Saturday, November 16, 2013

Tutorial: Satin Binding on a Baby Blanket

One of my friends is about to become a first time grandmother. She's a quilter and has been sewing like crazy. She knew that I was making a pattern for a baby blanket with satin binding and begged me to show her how to attach it. This tutorial is for her and for all of you who have wondered how to make the binding look neat and professional.

The puppy applique will be found in my Craftsy pattern, “Doggy in the Window” baby blanket.

Finished Measurements: Approximately 34" x 40"

Materials:
·      2 yards of baby flannel
·      1 package of satin blanket binding
·      matching thread

Preparing the Blanket for Binding
1. Prewash two yards of baby flannel in warm water. Prewashing is essential because the flannel will shrink a lot.

2. Press the flannel and cut it in half.

3. If you are adding an applique, do it now, before you put the front and back pieces of fabric together.

4. Lay the two flannel pieces wrong sides together on a cutting mat. The right sides of the fabric will be facing out.

5. Cut through both layers with a rotary cutter to square up the sides. You can usually get a rectangle of about 34” x 40”.

6. Pin the pieces together and stay-stitch around the outside edges of the flannel. You could zigzag or serge the edges instead if you like.

About the Binding

Satin blanket binding usually comes in package containing 4 3/4 yards of 2-inch single fold satin. It is found in most fabric stores on the same display case that contains rickrack, seam binding, and bias tape.

When you examine the bias tape you’ll see that one folded side is slightly wider than the other.

This wider side will go on the back of the blanket.


The cut ends of the binding fray very easily, so care will need to be taken to prevent your binding fraying apart at any seams.
                                                    
Attaching the Binding

1. Lay your unbound blanket on a flat surface. (I use an ironing board.)

2. Open the binding and slid it under one side of the blanket. Make sure the wider side of the binding is against the back of the blanket. Leave about an inch of binding overlapping the corner.



3. Snug the blanket right up against the fold all along this side.

4. Fold the blanket binding up and over the front of the blanket. Pin in place.


5. Set your machine to make a wide zigzag stitch. On my machine the width was set at 5 and the stitch length was 1.4.

6. Do not start stitching right at the corner. Begin about 6 inches in from that. You will need to keep that much the binding unattached for creating a neat corner seam later on.


7. Overlap the zigzag stitch so that it falls partly on the satin and partly on the flannel.

8. Stitch all the way up to the next corner. Lift the needle and cut the thread.


9. Open the binding. Fold at a right angle so that the blanket edge lies snugly up against the fold down the center of the binding.


10. Align the binding on the back first. Fold it into a neat, mitered corner that comes exactly to the edge of the stitched binding. This is really quite easy, but you may need to manipulate it a bit to get it just right. Pin in place.


11. Turn the blanket to the front and lay on a flat surface. Once again, tuck the blanket edge right up against the fold of the binding and pin in place all along the edge.


12. Fold the front segment up to make a mitered corner like you did on the back. Make sure that the front and back folds are in exactly the same place on the corner. Again, this may take a bit of maneuvering. Pin.

13. Begin sewing at the top of the mitered edge. Backstitch a few stitches, then sew forward to the edge of the binding. Make sure your stitches overlap both edges of the binding. If the front and back folds are aligned, the stitches will catch both sides of the back fold just like they do on the front.


14. Turn the blanket and stitch down the next side in the same way you stitched the first side.



15. Continue in this manner stitching sides and turning corners until you reach the last unfinished side. You will be putting a hidden seam in this last corner after you attach the two ends of the binding.

16. Stitch along the fourth side until you are about 6 inches from the end. Backstitch, cut the stitches and place the quilt on a cutting mat.



Note: You will be connecting the two ends of the binding, the end on the first side you attached and the end on the last side you attached.

17. Fold this last section of binding back out of the way so you can work with the binding on the side that you first attached to the quilt.

18. Make sure the blanket edge is snugged up against the fold in the binding. Now, cut the end of the binding 1/4 inch beyond from the side of the blanket with a rotary cutter.

19. Fold this segment of binding out of the way and trim the remaining edge 1/4 inch beyond the side of the blanket.

20. Open up both ends of the binding. Bring the cut sides together and pin.

21. Stitch the ends together with a 1/4 inch seam. Use a zigzag stitch to finish the edge so that it won’t fray out in the laundry after it’s all finished. Press the seam to one side.

22. Working on the last side you added binding to, pin the binding in place. The seam will fall exactly on the edge of the blanket.

23. Zigzag stitch the rest of the binding on this side of the blanket. Start where you left off with a backstitch and sew to the end in the same way you stitched to the corner edge on the other three corners.

24. Open the binding and fold it to miter the corners exactly like all other corners. The only difference is that this time a seam will be tucked away on the inside.

25. Miter the corners as before and pin.


26. Stitch the mitered folds, turn the blanket and stitch along this final stretch back on the first side of the blanket that you worked on.


27. Sew right up to and just over the beginning zigzag stitches. Backstitch.

Cut the threads and your blanket is beautifully bound with perfect stitching on the front and on the back!



Happy Stitching!!

85 comments:

  1. These are the best baby blankets of all time. The best part is how durable they are. The ones we used over and over and over for both kids, still are in great condition. They can use them for their babies someday.

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    1. :) I don't know how many of these I've made over the years. The first one was stitched in 1964.

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  2. Excellent instructions. Thank you.

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    1. You're very welcome. I'm glad the instructions worked for you because that's what it's all about.

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    2. I am about to attempt to put satin binding around a weighted therapy blanket. I have never done this before any help ladies? thank you I am nervous

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  3. That's a very nice blanket. Your seams are beautiful. Thanks for the tutorial!

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    1. You are very welcome, Carin. I hope it works beautifully for you.

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. I was looking for just this information especially the way to end the binding professionally. I love that I will sew the two ends together and hide the seam. Brilliant.

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    1. I'm so glad this is what you needed.

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    2. This is by far the best instructions for sewing satin binding. You have made my life so much easier. I love sewing baby blankets with a satin binding but have always struggled when it came to mitering the final corner. So far I have sewn two blankets using your instructions and was amazed at how easy and time efficient it was. Thank you so much. Looking forward to any other sewing tips you may have.

      Tiffanee

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    3. Thank you, Tiffanee. I'm so glad this technique is working well for you.

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  5. I used your instructions a year or two ago to make my first blanket with binding. Was relieved to find them again this week for my second attempt - very complete and produce such a nice result. Thank you!

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  6. I'm delighted that this has worked so well for you. Thank you for telling me.

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  7. I looked everywhere to find instructions that said to start in a corner of the blanket rather than in the middle of one of the sides. Thank you so much. Also, I used a flame to slightly melted the raw edges of the binding.

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    1. I'm glad this was what you needed. The flame is a super idea. Knowing me, though, I'd likely set the house on fire. lol

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  8. These directions are great, thank you!
    Do you have any fix for binding that's ending up not smooth on top? I've pinned a ton, but the binding just ends up flat on the bottom and wavy, not smooth on top?

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    1. The satin binding can be a bit slippery and the top may tend to buckle as it gets dragged by the sewing foot while the underside of the binding is moved steadily by the feed dogs. There are two techniques that may help you to keep everything moving together. The first is to use a walking foot. With a walking foot, the foot lifts and "walks" with every stitch instead of sliding over the top of the fabric. The other technique is to hold the binding in front of the needle with one hand and hold the binding in back of the needle with the other. With both hands you can keep the binding taut as it goes under the needle. The trick is in learning how to avoid pushing or pulling as you sew because you can easily throw the stitch length off so it become too short, too long, or simply uneven. With practice you'll be able to get either technique of a combination of the two working for you. Please let me know how it goes. Best of luck!

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    2. Thank you for these two ideas. I've sewn binding before, but have never run into this problem, so the frustration was high! I've got some plush ultra-soft fabric (not a more stiff woven cotton/flannel) so I'm sure that's adding to the headache. I'll try your two suggestions, had completely forgotten about a walking foot... thanks again.

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    3. The plush really will add to the sliding of the binding. Wishing you the best of luck.
      Karen

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    4. I'm looking forward to trying those corners! I found this after making my first one, and I have the same problem as Anonymous - with satin binding and a plush fleece blanket (like the kind you tie together) the feed dogs smoothly bring the bottom layer along but the top foot drags the binding so it gradually gets more and more angled and has to be puckered to even out again. Drove me crazy! Even happened with the walking foot. I'll try your idea of pulling a little from behind the needle. I'm also going to try loosening the presser foot pressure, which I think my machine can do (Janome 6700p).

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  9. Thank you SO much for this fabulous tutorial! I've watched numerous videos, read many others instructions but YOURS is the BEST. I've made many of these blankets & this simplified many things for me. This technique makes it so much easier & SO professional & precise. I too like starting & ending at the corner but my technique was less precise & much bulkier in the corner. Stitching from the corner of the miter point & then continuing down the long side to the next corner makes so much sense is quicker as well. I am so glad I found your tutorial!!

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    1. I'm so pleased that this method works for you! Thank you for letting me know.

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  10. Thank you for this tutorial! I've sewn for years, but I've struggled with putting a binding on blankets and getting the corners right for years! I usually just avoid it, and hem them. But, I found a great bargain on some quilted fabric I wanted to make my grandson a baby blanket from, and I really wanted a satin binding. This worked so well! I did find that if I sprayed each section w/fabric adhesive (like I use to keep stabilizers attached to the fabric when I machine embroidery), it helped so much in keeping that satin from sliding around when I sewed. But the corners came out perfect! I was a little afraid of the 4th corner, but it turned out perfectly also. This couldn't be easier! The only thing I will have to remember is to let my needle fall a little further over the edge of the binding to catch all of the back binding when I sew. But, overall - a success! thank you!!

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    1. I'm delighted that this technique is working for you! Thank you for letting me know.

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  11. I can't count how many blankets with satin binding I have made and this helped me to make one that had great looking mitered corners. Thank you very much.

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    1. Wonderful, Sharon! I'm so glad you like this method.

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  12. Oh Thank You!!! The 4th corner was always a bear for me it ended up being the easier one today!!!Had my blanket done in no time, won't be putting them off anymore! Thank You so much

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  13. Fabulous. I'm so glad this is helpful to you.

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  14. Thank you so much, these are great instructions. Answered all my questions.
    Many thanks,

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    1. Wonderful! I'm so glad the instructions are helpful to you.

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  15. Thank you so much! First time my corners looked good. Great instruction
    Ns

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  16. Wow! Well written & illustrated. My blanket turned out beautifully using these directions. I used minky dot fabric which is not the easiest to sew on but had good luck using the "hold it taut in front & behind" method. I made the blanket 36" x 45" and used one package of satin blanket binding. I am so pleased and plan to make many more of these using this method. You're "the bomb" 2 strings. :) Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

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    1. You have made my day! I get so excited when something works for my readers. Thanks for letting me know. :)

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  17. When you first begin stitching, are you stitching the back of the satin as well as the front? I've attempted such a binding, and never have been able to get the three layers - satin, blanket, satin - to be sewn all at the same time. Perhaps I've not used enough pins to keep the satin in place. Also, I've never thought to use my walking foot. Great suggestion. Eagerly awaiting your reply.

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    1. Yes, the stitching goes through all three layers at once. Satin is pretty slippery, so I do use a lot of pins. When I was new to sewing, I actually basted everything in place before stitching with the sewing machine. I'll suggest that you practice on a scrap of fabric with leftover binding first. Some people to find the walking foot very helpful. In addition to lots of pinning, I hold the binding firmly, both in front of the needle and behind it. That little bit of firmness will help to keep satin from slipping. Make sure your blanket stitch is wide so you are sure to catch both sides of the binding in the stitching. As with everything else, this gets better with practice. Wishing you the best of luck. Does this help at all? Please let me know how it goes. Karen

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  18. Thank you so much for your tutorial. Yours is the only one I have found that doesn't have a seam in the middle of one side (that ends in the corner). So much nicer looking and way easier than how I've been doing it.

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    1. I'm really glad this trick works for you. Thank you for letting me know. :)

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  19. Hi. I'm a beginner. Can I pin the whole thing before I start sewing?

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    1. You could, but I would really recommend pinning only one side at a time. I think it would make that corner easier to manipulate with one side sewn all the way and the other side unpinned. I hope the technique works smoothly and that you have a beautiful blanket.

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  20. What a wonderful tutorial! I wanted to make some small security blankets (14"x14") for my 4 month old out of cotton gauze and satin binding. Using your method, 1/2 yard of fabric, and a package of satin binding, I made 3 in a little over an hour!

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    1. Fantastic idea. Cotton gauze would be perfect for small security blankets. I'm so glad you found this method helpful.

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  21. Used your tutorial (this morning) and found it really good. This is the first time ever that I put satin binding on a baby lovey blanket and with mitered edges just the way you said. Surprised myself. it turned out good. thanks

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    1. Wonderful news! I'm so glad this technique worked for you.

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  22. Thank you so much for the awesome tutorial. I have been making blankets with satin binding for the past 17 years but your technique of hiding the seam and the zigzag stitch on the mitered corners adds the perfect professional touch. When making larger blankets, I use more than one package of blanket binding so your technique will allow me to hide the connecting blanket binding seams within two of the mitered corners. I have a new granddaughter coming in the next two weeks so she will reap the benefits of having all her blankies sewn with your technique.

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    1. I am so glad that you've found this technique helpful. Enjoy that new granddaughter!!

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  23. I had found your instructions 2 years ago, but needed them again. It took me a some time, but I am so happy that I found them again! Your instructions totally make the difference in the final quality of the blanket. Thanks again!!

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    1. Thank you so much. I'm delighted that this method works for you.

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  24. I just started sewing and made my first baby blanket according to your very detailed instructions, and it turned out pretty well for a beginner! You made it very easy to follow. There was one thing I wasn't sure about though. How should the stitching on the back of the blanket/ binding look? Should they also fall slightly over the satin binding into the flannel? Thanks.

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    1. I'm delighted that you're baby blanket was a success! The stitching on the back should just overlap the edge of the binding. None of us are perfect every time, so I sometimes find that the stitches fall a bit inside of the binding on the back or that the stitching doesn't line up evenly with the edge of the binding. Satin is so slippery that it can slide out of place very easily. As long as you manage to catch the binding with the stitches everything is good. Believe me, no one is going to examine that seam looking for small errors. We are our own worst critics, and we really shouldn't be.

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    2. Got it. Again, thank you so much! I'm now making my second baby blanket using your steps!

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    3. You're on a roll! Each one will be better than the last. Practicing makes it easier and faster.

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  25. Thank you so much. I've been struggling with that fourth mitered corner for years. This is a great solution!

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  26. BEST tutorial Ever!! Thank you so much for walking me thru what I was dreading. My grandsons first birthday blanket came out great! Wish I could attach a pic!

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    1. Wonderful! I'm so glad this was helpful to you.

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  27. Great tutorial, thanks. Finished binding an embroidered wool blanket in time for our newest grandson.

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    1. Congratulations on the new grandson! Delighted that this tutorial was helpful.

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  28. Love this blanket...Question ? I tried to find this blanket on Craftsy and couldn't...looked everywhere...wanted the applique...do u know where else I could find this little doggie applique or a contact for the owner ? thank u in advance :)

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    1. I'm so sorry, but I didn't make a pattern for this one. Perhaps I should. It would be quick to do. In the meanwhile, I'd be happy to send the applique templates to you at no charge. It would be a thank you for encouraging me to make the pattern. I likely won't get it done until January. I will need an email address. You can send it to me (klee2strings@gmail.com) or you can place your email address here.

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    2. hope you will send me the applique templates also, my e-mail address is mbpdonald@bellsouth.net. thanks

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    3. I'm sorry, but the templates were never published.

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  29. love this blanket...went to Craftsy and could not find it...do u know where else I find this ??? I want the Doggie applique...do u have a contact for the owner for this ???

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  30. I know it's been years since your original post, but know there are blanket makers out there who are still learning from it! Thank you for sharing your expertise in an easy to understand manner. We who finally put binding on the correct way, salute you! :-D

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    1. Thank you! What a sweet thing to say. I'm so happy that the method works for you.

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  31. Thank you for your terrific post! Your instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow. As the chick above said, "We who finally put binding on the correct way, salute you! :-D

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    1. Thank you! I'm so pleased that you found the post helpful.

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  32. Your instructions look very clear and easy to follow. My sewing machine is ancient and does not do zigzag stitch. Can I apply the satin binding with just a straight stitch? I am also putting.batting between the two layers of flannel. Will that change any of your instructions? Thank you for any advice you can give me.

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  33. Your instructions look very thorough and easy to follow. I have an ancient sewing machine that does not do zigzag. Can I apply the binding with a straight stitch? I’m also using batting between the two layers of flannel, will that change any of your instructions? Thank you for your reply.

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    1. The binding can be attached with a straight stitch, but it might take a lot of pinning to keep the two sides of the binding aligned, especially on such a thick surface. For two layers of flannel plus batting, I'd be more inclined to use a fabric binding. It's much easier to control as it doesn't slip around like the satin does.

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  34. Fabulous corners! The end joining method was the best! I have been making baby blankets for years, I wish I had seen this tutorial sooner! Thank you so much!

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    1. I'm delighted that you like the method. Thank you for telling me.
      Karen

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  35. First time doing binding. Of course I picked satin back with Minky front which was a little difficult to sew. I added a satin binding to it following your instructions and it turned out wonderful. Thank you

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  36. Thank you for easy instructions to follow and sharing, first time sewing satin blanket binding and it turned out perfect :)

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  37. Your tutorial is very clear and I am about to attempt this project. I am a novice sewer. What size and type of sewing needle did you use?

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    1. I used an all purpose needle, standard size 80/12.

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  38. A friend asked me to made a blanket for her new great-grand son. Fishing and hunting theme. They had already picked our a print with Large Mouth Bass. They did ask if I could add a satin edge. I’d never done but said sure. Your step by step, with pictures, instructions made the addition of the satin so easy.

    Thank-you

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    1. What fun! I'm so glad this method worked out well for you.
      Karen

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  39. Love the nice finish of the quilt binding nice corners. Suggestion if you ever redo the video. Use a blanket with different fabric on the front and back to make it very easy to distinguish the front versus the back view. Also, use a different color of binding than your mat as the binding in a few pictures was hard to distinguish from the blue mat. Your method is wonderful, but the I really had to study the pictures hard to see what was going on.

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  40. I love making minky blankets check collection here- https://theminkyblanket.com/

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  41. When do turn it because you sew the first stich when they are right side together right

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  42. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this amazing tutorial together!!! It is very apparent that you were a teacher because the directions are so clear. This was my first time using satin binding and the result was amazing! My husband said it looked professional :) Thanks again for your generosity!

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  43. I've just finished satin binding a blanket for my niece's first baby using your method, I'd pinned & clipped all binding before coming across your instructions, so I started afresh from a corner & am so pleased I followed your instructions without having a visible seam.
    Thank you for your time & attention to detail with your instructions.

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    1. Thank you for your note. I'm so glad this worked out well for you.

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