Binding 120‑degree corners is very similar to binding standard 90‑degree corners... you’ll still use straight‑grain binding strips, and the entire process can be done by machine. It’s quick, tidy, and perfect for projects with angled edges.
Materials
- Straight‑grain binding strips
- Marking utensil (I used a Pilot Frixion Clicker heat‑erasable pen)
- Sewing machine
- Extension table (optional but helpful)
How to Make Straight‑Grain Binding Strips
- Cut 2½″ × WOF strips from your fabric (or use precut Jelly Roll strips).
- Place two strips right sides together, perpendicular to each other, and sew a diagonal seam.
- Trim the corners, leaving a ¼″ seam allowance.
- Press the seams open.
- Fold the long strip in half lengthwise and press to create your binding.
Sewing the Binding (Back of the Quilt)
Attach the binding: Place the raw edges of the binding along the quilt edge on the back of the project. Leave a 6″–8″ tail at the beginning. Sew toward the corner with a ¼″ seam allowance.
Stop at the corner: Mark a dot ¼″ from each edge at the corner. Sew until you reach the dot, stop with the needle down, backstitch, and cut the thread.
Create the fold: Align the next quilt edge with the ruler on your extension table (or the straight edge of your desk). Fold the binding away from the quilt so the raw edge lines up with the ruler. Then fold it back toward the quilt, aligning all raw edges neatly.
Sew the next side: Mark another dot ¼″ from the corner. Start sewing at the dot and continue toward the next corner. Repeat this process for each 120‑degree corner.
Joining the Binding Ends
- Stop 6″–10″ before your starting point.
- Trim the beginning tail straight.
- Overlap the ending tail by 2½″ (the width of the unfolded strip).
- Place the ends right sides together, perpendicular, and sew a diagonal seam.
- Check the fit, trim the corner, press the seam open, and sew the remaining section of binding.
Finishing the Binding (Front of the Quilt)
Fold the binding over to the front of the quilt and begin stitching toward the corner.
Stop about 2″ before the corner, fold the binding neatly into the angle, and continue sewing until the needle reaches the folded edge. Stop with the needle down, pivot, and continue stitching along the next side.
Repeat for all corners, and you’re done!
The Hexi Cacti Placemats pattern featured in this tutorial is available on our website if you’d like to try this technique in a project.
