Quilt Binding Tips and Techniques

If you’re like me you’ll love learning how your BERNINA can replace the tedious handwork. This frees up more time for creativity and inspiration!

After I made some mistakes…

When I first began playing with this attachment I was thoroughly disappointed. The bias tape kept flipping to the wrong side, my edges looked wobbly, and the corner . . . forget about it. I was ready to give up, but I did a bit of research and was able to piece together tips and tricks from other fabulous creators and make it all come together. The instructions below are for practicing. After completing four dummy placemats you will be able to easily bind a queen-sized quilt!

This fabric is my own line CalicoHorses by FreeSpirit fabrics, “Lupine Valley.”

Step 1. Preparing the Fabric

Create four quilted sandwiches roughly the size of a placemat 18″ x 12″. Finish the edges with a zig-zag stitch to keep them firm. I quilted on a BERNINA Q20 using the BERNINA Gripper Rings.

Starch the bias fabric. I recommend Mary Ellen’s Best Press as it does not leave any residue. Be generous with the starch so that your mitered corners will be crisp.

Step 2. Cut the Bias Fabric

Fold 44″-45″ fabric in half and cut six strips for the binding of four placemats. The strips are cut 1 1/2″ wide when using the 38mm BERNINA Binder attachment #88.
Sew the six bias strips together, clip seams to 1/4″ and press open.

Step 3. Fastening the Attachment

Follow the assembly instructions provided in the booklet.  Adjust the screws’ positions to fit.  The black screw goes into one of the holes on the sewing machine bed. I used the one on the right. Be sure the binder/pressure-foot is flush with the stitch plate. Give the black screw an extra twist as you will be opening the hinged part of the attachment while sewing and you don’t want it slipping. Insert BERNINA pressure-foot #95C.

Step 4. Load the Binding

Cut the bias strip at a 45-degree angle. With the wrong side of the fabric facing you, insert the pointed end into the attachment. A stiletto is used as a guiding tool. *Note: It is important to keep the long bias strip loose and untangled. It may roll and flip inside-out if you aren’t careful. Slip and hang the excess bias fabric over the vertical spool holder located on the top right of the machine. Pull about an inch of bias through the attachment and slide the quilt sandwich in between the metal opening (they resemble two lips coming together) and wrap binding snuggly around the edges. Use the stiletto to hold it into position and lower the pressure-foot. You may need to adjust your needle position. My needle setting is  -1.

Step 5. Begin Stitching

The settings I am using are for a BERNINA 770 QE.

Note: When the seamed bias strips are approaching the attachment they can sometimes buckle causing wrinkles. As the seam is about to go through the attachment, use a straight pin to guide it smoothly into the tight opening. Continue sewing to the very end of the corner.

 Step 6. Mitered Corners

After you have stitched to the end of the corner, take a few back stitches to lock it. Cut the threads. Pull the attachment hinge back and slide the sandwiched quilt out just enough to grab some fabric to make a mitered corner. Create a miter and clip it into position with a Wonder Clip. Check the back of the corner to be sure it is where you want it. Use tweezers to help position the corner if needed. Once it is in position, hand baste into place. Stab through the corner and stitch to the side and another over the top. This keeps it in the correct position. Clip threads.