PDF guides, begins with cutting fabric strips, joining them, and then carefully sewing the flange and binding together.
Step 1: Cutting the Fabric Strips
Flange binding PDF tutorials consistently emphasize precise fabric strip cutting as the foundational step. Begin by calculating your quilt’s perimeter and adding 20 inches for overlap and corners.
Next, cut strips of fabric – typically 1 inch wide – from your chosen flange and binding fabrics. The width of one inch is standard, but variations exist.
Cut enough strips to equal or surpass the calculated perimeter length. Many PDF guides suggest using width-of-fabric (WOF) cuts for efficiency, minimizing seams.
Accuracy is crucial; a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler are essential tools for achieving consistent strip widths. Consistent width ensures a professional-looking flange binding.
Remember to label your flange and binding strips to avoid confusion during the subsequent sewing stages, as detailed in many online resources.
Step 2: Joining the Strips to Create a Long Binding Strip
Most flange binding PDF guides detail joining fabric strips to create a continuous binding length. Begin by arranging your cut strips end-to-end, right sides together.
Sew the strips together using a 45-degree angle seam, creating a diagonal join. This minimizes bulk and ensures a smoother binding application. Press the seams open to reduce bulk further.
Repeat this process until all strips are joined, forming one long binding strip for both the flange and the main binding sections.
Carefully manage the seams as you sew, ensuring they are flat and aligned. A consistent ¼ inch seam allowance is recommended for accuracy, as highlighted in many tutorials.
Press the entire joined strip to set the seams and prepare it for the next stage – attaching the flange.
Step 3: Sewing the Flange and Main Binding Strips Together
Many flange binding PDF tutorials emphasize the importance of accurately joining the flange and main binding strips. Place the flange strip (typically wider) right side down, and the main binding strip (narrower) right side up.
Align the raw edges and sew them together using a ¼ inch seam allowance. This creates a combined binding strip with the flange extending beyond the main binding fabric.
Press the seam towards the main binding strip, ensuring a clean finish. This step is crucial for achieving a professional look, as detailed in numerous online guides.
Carefully trim any excess flange fabric to maintain a consistent width. This combined strip is now ready for attachment to the quilt, completing the binding preparation.
Consistent pressing throughout this process is key to a smooth and successful flange binding application.
Attaching Flange Binding to a Quilt
Flange binding PDF guides detail attaching the prepared binding to the quilt, starting at the midpoint of a side, using a 45-degree angle;
Precise alignment and consistent seam allowances are vital for a professional finish.
Preparing the Quilt for Binding
Flange binding PDF resources consistently emphasize thorough quilt preparation as a foundational step. Begin by ensuring your quilt top is squared up – accurate corners and straight edges are crucial for a neat binding application.
Remove any loose threads and press the quilt surface to create a smooth canvas. Next, baste the quilt layers together securely, whether by machine or hand, to prevent shifting during the binding process.
Many PDF tutorials recommend trimming excess batting and backing fabric close to the quilt top for a cleaner edge. Finally, lightly starching the edges can provide extra stability and make handling easier, especially with larger quilts. A well-prepared quilt significantly simplifies attaching the flange binding.
Folding and Attaching the Binding (45-Degree Angle Technique)
Flange binding PDF guides frequently highlight the 45-degree angle technique for seamless attachment. Begin by aligning the raw edges of the flange binding with the quilt’s raw edge, right sides together.
Fold the binding at a 45-degree angle, extending it slightly beyond the quilt’s edge. This creates a neat corner start. Pin securely, ensuring the flange portion lies flat against the quilt back.
Stitch along the folded edge, gradually easing the binding around the quilt. Consistent ¼ inch seam allowance is vital. Many PDFs recommend stopping ¼ inch from each corner, backstitching to secure, and pivoting for a mitered finish. This technique ensures a professional, crisp look throughout the quilt.
Mitering Corners with Flange Binding
Flange binding PDF tutorials emphasize precise mitering for polished corners. After stitching to ¼ inch from the corner, stop with the needle down. Lift the presser foot and pivot the quilt 90 degrees, folding the binding to create a 45-degree angle.
Lower the presser foot and continue stitching, maintaining a consistent ¼ inch seam allowance. This creates a neat, mitered fold. Many PDF guides suggest pressing the mitered corner open for a flatter finish.
Repeat this process at each corner, ensuring consistent angles and seam allowances. Careful mitering is crucial for a professional-looking flange binding. Some quilters prefer hand-pressing the miters before stitching for added precision.
Finishing the Flange Binding
Flange binding PDF resources detail hand or machine stitching options for a clean finish. Secure ends neatly, ensuring durability and a professional, polished quilt edge.
Hand Stitching vs. Machine Stitching the Binding
Flange binding PDF tutorials often present a choice: hand stitching or machine stitching the binding. Hand stitching, typically using a blind stitch, offers a nearly invisible finish, prized for its quality and heirloom appearance.
However, it’s more time-consuming. Machine stitching, conversely, is significantly faster, utilizing a coordinating or matching thread and a close stitch-in-the-ditch technique.
While quicker, machine stitching may be more visible, especially on patterned fabrics. Many quilters opt for machine stitching on the quilt back for speed and hand stitching on the quilt front for a refined look.
Ultimately, the best method depends on your preference, skill level, and the desired aesthetic of your finished quilt, as detailed in comprehensive flange binding PDF guides.
Securing the Binding Ends
Flange binding PDF instructions emphasize careful end-securing for a professional finish. Overlap the binding ends by at least 8-10 inches, ensuring a secure join. Precise alignment is crucial, especially with patterned bindings.
Many tutorials recommend angling the overlap to minimize bulk. After overlapping, stitch through all layers – binding, flange, and quilt backing – to firmly secure the join.
Trim excess binding fabric close to the seam, being careful not to cut the stitches. Some quilters prefer to hand-stitch the final few inches for a cleaner look.
Detailed flange binding PDF resources often include diagrams illustrating proper overlap and stitching techniques, guaranteeing a durable and aesthetically pleasing quilt edge.
Flange Binding Variations & Techniques
Flange binding PDF guides showcase faux flange options and varying flange/binding widths for customized looks.
Experimenting with fabric choices and dimensions allows for unique quilt finishes and creative expression.
Faux Flange Binding Tutorial
Faux flange binding offers the look of traditional flange binding without the added bulk or complexity, often detailed in helpful flange binding PDF tutorials.
This technique cleverly simulates the flange effect by utilizing a single strip of fabric folded to create the illusion of two distinct layers.
Typically, a wider binding strip is used, then folded in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together, effectively concealing the raw edges.
The folded binding is then attached to the quilt as usual, creating a subtle, raised effect that mimics a true flange.
Many online resources and PDF guides demonstrate this simplified method, making it accessible for quilters of all skill levels seeking a streamlined approach.
It’s a fantastic option when you desire the aesthetic of flange binding but prefer a less cumbersome process.
Using Different Widths for Flange and Binding
Experimenting with varying widths for the flange and binding components unlocks creative possibilities, often detailed in comprehensive flange binding PDF resources.
Traditionally, a 1-inch flange paired with a 2.5-inch binding is common, but deviating from this standard can yield unique visual effects.
A narrower flange (e.g., 0;5 inch) creates a more subtle frame, while a wider flange (e.g., 1.5 inches) makes a bolder statement.
Similarly, adjusting the binding width alters the overall proportion; a wider binding complements a larger flange, and vice versa.
Many quilters consult flange binding PDF tutorials to visualize these variations and calculate fabric requirements accurately.
Consider the quilt’s design and desired aesthetic when selecting flange and binding widths for a harmonious finish.
Resources and Tutorials
Numerous online resources, including detailed flange binding PDF guides, offer step-by-step instructions and visual aids for quilters of all skill levels.
Missouri Star Quilt Company and various video platforms provide excellent tutorials to enhance your flange binding expertise.
Missouri Star Quilt Company Flange Binding Tutorial
Missouri Star Quilt Company (MSQC) offers a comprehensive flange binding tutorial featuring Jenny Doan, a beloved figure in the quilting community.
This tutorial, often available as a video and sometimes accompanied by a downloadable PDF guide, breaks down the process into manageable steps, perfect for beginners.
Jenny clearly demonstrates how to create the flange, attach it to the binding, and then apply the finished binding to a quilt.
The MSQC tutorial emphasizes a user-friendly approach, making flange binding accessible to quilters of all experience levels.
Many quilters appreciate the visual clarity and detailed explanations provided, often referencing the tutorial repeatedly as they practice the technique.
You can find this valuable resource on the MSQC website and their YouTube channel, often linked with helpful PDF resources.
Online Video Tutorials and Guides
Beyond Missouri Star, numerous online video tutorials and guides demonstrate flange binding techniques, catering to diverse learning styles.
Platforms like YouTube host a wealth of content, from quick overviews to in-depth, step-by-step instructions, often with accompanying PDF downloads.
These resources frequently cover variations, such as faux flange binding, and offer tips for achieving precise miters and secure finishes.
Many quilters find these videos helpful for visualizing the process and troubleshooting common challenges.
Websites and quilting blogs also provide written guides, often including diagrams and printable templates, sometimes as a convenient PDF.
Searching for “flange binding tutorial” will yield a plethora of options, allowing quilters to choose the resource that best suits their needs.