Hi Lynn,
You are making it harder than it needs to be. The best way to add satin blanket binding to blanket ends is with the larges width and length zig zag. As for the ends Cut them about one and a half to three inches longer than the measured ends you are adding the binding too. Pin the binding to the blanket making sure that about a half inch of the binding is away from the unfinished edge of the blanket and the cut edges of the binding extend on each end. I'll make a drawing and add it in a few mintutes to help visualizing that.
Fold both cut ends of the binding to match the width of the blanket, tucking around the finished sides of the blanket. Pin in place.
Start to sew with a straight stitch at one edge down the folded ends, backstiching to hold in place. With needle lifted and without cuting thread change stitching to zig zag (as mentioned above) start to zig zag across the length of the binding making sure to catch just the very edge of the binding. Without cutting thread lift needle and change back to straight stitch and sew up other end of binding making sure to backstitch to secure the ends. Cut thread and use Fray Check for added security.
Oops forgot to hit submit so here at the drawings to go with the above instructions.
{{!gwi}}

Thanks!!!! I knew there had to be a simple, reasonable way to sew it, and I knew that the way they were talking about on that one website sounded very UNreasonable . . . I just needed you to explain it, Justgotabme! Now it makes sense and sounds totally doable and reasonable. Many thanks for the drawing, too. That helps me a lot.
Lynn

Lynn, I'm Becky aka DesigningMom of the old GI. I'm very happy I was able to help. My Mom and her sisters taught me loads of tips from when they worked at the garment factory back during WWII, so I've learned to think like they did when sewing. I'd never done it this way, I've always gone all the way around since I made baby blankets. If you ever need to know how to do the corners on them, just let me know.
I should write a book on my sewing tricks. LOL. :^P

Becky, OMG, thanks!

No problem. I thought maybe you didn't know who I was here. :^)

Just - I'm so glad you were able to explain this so simply. I started and erased a post twice, before deciding that my directions were too complicated.

artlover, it's not easy to do, it is? I redid mine a few times before I knew I had to have pictures to go with it. Like the old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words".

justgotabme:
I'd be interested in how to apply the binding all the way around! Thanks for posting these instructions -- very helpful.

Andee, I'll get to this as soon as I can since it too will take some drawings. I'm watching our grandson today so I'm not sure when I'll get to it. I'll send you an email with a link when it's done. Suziq has requested these instructions too.

Justgotabme:
Thanks so much! No hurry and I look forward to it.
Andee

andee, I'm working on it, but I came upon a snag when writing the directions on Paint. Never happened before so not sure how long it will take me to figure it out. I'll get there though. I always do.

Here we go. Oh and please don't make fun of my "hand". I've never drawn one using a mouse before. Always pencils or pens.
{{!gwi}}

Justgotabme:
Thank you so much for taking the time to make the drawings to go with the explanation. It is so clear. (I'd like to see you draw a hand by hand, if you do it that well with a mouse!).

Andee

LOL Andee, about my drawing. If you hold your hand that way you'll see I left out the rest of the hand/fingers that would have shown had I done it right. Too lazy. I figured that was enough so you'd get the idea. The thumb wasn't so bad, if I say so myself though. It's actually been a very long time since I've drawn a detailed hand by hand, so this could actually be better.

I am very happy that you understood it and that it will help you.