anyone know anything about quilting?

[hatter]

I have nearly finished a patchwork top and am very chuffed. But have realised, with some horror that my so-called idiot's guide to quilting is realy not very helpful about how to finish off the edges. Have just googled to try to find out but without much success. I am a total novice, and if you say something like "slip stich" or "blind stitch" I will not have a clue what you mean. Anyone know where I can get a REAL idiot's guide?

Where do you live?

My mum teaches patchwork!

Hi there - I'm SW London, but maybe your mum might know any decent websites? The problem is, that patchwork seems to be something you get totally hooked on - so all the sites are for real enthusiasts, whereas I only bought a sewing machine about 5 months ago. My mum nearly fell off her chair when I told her my first project was to be patchwork - but I'm not totally incompetent - just very ignorant. And did I mention how chuffed I am with my top?

Don't you get some bias binding and just stich that on? Mum used to quilt a lot and am sure that's how she finished her edges

OK - this is going to show just how ignorant I am - is bias binding something that's kind of finished, ie no raw edges? If that's what you do then I think I can manage that - I've seen a site that shows you how to fold it round corners

Yes, bias binding is cut on the bias therefore no raw edges. Like a thick ribbon. You just fold it round and stitch it.

yes, then you just straight stich near the outer edge of the bias and it's a lovely neat edge. if you want to you can make your own bias but it may be easier at the moment to buy it

Commercial bias binding is usually very narrow and hard to work with. Better to make your own edging out of 2-1/2 inch strips, stitched together as long as you need (and maybe a bit more), press in half. With right side of quilt upwards, lay strip
with raw edges together and sew. Then flip the binding over and hand stitch to the back of the quilt. This gives a really firm edge and you don't need to bother with bias.
There are a lot of really good quilt magazine about, and they often have items on techniques like this one.