Heart Big-Stitch Binding Tutorial and Supply Recommendations
While working on the test quilts for my Heart of Hearts pattern, I got the idea to add a little something to the binding. I love to do big-stitch binding because it’s quick and easy and adds another noticeable handmade touch to my quilts. I add it to many of my quilts now, but I thought perhaps I could incorporate another element into the binding to make it even more special. My good friend Sarah Holst (@sarah_made) created a tutorial for adding Xs into the binding (she’s done stars and snowflakes, too), so I thought, why not hearts?
I was so pleased with the result, so I put together a little video to show you how to do it, too!
And since I’m sure there will be questions, here are a few of the hand-quilting and binding supplies I like to use:
Clover leather ring-style thimble* (I wear this on my middle finger for when I need to push the needle. You can see this in the video above.)
Clover leather coin thimble* (I don’t always use standard-style thimbles — I prefer the combo of the two items above — but when I do, this is the one I like. I’ve also tried this leather Clover thimble that comes in small, medium, and large* sizes to better fit your finger. Thimbles are very user-specific. Try a few styles until you find one you like!)
Big Stitch Quilting Needle Pack* made by Colonial Needle
Thread options (Snuggly Monkey has a wonderful selection of each of these):
Embroidery thread (I use three strands at a time), usually by DMC or Lecien Cosmo
Perle cotton, either DMC or Wonderfil
Sashiko thread (I like this one* if you plan to use a lot of white. Otherwise, Brooklyn Haberdashery and Snuggly Monkey have great color selections.)
Havel’s 3.5” Double-Curved Embroidery Scissors (I'm a proud brand ambassador for Havel’s Sewing and love their products. You can use code "blueskycrafter7" on the Havel’s site to get $7 off orders of $25 or more.)
Small pincushion (check out my Mini Pinnies tutorial or grab one from my shop)
Pilot Frixion pens* (for marking the dots for the heart)
Wonder Clips* or binding clips
*Disclaimer: To assist you in finding some of the products I use in my work, this blog sometimes uses Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made by clicking on one of the links (marked with an asterisk). This is another way you can help support my business, and I thank you! That being said, if you're able to purchase the item locally, I strongly encourage you to do so. I only feature products that I would use myself.
You can find more tips and tricks for what I include in my travel sewing kit (great for toting around with your hand-sewing projects) here. It also includes a tutorial for a quick needle book!
For more information on big-stitch binding more generally, check out these tutorials from Patchwork and Poodles, Kitchen Table Quilting, Lo and Behold Stitchery, and Shannon Fraser Designs.
