How to Make a Flange Quilt Binding

Sometimes you just need some fun added to your quilt binding by adding a flange quilt binding!

The flange is a great way to add a little bit of color – no matter if you are using the backing fabric or binding strips to finish, this technique is a great little trick.

It does take a few extra steps and a little bit of fussy, but in the end the quilt really looks wonderful.

Here’s a quick look at what it looks like before it’s sewn down. Using glue and clips to keep everything in place really does help.

It’s a little bit of work, but after the work – you are ready to sew!

What is a Flange Quilt Binding

A flange quilt adds a unique touch to traditional quilting by incorporating a narrow strip of fabric, called a flange, between the quilt’s borders and its main body.

This flange creates a visual pop of color and dimension without the need for extra piecing or complex techniques.

Here’s what you need to know about making a flange quilt:

1. Material: Use a contrasting or complementary fabric for the flange to highlight the design.
2. Size: The flange is typically narrow, around 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide, which is folded in half and sewn into the seam.
3. Application: The flange is sewn between the quilt top and the border, adding a raised, decorative edge.

Flange quilts are relatively easy to make, offering a simple way to add flair and complexity to your quilting projects without significantly increasing the difficulty level.

This technique is great for both beginners and experienced quilters looking to enhance their quilts with a stylish, modern twist.

Materials Needed:

• 1″ strips for flange binding. You can cut multiple strips and then sew to them together to make one long piece.
• Wonder Clips – these really help keep things together. You can learn more about quilt clips here.
• Your quilt sandwich that has been quilted and you are ready to use the back of the quilt for the binding.
• Fabric Glue to hold the flange down – it really does make this easier!

How to Add a Flange Binding to Your Quilt

1- Fold your flange strip in half and press – right sides facing out

2- Use your glue stick and put some glue on the quilt along the edge where the flange binding will be going. Just a few dots every once in a while will work great

3- Place the flange piece and press to secure. You’ll want the fold facing the middle of the quilt – lining up the raw edged of the piece to the raw edges to the side of the quilt.

Bind the quilt as usual

1- Fold the backing binding over once, lining up the raw edge to the raw edge

2- Fold the binding over again a second time

3- Use the clip to secure the binding and flange

How to Flange Bind the Corner

1- Fold and readjust the flange so the raw edges line up again and the fold is on the inside

2- Continue the folded binding to the end of the quilt

3- Fold the corner at a 45 degree angle

4- Fold the binding again a first time, lining up the raw edges

5- Fold the binding the second time on top of the flange, make any readjustments at the corner if needed

6- Clip the corner to secure

7- Sew the binding and flange. Since everything has been glued and clipped, it will stay in place and the sewing will be simple.

When you are at the corners, stop with the needle in the down position to make the turn and adjustments.

How to Add a Flange to Your Quilt Binding

Additional Quilting How To’s

How to Tuck Binding Strips at the End to Finish

Learn how to quickly finish the binding on your project by tucking the ends of the binding into the beginning of the binding strip.

How to Hand Bind Your Quilts

If you want a fun trick – this is a machine binding trick that looks handmade.

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