October is here, and with it comes a sewing challenge that feels a little bit like clearing the last hurdle in a race: binding. With this month’s Binding Bonanza Challenge, we’re celebrating the final step of quilt‑making: the part that transforms a pile of beautiful blocks into a finished, usable, snuggle‑ready quilt.
If you’ve got a stack of quilt tops waiting patiently for their moment, or a few “almost finished” quilts missing only their binding, this is your month. We’re turning October into a collective finish‑line sprint, cheering each other on as we bind, stitch, and finally complete those long‑standing projects.
It’s time to cross the finish line—one quilt edge at a time.
Why binding and why now?
Binding can be one of the most satisfying steps in quilting, but it’s also one of the easiest to postpone. Life gets busy, new projects call your name, and suddenly you’ve got three quilts that are 95% done.
Binding Bonanza is your invitation to:
- Finish quilts you’ve been meaning to complete
- Learn new binding techniques
- Practice both hand and machine binding
- Share your favorite tips with the community
- Celebrate the joy of a fully finished quilt
There’s something magical about stitching down that final edge. It’s closure, accomplishment, and framing all rolled into one.
We all know the binding has to get done; let’s inject it with even more fun. Whether you are finishing off holiday gifts, completing projects to start holiday gift sewing, polishing off a WIP pile, or finalizing a mini quilt, the Binding Bonanza challenge is the push to get you there.
Free Quilt Binding Chart Sheet To Get You Started:
And to make your October binding even easier, we’re sharing a brand‑new free printable: the Binding Cheat Sheet. Consider this your quick‑reference guide for quilt sizes, strip lengths, and fabric yardage requirements. Download it, print it, and keep it by your machine as you bind your way to the finish line.
Quilt Binding Chart
Take the guesswork out of quilt binding & let us do that math for you! This printable cheat sheet lists basic binding yardage for standard quilt sizes to help you finish your UFOs. Download the handy reference below.
More to Explore
As long as quilting abounds, the debate on whether to machine bind or hand bind a quilt will continue. Decide for yourself or try flipping your go-to method. I’ve rounded up my favorite techniques below.
Make it Scrappy
Because binding doesn’t have to be basic: Scrap Binding Basics
Don’t forget your label
Future generations will know just how much love and attention you poured into making each quilt.
Challenge Details:
Pick one quilt (or more!) that’s been waiting for its binding debut. Whether it’s a quilt top you’ve been saving for “someday” or a nearly finished quilt that just needs that final touch, October is your moment.
Share Your Progress:
Quilting does not have to be a singular sport! Consider this your personal invitation to join my community of over 200,000 members worldwide. In there, you can find all sorts of inspiration, ask questions, and share your latest makes. Oh, and I almost forgot… You can meet a new friend who shares your passion. Get started here:
- Join the Scrappy Girls Club Group and share your one little thing with #ScrappyGirlsChallenge, and tag me so I can cheer you on!
- Reflect on what you learned – this challenge is about growth and using your scraps and nurturing your creative life.
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ScrappyGirlsChallenge so we can cheer you on!
