Backing as Binding: The Ultimate Quilter's Hack

When finishing a quilt, it often feels like a waste to trim off all that extra backing fabric. But what if you could repurpose it and save yourself from having to find another fabric for binding? Enter the clever technique of using your quilt's backing as its binding!

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use your backing as your binding!

1. Trim the Batting and Backing:
After you get your quilt back from the longarmer, start by trimming the batting to the edge of your quilt top. Leave the backing fabric a bit longer than the quilt top. For a binding that’s ¼” wide when finished, trim the backing to ½” all around the quilt.

2. Prepare the Binding Strips:
Fold the backing fabric in half and press. Fold it in half again to create a long strip of fabric that’s now four layers thick. Press once more to set the folds.

3. Mark and Cut:
At the intersections of the fold lines, mark dots where the lines cross. Cut off the outer intersection at a 45-degree angle. This will help in creating neat corners for your binding.

4. Press and Stitch:
Press the diagonal edge to meet the first intersection. Then, repress the original folds. With the quilt top facing up, stitch all around the quilt, securing the backing as binding.