rounded quilt corners tutorial

 

Lately (if you haven't noticed) I have really been into rounded corners on my quilts.  I really like how it looks, and how it seems to soften the quilt-- which I especially love for baby quilts. 

The great thing about rounded corners is you don't have to do mitered corners on your binding.  The bad part is you MUST use bias binding.  (there are many tutorials out there on how to make continuous binding...i'm hoping to get a tutorial up soon on how I do it.  Most everyone does it the same way).

Rounding your corners is super duper easy peasy.  Really it is, the hardest part is the bias binding. 

Here's how I do it.  Once your quilt is quilted, trim the backing and batting

and square it up.

next, I fold my quilt in half, and find a rounded object (I use a bowl or lid...or a toy that's floating around my sewing space) that gives you a good curve on your corner.  I don't have a great method other than eyeballing it to determine what size curve to use. 

trace your arc with a disappearing ink pen, or a pencil like I use because I have misplaced my pen.

using scissors, cut your curve (I do two layers at once).  repeat tracing the arc and cutting on the other two corners of your quilt.

that's it.  You should now have 4 rounded corners.  They do not have to be perfect, the binding helps to smooth out any imperfections.

now your quilt is ready to attach bias binding.  Use whatever method you usually use for attaching.  I am a machine binder, so I attach to the back and sew down on the front. 

As you approach your corner, just ease your bias binding around the corner, and guide it into your machine.  It works out great.  I try not to stretch it too much, but it really doesn't hurt much if you do.  (my son just asked if this picture of my hands was grandma...oh boy, i feel so much younger than my hands look, lol.)

when enclosing the binding around your quilt, it will almost ease itself around the corner.  It's wonderful how easy it is.

that's it, once your binding is completely attached, you should have rounded corners on your quilt.