Quilting Question

Hi everyone!

I'm going to be attempting my first quilt this week and I think I have the basic idea of how to sew it, but I worry that the binding is just a tad bit challenging for my skill level.

Would the quilt look terrible if sewed it with the right sides together and flipped it out in lieu of binding it?

My fear is that it won't look "right" if I do it this way, what do you all think?

I'm not sure what it's called when you stitch over the completed quilt in patterns, ect but would I do this to the quilt top, or after the entire thing is put together, batting, backing and all?

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!

First off, congrats on attempting your first quilt!

Secondly, you can certainly sew the quilt right sides together and flip, however this becomes more challenging as the quilt size increases.  You have a harder time lining up the top and bottom with no shifting as you sew. 

Thirdly, the "sewing a pattern on the top" is called... Quilting!  That is the "quilting" that quilting refers to!  You would do that TO  sew the top, batting, and backing together BEFORE binding, or you could do it to the top, batting and maybe a thin layer before then sewing it to the back and flipping it.  I don't think you would want to do the flipping method and then try to quilt the piece. 

Another option that is done often for these "flipped" quilts is to simple tie quilt it.  This is when you take ribbon, yarn, thread, etc, and at corners of your design (or similar locations) you go through all layers and back up and tie a simple knot.  Do this all over your quilt to hold the layers from shifting!

Lastly, binding is not super challenging!  Look up some good tutorials on the web if you want good pictures and directions, and just go for it!  If you have a favorite quilt shop or fabric store near you there is probably someone that can walk you through the process easily.

Good Luck!

I completely hear you on the fear of quilting and binding.  They can be challenging the first few times.  I've made about 6 quilts now and it still never hurts to polish up before I dig into these areas. 
For the quilting design, maybe just stick to "stitch in the ditch" before you attempt a more difficult pattern (kind of an outline of prominent designs in your quilt, about every 4 inches).  For me, sewing straight lines was not as scarey as the free-motion designs.  It can be completely nerve-wracking to start sewing on top of the quilt top that took you oodles of time to make.  I also suggest using invisible thread for the quilting process, as well as having a backing that is busy or patterned.  It's easier to see every stitch on a plain-colored fabric.  Practice, practice, practice on scrap "quilt sandwiches" before actually quilting the real thing.  I have done both methods of flipping inside out and also traditional binding/quilting and can say that the flipping was not nearly as rewarding.  Just my opinion.
As for binding, it can take me a while to get all the measurements straight, but I found a great tutorial from Heather Bailey on binding:  http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/HB_QuiltBinding.pdf  I think you can go straight to her website and search binding if that link doesn't work.  I have learned the most from trial and error and just diving right in! 
Congrats on your first quilt!  Keep coming back for more because it is an art that is the heart of the American Woman!!

Your first quilt, how exciting.  You will probably find quilting as adictive as many of us do.  Don't be afraid to try, I would recommend making something small, wall hanging or crib quilt for the first time.
You can try a modified binding if you are hesitant to try standard binding.  What I mean is if you cut the backing of your quilt at least 2 extra inches on all sides when you are done with your quilting you can trim the backing nice and even at two inches then just fold it over twice and over to the front, then you can machine stitch, straight or zig-zag on the edge of the binding on the front.  You sew down the long sides first, then the short sides.
This makes a strong binding and is very easy and quick to do.
Good luck and have fun!

Hi...
I'm only a little ahead of you in the quilting department (4) and I learned to do the binding by buying the book "Quilting for Dummies".
The title may be a little depressing, but the binding section alone made it a worthwhile purchase.