Big Stitch Binding Updated Tutorial

I shared my first tutorial for Big Stitch Binding almost a decade ago and I have used this method for almost all of the quilts I have made over the intervening years. I love it — it creates a decorative, durable stitch that is quick to do and really gives the quilt a nice handmade finishing touch.

Since then, I have done an updated tutorial, an updated supplies list, and I have also done some videos on Instagram, but I wanted to put all of the updated info in one place. Down below, I have several new videos and I will link to all of the previous tutorials and videos and all of my current favorite supplies and methods are listed here.

Supplies

A Thimble

For years, I used a metal Clover thimble that I really liked. The main drawback was that it took quite a bit of time to form the thimble to fit my finger and I was terrified that I was going to lose the thimble and start over.

Last year, I discovered the Clover leather thimble. It fits my finger without any adjustments and is comfortable and easy to use.

Scissors (Thread Snips)

I am a little older than I was when I first wrote the original tutorial and my hands have sewn lots and lots of stitches. While any thread snips will do the job, I really value a pair that opens and closes easily. It may seem like a small thing, but it does make a difference.

Perle Cotton

While there are many pretty brands of perle cotton on the market, DMC is still the most durable brand that I have used. It holds up well to use and doesn't shred easily while sewing. Bonus: it is more affordable than most other brands and is readily available (most Joann Fabric stores carry at least one or two colors). 

I still prefer the size 8 thread and do most of my quilts with white, off-white, or light gray. 

Wonder Clips

These Wonder Clips are the same ones I have used for years. Periodically one of them will break (they are plastic, they won't last forever) but they have held up reasonably well and I will replace them when I lose or break the ones I have left.

Needles

This is the main change I have made. Previously, I used the size 5 DMC embroidery needles. I liked these because the eye of the needle was just barely large enough to fit the perle cotton and the needles were slightly flexible and sharp, which made it easy to load up 2-3 stitches on the needle at a time.

Last year, I discovered these Clover Sashiko needles. I haven't found a way to buy just the longest needle in this set (if anyone knows, tell me please!) because that is my favorite size. I will eventually use all of these, but the longest one is the best. 

Here are my new videos on all you need to do Big Stitch Binding —

Supplies

Starting Your Stitches

Stitching

Finishing Your Stitches

Original Tutorial

Update to the Supplies List

Update to the Tutorial