How to Sew a Mitered Corner on Quilts or Other Projects

Mitered corners are often used when making a quilt or other projects that require binding. This lovely binding is worth learning, but it can be tricky. 

Mitered corners can be used to finish cloth napkins, mug rugs, wall hangings, and more. Making a mitered corner takes practice, and this tutorial will be a good instruction or refresher for those new to making a neat mitered corner on their quilts.

Once several mitered corners have been made, it is a simple technique that yields lovely results.

Learn more about making mitered corners by watching our video on YouTube through the link below or continue reading this post.

WHAT YOU NEED to sew a mitered corner

• Quilt or project ready to be bound
• A long length of binding
• Sewing machine
• Marking tool
• Ruler
• Fabric scissors

INSTRUCTIONS to make a mitered corner on a quilt

This tutorial focuses on mitering the corners when sewing a binding on the quilt project.  If you need information on how to make a double-fold binding or to sew a traditional quilt binding, click the links to visit those tutorials.

STEP 1: Measure and mark the stopping point

When reaching the corner, it is important to know where to stop stitching so the corner will make a neat, mitered corner of the fabric. When coming to a corner of the quilt, lay the binding down with the raw edge against the raw edge of the quilt.

If the hem allowance is 1/4", measure up 1/4" from the bottom of the corner with the ruler. If the seam allowance is 1/2", measure up 1/2" from the bottom.

Using the marking tool, like chalk or a disappearing ink pen, make a mark at the point just measured up from the bottom of the corner to be mitered.

step 2: sew and pivot to the corner

Next, lay the binding back down on the quilt.

Continue sewing with a straight stitch to the mark on the binding.

Many quilters will remove the quilt from the machine at this point. Instead, with the needle in the down position, lift the presser foot and pivot the quilt or project.

Sew a couple of stitches in a diagonal line to the corner of the quilt.

There is no need to backtack at this point. Remove the project from the machine and clip any threads with the scissors.

Step 3: Fold the binding

Turn the project so the stitching at the corner faces the top. Lift the binding, making a 45-degree angle with the binding.

Next, holding the folded fabric that is angled in place, make a second fold by turning down the remaining binding over the top of the angle.

The folded edge of the binding should be lined up with the raw edge of the quilt top or project.

Step 4: begin sewing the corner down

Place the quilt or project back under the machine. Begin sewing at the corner and stitch the binding down. The raw edges of the binding should be matched up with the raw edge of the quilt.

Step 5: examine the mitered corner

Sew until you reach the next corner and follow the same steps above to miter each corner.

Once the binding is complete, remove the project from the machine. The binding on the corner should look like a little fence on the back side of your quilt.

Step 6: Turn the binding to the front

Pull the binding around to the other side of the quilt. A very neat mitered corner should be visible.

Look at the perfect mitered corner on your quilt or project!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make a perfect crisp corner with binding to finish a quilt or other project.

 

Related tutorials

• How to Join Binding
• Quick Binding a Quilt
• How to Sew Binding on a Quilt