Binding leftovers are one of the most overlooked quilting resources, made from selvages from double-sided bindings or from those remaining after previous quilts. Yet, they have saved the day countless times for well-informed quilters. For many projects, leftover bindings can provide some support and finish, and help continue color schemes.
Before discussing artistic uses, it is necessary to define the types of binding that quilters typically encounter, and the binding style will determine how these scraps can be saved for reuse.
Understanding Binding Types and Why Leftovers Matter
1. Standard Binding Strips (2.5" Strips, Folded Over)
2.5-inch-wide straight cuts and cross-grain cutting are how most stitchers prepare their binding. By backstitching or whip stitching these cut strips together, you can obtain a half-finished binding strip.
Double-fold binding gives quilts:
- Added durability
- A polished edge
- Smoother wear on corners
Leftover pieces from this process are often long enough to repurpose without recutting.
2. Bias Binding
Cut your bias binding at a 45-degree angle; the bias stretches much more than straight binding, and thus it works best for:
- Scalloped Edges
- Curved Edges
- Rounded Corners
Bias edges, on the contrary, tend to be more flexible, which makes them ideal for trims, flanges, and any circular patterns that require curvature.
3. Single-Fold vs. Double-Fold Binding
Single-fold binding is pressed once and often used inside bags, along quilt sleeves, or on any project where bulk should be avoided. Double-fold binding, on the other hand, is folded in half and remains the most common finish for quilt edges. Because double-fold binding has two layers of strength built in, its leftover segments are especially easy to repurpose—they’re stable, durable, and already structured for reuse.
How Binding Is Typically Prepared
Practice during preparation clarified the usefulness of grigs.
- Cut strips (ordinarily 2.5 inches; for a tighter finish, sometimes 2.25 inches).
- Attach the strips with bias seams to break up the bulk.
- Trim seams to 1/4.
- Press seams open for a smooth finish.
- Press the entire strip in half lengthwise to create double-fold binding.
- Roll or fold, or gather to prevent the napkin from crumpling when attached to the quilt.
The leftover portion — 8"-20" long — has therefore been pressed, aligned, and set up to reuse.
Creative Uses for Leftover Binding
Quilters often save binding because certain techniques benefit from narrow, pre-pressed strips. Here are the most effective and quilting-specific ways to use those extra pieces.
1. Add Piping or a Flange
Leftover binding works beautifully for flanges and piping because the fold is already crisp and the width is consistent. Even better, those diagonal joins you made for your binding become nearly invisible when used decoratively. Bias-cut leftovers are ideal for subtle curves, while straight-grain pieces work perfectly for pillow flanges or framing quilt blocks.
2. Create Mini Quilting Projects
Because the binding is prepped and stable, very small quilted items benefit from the tidy, well-defined edge it provides. Imagine how attractive coasters, mug rugs, mini quilts, needle cases, quilted bookmarks, and small trivets will look when finished precisely with ready-made strips, most of which require minimal yardage. You won't get a better match than with those leftover strips.
3. Use It in Scrappy Quilts
Binding leftovers are excellent additions to scrappy piecing. They can be incorporated into log cabin units, courthouse steps, improve blocks, and crumb blocks. Shorter segments can also be pieced together to create scrappy sashing, pieced borders, or unexpected color accents within patchwork. Straight-grain pieces add stability, while bias leftover strips introduce gentle movement and softness in improve compositions.
Conclusion
Many quilters do not realize how useful leftover binding can be. Pieces with consistent width, clean folds, and finished preparation can be small project enhancers, visual texture additions to scrappy quilts, or beautiful piping and flanges creators. A bin of organized binding leftovers allows every quilt you finish to contribute to the next one in a meaningful, creative way.
Fabrics by the Creek has very high-quality fabrics, pre-cuts, and panels for you to choose from and to pair with the next round of leftover binding projects.