How to make a Scrappy Quilt Binding

Turn fabric scraps into a quilt binding!

There are multiple ways to make quilt binding.  A scrappy quilt binding is a quilt binding made from various fabric scraps (leftover from other projects) rather than a single continuous fabric strip from one fabric. 

In this post, I'll show you how to make a scrappy quilt binding for your next quilt! The strips are joined on an angle to reduce bulk. It would be much bulkier if the ends were butted up against each other and sewn.

This binding is a great way to use up leftover fabric from the quilt project or other sewing projects. It is a way to add a colorful, eclectic or coordinated patchwork look to the edges of a quilt.

Watch our video to learn more about making scrappy quilt binding, or read this post for photos and step-by-step directions.

WHAT YOU NEED to make a scrappy quilt binding

• Assorted fabric scraps at least 2 1/2" wide
• Fabric scissors or BladeSaver Thread Cutter
• Rotary cutter
• Threaded sewing machine
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Iron and ironing board
• Pins

INSTRUCTIONS for making a scrappy quilt binding

STEP 1: Cut strips of fabric

Gather fabric scraps, ensuring they are at least 2 1/2" wide.  The strips can be of various lengths.

You can make bindings in a variety of widths, but the standard is 2 1/2" wide. 

How long should the strips be?
For this tutorial, I used a uniform length of 6", but longer strips or various lengths can be used. The shorter the strips, the scrappier the binding will be.

 Since these are scraps, iron them flat first.

Then, use the ruler and rotary cutter to cut the fabric 2 1/2" wide by the desired length.  Use scraps that are the same length or varying lengths.   

Step 2: Match the strips together

Lay two strips with the ends right sides together at a ninety-degree angle. Lay one strip horizontally and the other strip vertically on top. It will look like an upside-down "L." Where the strips lay over each other, it should make a square. Pin the fabric in place and draw a line from the top left corner of the top fabric to the bottom right corner of the fabric underneath.

Step 3: sew the strips together

Stitch along the marked line from the upper left of the square, where the fabrics overlap down to the lower right of the square. If you need more information on joining the binding strips, click the link to see our other tutorial. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the stitching, being careful not to stitch over any pins.

To save thread, stitch a few stitches off the end but don't remove the fabric.  Take the next two strips, line them up as before, mark and place them under the presser foot.  Continue sewing this set along the marked line. There will be sets of two strips next to each other.This is called chain piecing and saves thread.  Continue sewing the two sets together until all sets are sewn. 

Then, cut the short threads between each pair of strips. This can be done with scissors or a BladeSaver Thread Cutter.

This handy thread cutter uses old rotary cutter blades to cut thread and is a handy quilting tool.

Next, sew the strip sections together to make one long scrappy binding for the quilt. Stop when there is enough binding to sew around the quilt.

How much binding do you need?

Use our quilt binding calculator to determine how long the binding needs to be for your quilt or project.

Step 4: trim the seam allowance

At each seam, there will be a triangle to cut off. Cut the excess fabric 1/4" from the stitching, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.

step 5: press and fold the binding

Press each seam open to reduce bulk.

Once this has been done for all of the seams joining the scrappy fabrics, fold the binding strip in half with the wrong sides together and press. 

The double fold scrappy binding will now be 1 1/4" wide and ready to be sewn to the quilt or quilted project such as a wall hanging, mug rug, or placemat.

You can sew this binding onto a quilt or project using the Traditional Quilt Binding Method or Quick Quilt Binding With No Hand Sewing.  Click the links for our tutorials!

Look how beautiful this scrappy binding looks on a finished quilt!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on making a scrappy binding for a quilting project. Try it out on your next quilt!

  

More binding tutorials

• How to Sew A Binding On A Quilt
• Flange Quilt Binding Tutorial
• Self Binding Quilt Tutorial