How to Apply Blanket Binding

Last Updated: August 6, 2020

Blanket binding gives you an attractive way to finish a blanket. A satin or ruffled binding gives a "finished" look to a blanket you have made. You can find blanket binding in the crafts section of discount stores or in specialty crafts and hobby stores. Follow the steps below to learn how to apply blanket binding.

Steps

1
Measure all 4 sides of your blanket to determine the amount of blanket binding you need.
- You can also determine the amount of binding by multiplying the length of one side by 2 and the width by 2. Add the results to find out how much binding you need.
2
Sew the ends of 2 or more packages of blanket binding so you have the length you need. Use a 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) seam allowance, reducing the amount of bulk by sewing the seam diagonally.

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3
Pin the blanket binding into place on 1 side of the blanket.
- Pin the binding close to a corner and leave about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) as a tail to tuck under. Catch the front and back of the binding as you are pinning it to the blanket.
4
Miter each corner of the blanket binding.
- Extend the blanket binding past each corner so you can make a diagonal fold.
- Turn the corner and look at the underside of the blanket to make sure the corner of the binding looks neat.
- Push the extra blanket binding with the head of a pin to get the extra binding inside the mitered corner. Pin both mitered edges on the top and bottom of the blanket. Repeat this step for the remaining 3 blanket corners.
5
Pin the binding to the straight edges of the blanket on the remaining 3 sides.
6
Tuck the beginning and ending edges together and pin them securely to the edge of the blanket.
7
Sew the binding in place using your sewing machine.
- Use a straight stitch, zig-zag stitch or a decorative stitch.
- Keep your stitching as straight as you can. Stitch slowly to ensure that you sew a straight line and catch the top and bottom edges of the blanket binding.
8
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

I'm sewing binding on two sides, not four. How do I end, tuck it in or what?

Community Answer

Yes, just fold about one inch of the binding inside. It's up to you whether or not to sew the ends closed.
Question

How do I avoid my blanket binding ruffling up?

Robin Browning Wiles

Community Answer

If you're applying the binding to something stretchy, it could be you need to use a zigzag stitch. If you're not using stretchy materials, be sure to pin the binding in place. If that isn't it either, I would wonder if the tension is set properly. Try stitching on scrap material - are the stitches nice and flat without pulling? Next, try applying a small piece of binding to scrap fabric; if it's not ruffled, then maybe you are using too much pressure when applying your blanket binding. There are a lot of variables, so you may have to test out a few different solutions to find the right one.