Scalloped edges on a quilt have long been a traditional way to finish a quilt – especially for designs like the double wedding ring. But recently I’ve noticed scalloped edges on modern quilts, too, and I absolutely love it!
Photo credit @spetzie
If you’ve decided to add a scalloped edge to your next quilt, you’ll need bias binding instead of straight-cut binding. Bias binding provides the necessary ease in the fabric to smoothly go around the curves, saving you from frustration (and wanting to toss your quilt in the naughty pile). Wait, you don’t have a naughty quilt pile? Just me?
To learn more about bias binding,check out our FAQ section here.
Photo credit @psbigdreams
Lucky for you, Bessie Pearl specializes in bias binding so click over and find the perfect finish for your quilt. Not sure how many yards you’ll need? Here’s a simple way to measure:
1. Measure the length of one scallop on the quilt.
- use a soft measuring tape
- Lay the edge of the tape at one end and then follow the curve to measure to the other end.
2. Multiply that number by the total number of scallops on the quilt.
3. Add 18 inches to the total to allow for joining the binding ends together.
4. Divide that total by 36 (since there are36 inches” in a yard)to determine how many yards you’ll need. If you don’t get an even number, I would suggest rounding up.
Example:
- Each scallop is 12 inches.
- You have 20 scallops in total.
- 12 x 20 = 240
- 240 + 18 = 258
- 258 / 36 = 7.17
You’ll need 8 yards of bias binding for the quilt.
And done!
Photo credit @villageboundquilts
Now that I’ve written this, I’m thinking maybe I need to make another scalloped edge quilt and do a whole series on a scalloped edge finishing! Would that be fun?
Happy sewing friends!
Karen
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