A beautifully bound blanket not only provides warmth and comfort but also adds an elegant touch to your home decor. Applying blanket binding may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and technique, you can create a professional-looking finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply blanket binding:

1. Gather the necessary materials: Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You’ll need a blanket, pre-made blanket binding (usually satin or polyester), sewing machine, fabric scissors, sewing clips or pins, thread (matching the color of the binding), and a measuring tape.

2. Measure and cut the binding: Using a tape measure, determine the perimeter of your blanket by measuring all four sides. Add 8-10 inches extra to ensure there’s enough length for mitered corners and overlap at the beginning and end of the binding. Cut your binding to this length.

3. Lay out the blanket and binding: Lay out your blanket on a clean, flat surface with the right side facing up. Place one end of the opened-out binding along one edge of the blanket, aligning both raw edges together. Ensure there’s at least 4-5 inches extra length for mitering corners.

4. Secure the binding in place: Use sewing clips or pins to hold the binding in position along all four edges of the square or rectangular blanket. Make sure to leave enough extra length when you reach each corner for a mitered fold.

5. Sew along one edge: Set your sewing machine stitch length to around 3 mm and use a straight stitch. Begin sewing along one edge of the blanket about an inch away from a corner using a ½ inch seam allowance. Remove sewing clips as you go.

6. Create mitered corners: When you approach each corner of your blanket, stop sewing about ½ inch from the edge. Clip the threads, fold the binding diagonally at a 45-degree angle and adjust the binding to create a neat mitered corner, keeping both raw edges aligned. Resume sewing along the next edge, starting ½ inch from the corner.

7. Join the beginning and end of the binding: When you’ve sewn all four edges and corners, overlap the beginning and end of the binding by about an inch. Trim any excess, if necessary. Fold one end under about ½ inch to create a clean finish and pin into place. Sew this section to secure the overlapping binding.

8. Fold and stitch the binding in place: Finally, fold the blanket binding over to the reverse side of your blanket, enclosing all raw edges. Secure with sewing clips or pins. Topstitch close to the inner edge of your folded binding using matching thread for a discreet finish.

That’s it! With just these 8 steps, you’ve successfully applied blanket binding to your cozy creation. Enjoy snuggling beneath your newly-bound masterpiece or gift it to someone special for a thoughtful and practical present they’ll cherish for years to come.