No-binding necessary quilting tutorial

I had planned to use pictures from the Winnie the Pooh quilt for this tutorial, but as I prepped the rainbow quilt, I snapped shots of that process for this post. Heads-up: This is long, lots of photos, and probably more words than you need, but I don't often (if ever because I use tried and true methods borrowed from quilters long before me) write tutorials, so please bear with me on this.

However, might I add, not merely in my defense, but to strengthen my belief that if one isn't averse to hand-stitching, that this method, heavily borrowed from Kawandi quilting, is a marvelous manner in which to throw quilting bindings out the window.

Okay, having said ALL THAT, here's how I go about securing the perimeter of a quilt!

First, make a quilt sandwich just as you normally would, however, the extreme excess backing and batting can be eliminated for this method! Less waste = more materials for future projects, lol.

Now, I like to sit for the rest of this procedure, but if you prefer standing, then here's where you can deposit your basted quilt onto a work surface while I spread my quilt over a bed. Whatever side of the quilt you plan to secure first should be along the edge of the work surface, and if like me you use a bed, please take care to NOT cut into the sheet, mattress protector or mattress.

I did test against both the top and back to see if the snowflakes could be seen through the fabric. I decided to layer the sheet against the back, as I do consider the autumnal side as the 'back' of this cozy.

For additional batting, I added an old flannel sheet long past its good usage as a sheet or even a quilt back. Just letting you know there is an extra layer which I had to cut. So, the first thing is to trim the perimeter so the top is flush with the back. I only cut the side upon which I was working, as well as a little of the next side.

It is a little nerve-wracking to cut through layers atop a sheet, but just go slowly and all should be fine.

Now it's a tidy-looking quilt sandwich! But there is still another layer to trim.... 

Another photo at the bottom of this post also illustrates what I'm talking about.

And while it was kind of teeth-gritting to not cut into the sheet, here is where you need to steel yourself and cut VERY SLOWLY because now we're going to lift the edge of the top, and trim about half an inch of the batting all the way around without cutting the back.

Half an inch might seem like a generous portion, but more is definitely better than less in this project. I don't cut the entire perimeter, merely the section I'm going to sew first. And, for this particular project, since the back was larger than the top, I did have to go back and sew where squares were stitched together because I had cut off the backstitching. Note to self; next time if at all possible, make the back and front the same size so that's not an issue. (For the Winnie the Pooh quilt, I used a flannel sheet, so that wasn't a problem.)

Okay, now time to thread some needles with your preferred quilting thread! I like Coats and Clark hand quilting threads, and decided that deep pink would complement the vibrant hues, but not be too dark against the yellows. Fold the backing fabric over the batting, then fold under the top fabric, placing it right atop the folded-in back. Secure with Clover clips or pins or clothespins, whatever floats your boat!

And honestly, the trickiest part is DONE. Now is where your love for slow stitching is rewarded!  Or your loathing of quilt bindings is assuaged. For me, the biggest drags of machine binding are 1) Maneuvering the quilt sandwich, even a small lap-sized endeavor, under the walking foot and 2) The extremely loud sound said walking foot creates. My tinnitus just can't cope with a walking foot anymore, hence I am VERY GRATEFUL to have discovered this method of making a binding, as well as Kawandi bliss in general.

Clover clips are my go-to for keeping the turned-in edges where I want them to be. When I used to make traditional bindings, I would use seven to eight clips at a go, but for this four is fine because after a short while, I need to move my chair further down the quilt, easier than moving the quilt to where I am seated.

Now it's simply a matter of rocking the needle. However, I don't load stitches onto my needle for this initial round. Maybe that sounds laborious as all get-out, but this method is NOT about speed. It's more for the love of simplicity, once you reach this point, hah! In and out goes my needle, as I try to keep to the edge of the fabrics. And not sew the fitted sheet into the project, LOL.

Above is another view of how that initial trimming appears. And below is how nicely it looks with a few squares sorted!

Kind of the story of two quilts, or of a first novel draft and the ready to publish manuscript. And speaking of which.... Nothing More Complicated: The Hawk Book Four is in the final prepping stage for release, woo hoo! I still have to write the long synopsis, ahem, but I'm hoping to get the book out perhaps before the end of this month.

Okay, shameless plug done. As for this rainbow quilt, I have a few days of sit'n'stitch ahead of me before I can haul this cozy to the sofa for the interior hand-quilting to begin. However, there is a marvelous sense of calm as I secure the perimeter; it's about savoring the process. Inhaling the calm. Exhaling being untethered from a sewing machine. Also exhaling stress and niggles while feasting upon all this glorious COLOUR! As well as praying for peace all over the place, especially within my own heartspace. If this tutorial has been helpful, awesome! If something isn't clear, drop me an email at annascottgraham at gmail dot com and I will do my best to clarify. And I wish you a beautiful Wednesday steeped in peace and love.