Flange Binding
Flange Binding is a beautiful way to add an extra pop of color to your quilt edges. The flange looks like the cutest little piping but is actually just fabric!
This tutorial will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating and attaching flange binding to your quilt.
We'll use a 1 3/4" strip for the flange and a 1 1/2" strip for the main binding fabric, all sewn using a 1/4" seam allowance. The main binding fabric I used is cut on the bias. If you're unfamiliar with making bias binding, check out my step-by-step Bias Binding Tutorial.
Please note... You DON'T have to use bias strips for the main fabric. I just love when the stripes are on the diagonal. Bias binding is also fun for gingham and plaid.
Materials Needed for Flange Binding
Fabric
Flange Fabric: Cut 1 3/4" wide strips x however long you need to bind your quilt.
Main Binding Fabric: Cut 1 1/2" wide strips x however long you need to bind your quilt.
Sewing Machine
The sewing machine I use everyday in my studio is the Juki TL2020-PE. It's a straight stitch only machine and with a little regular oiling she runs like a top!
Coordinating Thread
My favorite thread for binding is Aurifil 50 weight. It's thin so it will hide when you stitch in the ditch to attach the binding.
I'm using the 50 weight large spool in color Pale Pink (#2423).
Rotary Cutter, Quilting Ruler & Self
6" x 24" Quilting Ruler - My go to size for cutting binding strips and trimming quilts!
Pressing Mat & Iron
The little iron I'm using can be found HERE.
This is my favorite wool mat for pressing. They also have a five foot mat that is a game changer for pressing large pieces of fabric! If you haven't used a wool mat before, definitely check it out!
Quilt Ready for Binding
I'm prepping a binding for my Folk Fables Quilt (pattern available April 2025) using the Sage on Ivory Stripe and Baby Pink Sparkler fabrics from Riley Blake Designs.
If you love that charming fabric I've used for the quilt top it is the Forest Village collection designed by Sandra from Little Forest Atelier for Riley Blake Designs. I'm a tad bit obsessed with it. ;)
How To Create Flange Binding
Step 1: Cutting the Fabric Strips
Flange Fabric: 1 3/4" wide
Main Binding Fabric: 1 1/2" wide (bias cut if you want, but not necessary)
Ensure you have enough length to go around the entire perimeter of your quilt + 20 inches for each fabric.
Step 2: Join the Strips
To make long continuous strips:
- Lay two strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle.
- Sew diagonally from corner to corner.
- Trim the excess fabric 1/4" away from the seam.
- Press the seam open.
Repeat these steps for both the Flange and Main Binding Fabrics until you have one long strip of each.
Step 3: Sew the Flange and Main Binding Strips Together
- Place the Flange and Main Binding Fabric strips, Right Sides Together.
- Sew along the entire length using a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Press the seam toward the darker fabric.
Step 4: Fold the Flange Binding
- Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise, Wrong Sides Together.
- Press well, ensuring the Flange Fabric peeks out slightly from the Main Binding Fabric.
Your Flange Binding is ready to attach to the quilt!
Step 5: Attach the Flange Binding to the Quilt
- Place the Flange Binding, Main Fabric DOWN, on the BACK of the quilt, aligning the raw edges.
- Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance, mitering the corners as you go.
- Connect the beginning and end of the Flange Binding using your preferred method. NOTE: Be conscious about matching the edges of the Main Fabric and Flange Fabric when joining the strips.
Step 6: Finish the Binding
- Press the binding strip AWAY from the quilt.
- Then, Flip the binding over to the FRONT of the quilt and press again.
- Stitch in the ditch between the flange and the main fabric, securing the binding in place.
YOU'RE DONE!
Final Thoughts
Flange binding is a fantastic way to add an extra design element to your quilt. I love how the flange actually pops up from the quilt! The seam also provide the perfect guide for stitching down the binding.
Let me know if you have questions, if you've tried this method, or if you have any tips or tricks of your own for Flange Binding.
I'd love to see your finished projects! Tag me on Instagram @remivailstudio
Happy Stitching!
xo,
Tamara💞
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Resource Links
Quilt Pattern
Folk Fables Quilt by Remi Vail Studio - Available April 2025
Fabric
- Binding: Sage on Ivory Stripes - Riley Blake Designs
- Binding: Baby Pink Sparkler - Riley Blake Designs
- Quilt Top: Forest Village Collection - Designed by Sandra of Little Forest Atelier for Riley Blake Designs
My Favorite Threads
- Aurifil 12 wt Thread - quilting, embroidery, big stitch binding
- Aurifil 12 wt Wool Thread - embroidery
- Aurifil 8 wt Thread - embroidery, big stitch binding
- Aurifil 50 wt Thread - piecing, bobbin
- Aurifil 80 wt Thread - hand sewing
Essential Quilting Tools
Here's a Link to my Amazon Store Front if you're curious about the specific supplies I use!
Hi, I'm Tamara!
I'm the artist behind the scenes at Remi Vail Studio. When I'm not sewing you'll find me loving on my two fur babies, Tellee and Corduroy, playing outside with my hubby, or elbow deep in the dirt of my garden!
Thank you so much for being here. It means the world to me!
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