10 easy steps to a no binding finish for small quilted projects

My little project is definitely coming together. And to think I had such a creative block at the beginning of the week. Yesterday I showed you how easy it can be to sew curves using 4 steps the right way.

I’ll use a no binding finish for the placemats which means I have to finish before I can start the circle designs. Are you ready for the no binding finish in 10 easy steps?

Small projects lend themselves very well to this technique of no binding using the flip and quilt finish. What exactly does this mean?

To start there’s no binding on the finished piece. Instead the piece has been sewn together, all three layers, then flipped so that everything is right side out and the opening that’s left is sewn together by hand. Then the quilting is done.

Follow these simple steps for this no binding flip and quilt technique.

Step 1 Cut all three layers – backing, batting and top – the same dimension.

Step 2 Lay the top on the batting so all edges match evenly. The top will be right side up.I like to use a 100% cotton batting for placemats because it’s a low loft batting and lays flat. Perfect for placing dishes on.

Step 3 Lay the backing on the top with right sides facing each other.

Step 4 Pin the layers together leaving the outside edges free. The curved basting pins are perfect for this step. They come in a couple of sizes – 25mm and 38mm – I prefer the larger ones.

Step 5 Sew around the outside edges leaving an opening large enough to pull all three layers through. When sewing, stop a ¼″ from the corner leaving the needle in the down position, pivot and sew down the other side. Use a neutral colored thread for this step such as gray or beige. I used a ⅜″ seam allowance for this step but a ¼″ will also work.

I like to mark my starting and stopping points with a flathead quilting pin so that I don’t accidentally sew the whole piece and forget to leave the opening.

Step 6 Clip the corners with small cuts so that they lie flat when turned.

Step 7 Pull quilt through the opening so that everything is right side out.

Step 8 Make sure that each corner of the piece is flat and forms a perfect corner. You can use a round ended awl to poke the corners out. I used the end of my Unique Sewing seam ripper as it’s rounded and won’t poke through the fabric possibly causing a hole or tear.

Step 9 Iron flat and pin together again before quilting and sewing up the opening.

Step 10 Hand sew the opening closed. I’ve tried to match a thread that won’t show on either the green or blue fabric. I’m using a Gütermann polyester thread in a medium gray.

This is definitely a quick method of finishing, especially when the piece is really too small to warrant binding. And it looks good too.

Now that the 3 layers are together it’s time to quilt it.

So why not try the no binding finish in 10 easy steps for your next small project such as a trivet, placemat or pot holder? Join me tomorrow, we’re cutting perfect circles for the Rolling Snowman Placemats!