Machine sewing binding
#21
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I machine sew all my bindings. I usually attach to the back first, then pull to front and sew to the front. I use a normal straight stitch, and just move the needle two settings to the right to catch the very edge. (I use my blind hemming foot when doing this and keep the edge of the binding against the guide).
#22
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 13
Wow! What a wealth of information. I now have to go and check out Quick Machine Binding With Flange and other options along with getting some Elmer's glue. I'm so glad I asked the question because the hand stitching was creating real problems. I became a machine quilter because I had to give up needle work because of bad hands. But I found something I love better.
#23
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 13
Okay, so I've done the binding. I decided to use a combination of clips and pins instead of Elmer's glue. Generally, I was happy with the result. My corners improved as I went (first one was awful). I was generally happy for a first try and this will be one skill I will look forward to improving.
I'll try to post a photo tomorrow.
Thanks for all the hints.
I'll try to post a photo tomorrow.
Thanks for all the hints.
#25
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9
Just discovered an amazing way to do it, from Nancy's Notions serger techniques book. First, trim the edge of the quilt layers to even things up, then use fusible thread in the lower looper, and sew the binding to the edge of the quilt, raw edges together, binding on the top. When you fold the binding over to the other side, gently iron it down on that side of the quilt. Voila! No pins, no basting, and best of all, no moving! I attach all this with the back of the quilt up, then fold to the front so I can see where I am going to stitch. I use some sort of a "bridging stitch" that sews into both the binding and quilt on the front side. If you don't have a serger, I think you could still do the same thing, with a zig zag stitch, and fusible hand-wound onto your bobbin. Corners are no problem. Sew to 1/4" of the corner, loosen needle threads, wiggle it off the loopers, do the usual 45-degree folding technique, turn the quilt, and sew the next side. I will never return to the old way. This was so quick, reliable, and effective on the entire queen size quilt I just finished.
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 406
I cut my bindings about 2 1/2" wide and machine them to the back first. When I fold over to the front side, there is usually a wider (nicer?) amount of fabric showing. I stitch as close to the folded edge as possible. My quilts are certainly far from "show" quilts, and I find that machine stitching keeps everything together better. Those who have my quilts -- and there aren't many at this point -- can throw them on the floor or snuggle under them without fear of the quilt's coming apart [I hope!].
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 619
No need to "confess" anything! Whether one binds by hand or by machine, it is totally up to the quilter! I actually prefer machine binding - seems much stronger. I bind from the back to the front, and use one of my machine's pretty decorative stitches which gives the quilt a nice, finishing touch.
#30
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Desert Southwest
Posts: 1,314
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