How to Finish Quilted Crib Panels

Quilted crib panels are great for beginning sewers who want to make a unique baby quilt without the hassle of learning how to quilt. The panels are available in fabric and craft stores or for purchase online. They come in many different themes and designs, so you are sure to find one that will match the baby room decor. Most panels come with batting and backing fabric already attached, so all you need to do is add a binding to the quilt. Other panels come with just the cotton topping, so you need to add backing and batting.

Lay the quilt panel on the table with the right side facing up. Lay the binding on top, starting on a side instead of a corner.

Open the binding and line one side up with the side of the quilt. The right side of the binding should lie down against the right side of the quilt panel. Pin the binding along the edge of the panel.

Sew the binding on the panel using a 1/4-inch seam. Stop sewing when you reach the corner of the panel. Cut your thread and remove the panel from under the needle.

Pull the binding up and back so it heads in the opposite direction of the next side of the quilt. Fold the binding back over itself so it turns the corner. It will fold over itself, as it is supposed to do. Pin the fold down to keep it in place. Continue pinning the binding along the edge of the quilt.

Continue around the quilt panel, pinning and sewing until you reach where you first began. Trim the binding so it overlaps the beginning by about an inch. Fold the bind in on itself a 1/2 inch and sew it in place. This gives a finished edge to the binding.

Flip the binding over the edge of the quilt panel and press it flat with an iron.

Thread your needle with a thread color that matches the binding. Use a whip stitch to attach the binding to the back of the quilt. Use tiny stitches so they are less noticeable.

Trim all the loose threads and be sure the pins are all out of the quilt. Wash the quilt to make it softer before giving it to the baby.

Purchase a backing fabric that coordinates with the panel. It can be a solid color or have a slight pattern.

Cut a piece of batting the same size as the quilt panel and backing fabric. Lay the panel on the table with the right side facing up. Place the batting on top, followed by the quilt backing. The backing should be right side facing down.

Pin the three layers together around all four edges. Make sure the three layers are smooth.

Sew around the four edges of the quilt using a 1/4-inch seam. Leave an opening about 6 inches long.

Trim the seams. Turn the quilt right side out through the opening you left. Poke the corners out fully.

Fold the edges of the opening in and pin it shut. Top stitch around the entire quilt. This helps the edges lie flat, as well as closes up the opening.