These instructions are for what is known as ‘double binding’ – the binding strip is pressed in half lengthwise, giving a stronger, double layer of fabric.

Join binding strips with diagonal seams (Diagram 1) to make one continuous strip. Trim excess fabric, leaving 6mm (1/4 inch) seam allowances. Press seam allowances open. With wrong side inside, fold under 2.5cm at one end of the strip (Diagram 2); press. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, right side out, and press (Diagram 3).

Beginning in the centre of one side, place the binding strip against the right side of the quilt top, aligning the binding strip’s raw edges with the quilt top’s raw edge (Diagram 4 and 4a). Sew through all layers, stopping 6mm from the corner (or a distance equal to the seam allowance you’re using). Backstitch, and then clip the threads. Remove quilt from under the sewing machine presser foot.

Fold the binding strip upwards (Diagram 5), creating a diagonal fold, finger press. Holding the fold in place with your finger, bring the binding strip down in line with the next edge; making a horizontal fold that aligns with the quilt edge (Diagram 6). Start sewing again at the top of the horizontal fold, stitching through all layers. Sew around the quilt, turning each corner in the same manner.

When you return to the starting point, encase the binding strip’s raw edge inside the folded end (Diagram 7). Finish sewing to starting point (Diagram 8). Trim batting and backing fabric.

Turn the binding over the edge to the back. Hand-stitch the binding to the backing fabric, making sure to cover any machine stitching.

To make mitred corners on the back, hand-stitch up to a corner; fold a mitre in the binding. Take a stitch or two in the fold to secure it, and then stitch the binding in place up to the next corner. Finish each corner in the same manner.