Knife Edge Finish is the method of finishing a hexagon edge when binding is not used.
First, press under the 1/4 inch seam allowance on hexagon edge before removing the foundation paper. Then after the quilting is completed, hand baste about 1/2 inch from pressed edge.
Second, working in about 2 foot sections, trim backing and batting 3/8 inch (a little more than 1/4 inch) from the pressed edge of the top. Then trim the batting very close to the pressed edge of the top.
Third, clip the backing to the batting edge at the inside “corners”. Tuck backing over batting under the pressed edge of the top. Pin or Wonder-clip in place. I use an applique stitch to secure edges. Wonder-clips are worth the investment for a project like this, as they keep your work flat and you can nudge them along as you stitch and keep the fabric secure.
Binding a scallop edge quilt, is not hard but it does require some preciseness in sewing and making up your mind to take your time. Don’t rush, sew carefully and you will end up with lovely even scallops. And, you must use bias binding.
1. Mark the scallops at the edge of your quilt. This line will be where you match up the raw edge of the binding. Darlene Zimmerman’s Easy Scallop Tool works great.2. DO NOT cut away any of the quilt. Pin binding so raw edge is aligned with marked line. At inside point, pin perpendicular to quilt edge. Note the pin furthest to the right.3. Gently but firmly tug the bias binding around to the next scallop, smoothing so there are no bubbles or gaps and pin around the next scallop. Don’t get too far ahead as you may have to adjust as you sew.4. End with needle down at inside point, pivot and use a stiletto or Purple Thang to adjust the pleat that forms so it doesn’t get caught in the seam.5. When all the scallops are sewn and binding is joined, trim quilt along scallop edge using small, sharp scissors.6. Using Wonder Clips or pins, turn binding to back of quilt on the rounded part of scallop first.7. Then secure the point, doing any necessary easing at this point.8. Hand sew binding in place using an applique stitch. It will have a nice point and smooth fold on the front and back side.Finished edge hanging evenly.
Applique, ruching and dimensional embellishments of quilts
