How to Add Trim to Binding

Looking for a fun new way to add some pizazz to your quilts? Try adding a fun trim to the binding!

In this tutorial, you will be able to add trim to your binding to add a real “wow!” factor to your quilts.

Specialty trims at your local store may include tassels, pompoms, lace, or fringe. I went into the store with one idea, but once I saw the variety and options I changed my mind! I opted for this sweet light pink tassel. I preferred the navy tassel to provide contrast to my binding, but the rolls of trim came in 6 yard batches, and I needed exactly 6 yards. The light pink tassel was a new roll, so I knew there would be the right amount.

How much trim should you plan for? I added the lengths on all four sides of the quilt and added 10 inches (just as I do for my binding).

Supplies

-           Decorative trim such as tassels, pompoms, fringe, or lace tape. This is similar to what I used.

-           Fabric for binding strips

-           Binding clips (like wonder clips)

Preparing the Binding

1. Measure the width of the trim tape. You need this number to help you determine the size of your binding strips. The trim will be sewn to the front of the quilt and then folded to the back of the quilt. You may want to adjust your piecing in case you lose a tad bit of your quilt top to the extra binding.

Don’t trim the trim (ha!) though because you don’t want to jeopardize the integrity of the trim.

2. Multiply the width of the tape by 4 and add ½”. My tassel trim tape was ½” wide, so ½” x 4 = 2” then + ½” = 2 ½”. This is how wide I will need to cut my binding strips.

3. Determine how long your binding strips need to be from your material. Add all four sides of your quilt and add 10”. Then divide by 42” (the width of your fabric) to see how many binding strips you need. For instance, my quilt was 45+45+45+45+10= 190”. Then divide 190/42 = 4.523. So I rounded that up to 5 strips that are 2 ½” x WOF.

4. Cut strips and join with a diagonal seam. Trim and press open.

5. Fold binding strips wrong sides together the full length and press.

6. Press one end down about ½” so that the raw edge will be hidden in the binding.

Make Tassel Binding

1. Lining up the trim tape with the raw edge of the binding strip, pin in place the full length.

2. Using a zipper foot so you can get close to the edge of the trim, stitch down the trim tape. I stitched in the middle of the tape because I wanted a bit of the loops in the trim tape to show.

3. To help prevent any bunching, use scissors to snip the trim tape and binding every inch or so. DON’T cut into the seam though, just go along the edge.

Attaching to Quilt

1. Place the raw edge of the binding strip along the raw edge of the quit sandwich on the quilt top. Clip or pin binding in place. The decorative trim will be in the middle between the binding strips and the quilt top.

2. At the corner, snip the corner just up to the seam to allow the binding to curve around the corner. You will not have mitered corners, but rather, slightly rounded corners.

3. Sew the binding and trim to the quilt. Sew just to the left of the previous trim seam so first seam will not be seen once the binding is flipped to the back.

4. When you reach the end, allow the ends of the binding strips to overlap. Trim the decorative trim tape as needed to help the trim and binding ends to match up.

5. Snip the corners for any bulk from the quilt sandwich.

6. Turn the binding strips to the back of the quilt. Pin in place and finish binding using your preferred method on the back. I used a big stitch hand-stitching with Perle thread size 12.

I hope you try some fun decorative finishes to your quilts! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to try something new on a future project.