Last Christmas when I released my Urban Pine quilt pattern, I wanted to add a pop of red (I'm a very neutral person, so red isn't a color I usually gravitate toward). So I came up with a technique for a Candy Cane inspired quilt binding. It is so much easier and quicker than it looks! However, since then, I have wanted to use this technique for all of my quilts! Especially my Uprise Quilt. Which meant that I didn't feel like I could call it a candy cane binding. So here is how I make my Scrappy Strip Binding!
This technique is so great because it works with any scraps of strips that you have. I don't know about you, but at the end of a project, I have so many scraps and I don't want to buy more fabric for the binding. I would rather use what I have on hand, if possible.
First, you will want to starch and press your fabric. This technique requires cutting and sewing on the bias, which can be really stretchy to work with. Starching it will firm up the fabric, making it a little easier to work with.
Once your fabric is starched, cut your fabric into strips. I usually use 2.5" x WOF strips, but you can use whatever size you want. I have also done varying sizes in the same binding (i.e. 1.5" x WOF and 3" x WOF, alternating). There are so many variations and it is so fun to see the different options. The amount of strips you need will depend on several different factors: the size of your quilt, the width of your fabric scraps, and how big you decide to cut each strip. So it takes a little trial and error to figure out the right size for your project! I find that (8-10) 2.5" x WOF strips is perfect for a large throw.
Once you have your strips cut, you will sew them right sides together, staggering each strip about 1"-1.5" below the previous piece (see photo below). After all your strips are sewn together, press the seams. I prefer pressing them open, but you can press them to the side if you prefer!
Now, using a ruler with a 60 degree line on it (I like this one), line up the 60 degree line with the horizontal side of your strip set. It should be at an angle with the edge of your strip set.
Cut along your ruler, which should remove the staggered edge, and you will be left with a clean diagonal line.
At this point, I flip the whole strip set around and line up the diagonal line with the 2 1/2" mark on your ruler. Then cut the rest of your strip set into 2 1/2" striped strips. NOTE: I am left handed, so the direction of these photos may be opposite than someone using their right hand to cut.
Moving to your sewing machine, sew each striped strip together, right sides together. Because these strips are sewn on an angle, overlap the top and bottom corners by 1/4" (see photo below). This will account for the 1/4" seam allowance, and will result in a seam that is perfectly aligned.
Once all your strips are sewn together, fold your striped binding in half horizontally and press.
You will end up with a 1 1/4" binding, which can then be attached to your quilt! I prefer attaching it to the front with the raw edge lined up with the raw edge of my quilt, and then flipping it over to the back, but I know that opinions differ on the correct way to attach it. So just do what your heart desires!
Let me know if you try this! If you are on Instagram, tag me in your post with your Scrappy Striped binding! Happy sewing!
Kaycee