Every quilt needs to have those raw edges finished off. This does not need to be a monstrous task. A few short steps, a couple of hours, and you will have your masterpiece completed. I always use a double or French binding: that is two layers of fabric wrapped around the edge of the quilt for a secure and sturdy finish.

Binding will become second nature to you after completing one or two quilts. Here are the steps you need to know to make beautiful binding. Read these through completely before you start.

When the quilting on your quilt is completed use a cutter and ruler to even the edges of the layers and square up the quilt. Then measure all four sides and add the numbers together. Divide this by 40 (the average fabric width is 42-44 inches, it will work, trust me).

The number you reach is the number of binding strips you will need to cut. I always add one extra, just in case.

The strips should be cut 2-1/2 inches wide for an average binding. Occasionally you may want to make it narrow (cut no less than 2 inches) or wider (cut no more than 3 inches).

Join all the strips together with diagonal seams. This will spread out the bulk of the seam allowances so that they are less noticeable. You will end up with one long strip of binding.

Press all the seam allowances open (once again, making less bulk). Lay the strip wrong side up across your ironing board with one end starting at your left side. Fold up a 45 degree angle and press. Trim this down to your 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press the entire strip in half lengthwise (including your angled cut, this will be your start-spot).

Set up your quilt at your sewing machine ready to sew the binding to the front side. Starting on the bottom edge (anywhere but the center) line up the raw edges of the binding strip to the raw edge of the quilt. Begin stitching 1/2 to 1 inch away from the close edge of your triangle start-spot. Be sure to backstitch.

Your seam allowance should be a generous 1/4 inch. When you reach a corner, stop stitching 1/4 inch from the turn and backstitch.

Turn the quilt so that the next edge to sew is now lined up to feed through the machine. Fold back the binding making a 45 degree angle (the raw edge of the binding should form a straight line extending up past the raw edge of the quilt).

Fold the binding down along the quilt edge. The fold should be straight across the top. Begin stitching at the very top, once again stitching your generous 1/4 inch seam allowance. Repeat for all corners.

When you are within 3-4 inches from your start-spot: trim the tail of your binding strip so that it comes to a point halfway between the edge of the triangle opening and the beginning of your stitching. Tuck the end inside the attached binding and sew down.

Using thread that matches your binding fabric, sew the fold of the binding to the back of your quilt. Use a blind stitch to disguise your stitches.

Tuck in the miters at the corners to make them look right. This will finish off your quilt. All you need now is the label and you will be completely done.