Mock Binding: Part 2

In reviewing Part 1, I was reminded that it usually isn't best to write a blog late at night, especially when a small computer issue is making it interesting.  So... after going back and making some corrections, I hope it'll make sense. 

As I noted before, the limiting factor on judging how big of a quilt can be bound with this technique, depends on your ability to lay it out after the binding is done and smooth and pin it for machine quilting because the layers must be smoothed out.  I've done 60" square throws a couple times but haven't tried anything bigger. 




This is largest quilt I've bound with mock binding.  The back is pieced and the binding strips are also pieced.  This photo shows how the stitching in the ditch along the binding strips gives the impression of a binding seam (on the green corner in the bottom left of the photo).

 

 

This wall quilt features curved piecing and the red strips around the outside were  sewn on with curved piecing.  The strips were then treated like any other mock binding in the finishing of the binding.

 

I used different fabrics for the binding and the backing on the sample in the Mock Bind Part 1 to better show the process.  The downside of this is that the mock technique may be obvious along the seam around the outside edge of the binding.  If you wish to disguise the fact that it's a mock binding then it's best to use the same fabric for both backing and binding strips. 



When figuring how much fabric you'll need, this is what I would need to take into consideration.

The backing needs to be a little larger than the top on all sides with the strips sewn on.

Add 1" to allow for a 1/2" seam in the backing.

Figure 4 strips, cut 1" by the length of the sides PLUS at least 2-3".

I always figure extra fabric and cut the backing a little larger than the minimal size and usually cut the binding strips 3" longer than the sides of the quilt.  The binding strips can be pieced.

Be sure to use starch on the strips BEFORE cutting them out and then use steam in your iron when pressing them.

For best results, do a practice mock binding project to get the process down before attempting to bind a quilt top.  Start small before going on to larger projects.



 

 

 

 

 

Frank.