If you've ever sewn a garment you will know that some edges are finished with a facing, for example a round neck blouse, the armholes on sleeveless blouse or a skirt that doesn't have a waistband. A facing can also be used to finish a quilt. As an example, this is my wall quilt "Jack" that is finished with a facing. I think a facing give more of a "gallery" finish to a quilt.
Jack, by Karen H 2013
This is what Jack looks like from the back.
Finishing a bed quilt with a facing is likely not a good idea because the edges of a quilt tend to get a lot of wear so a double fold bias binding would be my preferred method of binding a bed quilt that will be used. However if you are making a wall quilt or a bed quilt that will be not be used (or at least used very rarely) then a facing might be worth considering.
One of the blogs I follow is Chris' UK City Crafter and she recently did a tutorial on Invisible Binding. The invisible binding is a facing however Chris' method is a little different from mine and I think perhaps easier. You can read how Chris faces her quilts here! The following picture is the back of her quilt with the facing ready to be stitched down. You'll want to see the front of this quilt because it is very sweet!
Reverse side of Chris' quilt with an invisible binding
Thanks to reader Nicole I've been told about yet another method of binding a quilt with a facing. You will find the tutorial at Terry Aske Art Quilt Studio. This is an interesting technique I am itching to try out!
I'm binding off for now so until I post again, happy sewing!
Karen H
For the longest time, that's how I finished my quilts (all bed quilts, used and loved a lot). I started sewing garments, and so coming from that background, I didn't know that there was any other way to finish a quilt. Of course, the edges of the quilts without a "proper" binding are really starting to wear ... some to the point where now that I know I should have used a double fold binding, I'd like to repair but unfortunately it's too late. :-(
ReplyDeleteCheck out this method as well:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.terryaskeartquilts.com/Studio/tips-tutorials-and-more/my-new-favorite-quilt-facing-technique/
She does her corners in such a way as to reduce LOTS of bulk and her corners are more square than the method you linked. And she's Canadian too, so extra points for that.
Have a great day!
Thanks for the great reference, Nicole!
DeleteYou have the best information.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link Karen, I shall have a look at the other methods too, it's always good to have options!
ReplyDeleteukcitycrafter@live.co.uk
Thanks for the link....i never did any facing... It seems to be an interesting method... I'll try one day!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing those links.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of facing techniques, Karen. It's great to have several different options. Thanks for including the link to my facing technique.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say, "Jack" is a fabulous looking art quilt!