How to Make Ruffled Quilt Binding
Ruffled binding is such a fun way to elevate a quilt and make it extra sweet and special. It does take a bit more fabric than traditional binding, but the end result is absolutely worth it!
Round the Quilt Corners
This technique works best if you round the corners of your quilt. To do this, baste and quilt your quilt as usual. Then trim the backing and batting even with the quilt top.
Next, use a round object—like a plate, bowl, or quilting template—to trace a curved line at each corner. Line up the object so it touches both the side and bottom (or top) edges of the quilt. Trace around it with a fabric marking pen or chalk. Repeat on all four corners.
Using sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully cut along the drawn lines through all layers (top, batting, and backing).
Cutting the Binding Strips
You’ll need to cut three types of strips:
- The Ruffle – 2.5" wide
- The Front Binding – 1.25" wide (bias)
- The Back Binding – 2" wide (bias)
The Ruffle Strips
To determine how many ruffle strips you need, refer to the pattern you're using or use this binding calculator based on your quilt's perimeter. Take the number of WOF strips it recommends—and double it. For example, if it says to cut 7 strips, you’ll cut 14. This ratio gives a nice, full ruffle.
Cut the ruffle strips at 2.5" x WOF. Join them end to end using diagonal seams, just like regular binding. Trim and press the seams open, then press the entire length in half wrong sides together.
The Front Binding Strips
Use the binding calculator to determine how many bias strips you'll need. Cut that number of 1.25" wide bias strips. Join them end to end, trim dog-ears, and press the seams open.
The Back Binding Strips
Cut the same number of bias strips as you did for the front, but this time cut them 2" wide. Join them end to end, trim dog-ears, press the seams open, and then press the entire length in half wrong sides together.
Assembling the Ruffle Binding
If you have a gathering presser foot (#16 if you have a Bernina like me), this step will go faster. If not, you can gather the ruffle manually using long stitches and pulling the thread to create gathers.
With a gathering foot:
Set your stitch length as high as it will go. Place the front binding strip wrong side up in the cleft of the gathering foot, and position the ruffle strip underneath the foot. Hold slight tension on the top strip as it feeds through the machine. Sew the two together with a 1/4" seam allowance.
Once the ruffle is attached and gathered nicely, switch to your regular presser foot. Place the back binding strip right sides together with the front/ruffle unit, aligning the raw edges with the ruffle strip sandwiched between the front and back strips. Sew them together with a 3/8" seam allowance, being careful to keep the previous stitching line on the inside so it won't show.
Attaching the Ruffle Binding to the Quilt
Starting at the bottom center of your quilt, align the raw edge of the ruffle binding right sides together with the front of the quilt. Sew around the perimeter using a 1/4" seam allowance.
To join the ends, I recommend seam ripping a little bit on one end, folding the raw edge under, and tucking the other end inside for a clean finish.
Once the front is attached, fold the binding over to the back and hand stitch it in place using an invisible binding stitch (or machine stitch if you prefer). If you want to trim out some of the bulk from the gathered fabric, you can. Personally, I just tucked it all in and it worked great!
That's it! Ruffled binding adds a beautiful, vintage-inspired touch to any quilt. It’s a little extra effort and fabric, but the end result is so charming—it’s well worth it in my opinion! Let me know if you try it! I'd love to see!