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How to bind an inside corner

I have an easy method for binding an inside (inverted) corner to share with you today.

bind an inside corner

Since my next project for the Christmas Once a Month series has inside corners that can be a bit puzzling at first, I thought I would show you how easy it can be!

Here is a peek at the non-Christmas version of this project (although, now that I look at it, it could pass for Christmas).  It’s a table topper that has a little bit of applique, but it’s really easy to make.

Table topper @ The Crafty Quilter

I’ll have the full tutorial for you on June 15, but for now let me show you how to bind the inside corners (which there are 8 of).

Step 1.  At each inside corner, clip a very scant 1/4″ into the angle with small scissors.  This is going to allow you to pull the edges of the quilt straight in steps 6 and 7.

binding an inside angle

Step 2.  As you come to each inside corner, draw a 1/4″ line from the raw edge of your binding strip that is even with the incoming edge as shown:

first ruler mark

Step 3.  Draw a line on your binding strip that is 1/4″ from the raw edge of the outgoing edge as shown and intersects with the previous drawn line:

second ruler mark

Step 4.  Your drawn lines will create a pivot point like this:

Pivot point for inverted corner @ The Crafty Quilter

Step 5.  As you’re stitching the binding, stop with the needle down at this pivot point.

stop needle down

Step 6.  Pull the edge of the quilt in front of the needle so that it is straight and even with the edge of your presser foot.

straighten corner front

Step 7.  Pull the edge of the quilt in back of the needle so that it is straight also, forming a long, straight line from front to back.

straighten corner front and back

Step 8.  Continue stitching until you reach the next corner.

That’s it!  The trick is clipping the seam allowance and pivoting at the correct spot.

For this particular project, I have stitched my binding onto the back of the quilt and then wrapped it around to the front.  Here is what the back side will look like:

Back of quilt corner

You don’t get an actual “pleat” or “tuck” as you would at a right angled corner. Just an ease that allows the corner to bend and lie flat.  This is what the front side will look like:

corner front side unstitched

I finished my binding by machine.  I stitch as close to the fold as I can and the stitching on the back is barely noticeable (with matching thread).

binding an inside angle

I do a lot of bindings this way:  stitch onto the back, wrap to the front and stitch by machine.  Quick and easy!

And just for my own satisfaction, I have to show you a picture of my fingernails.

fingernails

I’m always using pictures that show awful looking hands and fingernails.  Who has the time to get their nails done when they could be sewing?  Well, I treated myself for my birthday so I had to show you!  Ahhh, I wish they would stay this way.

how to bind odd angles

Happy Quilting!

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35 Comments

  1. I realize that this is a really old post, but I have a question.
    How/where did you join the ends of the binding? I normally do that on one of the long sides of a quilt, but there are only really short sides on this.
    I am to the binding stage and suddenly realized that this is the one thing I don’t have a clue about.

    1. Hi Gene,
      That’s a great question. There’s not much you can do to avoid joining the tails on a short side, but it’s doable. As soon as you turn the last corner, take just a few stitches into that side. You might have to un-sew a few stitches from the beginning binding stitches to create the space you need to join the ends.
      I hope that’s helpful.

  2. I have done binding before but I find it easier to just lay front and back of your squared project wrong sides out then stitch all four sides and leave an opening and turn out. Do you think it is possible to do that with this?

  3. Julie, last year I took a beginning quilting class with you and completed a very nice beginning quilt. My sister Pat and her sister in law Liz also took the class at the same time. I really appreciated you teaching us an efficient, nice looking way to bind our new quilts.. You also told us what you considered was one of the best needles to hand sew binding and gave each of us one of them. Unfortunately, I broke my needle and I can’t remember the name of the needle. Can you provide me the name of the needle so I can buy a packet of them? Thanks for your help as well as your very informative class. I enjoyed it immensely!

  4. Help! My granddaughter chose Joseph’s Coat pattern for me to do a queen size quilt for her. I would rather do the pattern featured in “How to do inside corners binding.” Can you tell me the pattern named? I would greatly appreciate it.

  5. Hi… I would love to share this tutorial with a couple of the older members of my guild who do not use computers. Is this alright with you? I will give you full credit, as this is a fabulous tip and tutorial!

  6. A belated Happy Birthday Julie–your nails are gorgeous–I am so envious.
    Thank you for this tip–I can use it next week–again–thank you ever so much.

  7. OH!!! Julie I have just finished a 3/4 bed Charity quilt, with points down both sides, oh how I wish I had ,had your Tutorial!!! before I finished it, will know next time.
    Thank you for all the info you pass on.
    Looking forward to next TUT

    Thank You.

  8. Thank you so much for this tutorial! Made finishing my project a snap, I can’t believe how easy you made it!

  9. This looks awesome, I am only a beginner at all this . Your tutorial will really help me do it right. Thank You. Happy belated Birthday.

  10. In the tut for this table topper, you say you used a narrow zigzag to sew the appliques…however, in the pictures here, it looks like a straight stitch very close to the edge. I truly intend to make this and thank you for the instructions.
    BTW..Happy Birthday (belated)…every year counts. xoxo

  11. The quilt does look christmasy and although I don’t think I’ll do that yet… it’s good to know how, thanks for the detailed pictures of the pen mark, very important! I am noticing that you quilted then appliqued. I have always wondered about that and done it wrong I am sure. : /

  12. First of all, I understand it was your birthday? Happy birthday Julie and always Happy Quilting!!! You know, my birthday is today, so I’m a little more closer to you!
    Second, I had to do, some weeks ago such inside corner binding :). It was very difficult, but never is too late, good to know from now on. Thanks!

  13. Happy Birthday Julie!! As a quilter, it is hard to find the time to treat your nails, so I like your special treat for your birthday! What you are making on your birthday is a pretty table top. I like Avalon fabrics, too;).

  14. hahaha. I always LOVE reading your posts and usually am too lazy to comment because…well, I’m scatterbrained but had to put in the effort here! LOVE pale blue and red together, LOVE your info ALL the time and your candor, totally empathize with the nails – they take too long to dry anyway and will get on the fabric, or I’m just going to garden/do dishes/laundry, whatever and mess them up anyway. and my Lord, look at that ring….there’s a Craftsman house somewhere missing a doorknob, lady! hahaha. give your man a hug for that one! Have a great day and please keep up your work, I love it sooo much. 😀

  15. Hi Julie! That is just beautiful. Your stitches always look so perfect. I have never stitched my binding on by machine but I think I just might have to try this. Thanks for the awesome tip on sewing the inside corners. Your nails look great too. I have such ugly hands that I would never even think about posting a picture of them. EEK! I would scare everyone.

  16. Wow – so beautiful!!! Is that made from Avalon prints? I think I recognize the little cherries – my fave! Can’t WAIT for the full tutorial. And your nails are so glam!!! Happy Birthday to you!

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