5. BLIND YOUR BLOCK

Binding means that you are going to secure the edges of the block so that the batting doesn't fall out. Here's how to do it:

  1. Cut several 2-inch thick strips of fabric that are just as long as your block.

  2. Using your fabric pen, mark a ¼-inch line down the edge of a strip.

  3. Pin the strip to an edge of the quilt top so that the strip is on the inside of the block, not hanging over the edge.

  4. Sew along the line all the way through the block.

  5. Flip the strip over the edge of the block (it'll double up over the bit you just sewed) to the quilt back.

  6. Pin and stitch the fabric to the quilt back.

  7. Repeat for the remaining three sides.

And you now have a legitimate quilt block. To make a quilt, you just stitch a bunch of these things together. As is the case with learning all new skills, it will take practice. You may want to invest in an economy-size box of Band-aids. But in the end, you can at least rest easy knowing that you've made a blanket that you created with your own little (needle-poked) fingers.