Machine Binding Tips

I typically hand bind all my projects, but I will machine bind when the back isn't going to be visible or when I need to finish the project quickly. With hand binding, I will machine stitch the binding to the front and then hand stitch to the back. With machine binding I use the machine to stitch it to the front and back. I did machine binding with this little mug rug. You can see the stitches along the edge of the binding.

Machine binding is easy when you use these simple tricks. 

• Glue baste your binding in place.
• Pick a good thread that matches the front of your quilt.
• Use a zipper foot.

The main issue that I encounter with machine binding is that the binding doesn't always look good on the back. Where the binding ends and begins is always as bit wonky, and I also get weird curves in the binding, like you see on the right of the mug rug. 

Want me to walk you through how to machine bind? Watch the tutorial here:

You can also watch the hand binding tutorial:

I aslo have this tutorial on how to join your binding ends: