Sampler Quilt 2011 - Finishing

Quilt Sandwich

1. Backing & backing should measure at least 60 inches by 75 inches.
2. Place pressed backing right side down on a flat surface large enough to lay flat; tape in place at sides, then corners.
3. (Optional) Lay batting on top of backing and smooth wrinkles; tape in place at sides, then corners. (If using slippery batting, spray baste to baking and top.)
4. Put pressed quilt on top right side up.
5. Smooth borders and blocks square, pushing excess toward middle. Quilting will take up slack and quilt will hang better.
6. Pin baste 3 to 4 inches apart in quarters down length and width. Finish pin basting each quarter 3 to 4 inches apart.
7. Quilt as desired.

Binding

1. Lay 2 binding strips right sides together and sew short edge with a ¼ inch seam. 
2. Repeat with remaining strips to make a continuous strip. 
3. Fold and press strip lengthwise in half wrong sides together. 
4. Place binding strip on quilt top lining up raw edges and begin sewing leaving a 5 inch tail using a ¼ inch seam. 
5. Stop ¼ inch before corner with needle down and pivot work as if to sew next side and reverse sew off quilt top. 
6. Fold binding back creating a 45 degree fold, then fold forward matching fold to previously sewn side. 
7. Continue sewing binding and repeat #5 and #6 for each for each corner. 
8. Stop sewing at least 5 inches from beginning. 
9. Trim ends to overlap about ½ inch. 
10. Unfold binding ends, match right sides together and sew short raw edges with a ¼ inch seam. 
11. Refold binding and finish sewing to quilt. 
12. Trim backing and batting close to quilt top edges.
13. Wrap binding around quilt edge to the back side and hand sew using a blind stitch.