Prefer to learn by watching it happen in real time? In the video, we walk you through the whole process—threading the fusible thread, serging the binding on, turning those corners, and pressing it into place—so you can copy it exactly and get a clean finish the first time.
How to Use Fusible Thread for Quilt Binding on a Serger
Binding can be one of those “I love quilting… but binding is my nemesis” moments. 😅 The good news? You can attach quilt binding with a serger—and when you add fusible thread, it gets even better: quicker, cleaner, and way less fussy. In the video tutorial, we show how this method helps you get the binding attached efficiently without sacrificing a polished finish.
Why fusible thread is a game-changer
Here’s the magic: you thread fusible thread in the lower looper, serge your binding onto the quilt, then press the binding over with a hot iron. The fusible thread bonds to the fabric and helps hold everything in place—meaning less pinning, less shifting, and a smoother finish when it’s time to stitch the binding down.
What you’ll need
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4-thread serger
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Open-toe or clear foot (optional, but nice for visibility)
Serger settings
Set your machine for a 3-thread wide overlock stitch:
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Stitch width: M
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Stitch length: 2–3
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Stitch selector: A
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Left needle position: O1
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Regular serger thread in the needle + upper looper
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Fusible thread in the lower looper
Step-by-step: attaching binding with a serger
1) Thread your serger
Thread fusible thread in the lower looper, and regular serger thread in the needle and upper looper.
2) Prep your binding
Prepare binding like you normally would: fold it in half (wrong sides together) to make that clean folded edge. The tutorial also starts the binding with a 45° fold at the beginning.
3) Clip binding to the quilt edge
Clip the binding to the quilt (front or back—your preference), lining up raw edges of the binding and quilt.
4) Start serging
Begin serging a few inches away from the folded binding start. Lightly “skim” the edge with the serger knife for a neat, even finish.
5) Corners made easy
As you approach a corner, stop about ¼" from the edge. With the needle down, lift the foot slightly, pivot the quilt to a 45° angle, and continue serging off the quilt—this helps set you up for a clean mitered corner.
6) Close the binding neatly
When you’re a few inches from the end, trim the binding so it’s about 1" overlapping the beginning. Clip, then finish serging, stitching a few stitches over the starting area before serging off.
7) Press to activate the fusible thread
Now for the “oooooh” moment: press the binding over to the opposite side with a hot iron. The fusible thread bonds and helps secure the binding in place—so finishing stitches are easier and cleaner (less shifting, less frustration).
From here you can top-stitch or hand-stitch your binding down to finish the quilt.
Tips for success
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Try an open-toe/clear foot for better visibility as you guide the binding.
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Slow down at corners—those pivots are what give you that crisp, professional look.
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Let the fusible thread do the work after pressing—it’s there to help hold everything in place so the final stitching feels way more controlled.
Watch the tutorial
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