I find the binding process to be relaxing and also enjoyable. Don't mind it at all. It's the lovely finishing touch to the quilt that makes the quilt so "finished" and pretty but also durable.

I don't enjoy it, but I've used the backing instead, too. I like the way that looks and that's how Mammaw did it, so it works for me!

until i came to qb i hadn't given binding any real thought. i get so damned excited when, after what is usually a year or more of working on a quilt i'm finally at binding...well WHOOOOEEEEE!

it just never bothered me. not making it, sewing it, handstitching....it just meant i was almost done.

then add the cross stitch label and the world's slowest quilter adds another finished project to the growing pile!

aileen

except i never know if i have enough binding fabric. i hate that part. so far so good, but my last one was a close call. too close for my comfort by half and more.

aileen

What is it about binding that you do not like - the hand sewing or ????

I have to admit that I put my binding on backwards - sew on the back and bring it around to the front and then machine sew it down. Quick and easy and will withstand all sorts of rough treatment.

I love binding because it is the last step to having the quilt finished. I developed a new type of binding stitch about a year and a half ago and it looks so good. I have a finished 1/4" on both sides, front and back. And a full binding to boot. I put the bindings on the quilts and then fold it and put it in one of my many bags, along with my needle , thread , and magnifiers. Then when I am going anywhere like the doctors office, dentist or any appointment where I am going to have a wait I have something to work on while waiting. No down time, even riding in the car.

I never did like binding either until I took a class from Cody Mazarun from her book A fine Finish made binding easier
and now it is my favorite part as I am getting something finished I think there are probably other books out there but A fine finish is very good

I like binding. I use hair clips (the kind that you flex to open and close) to hold it in place while I hand stitch. My parents and inlaws each live about 4 hours away, so I enjoy stitching in the car. If we don't have a long car ride planned, I like to stitch while watching TV with DH in the evening after the little ones are in bed. There is very little on television that requires your full attention.

This is exactly how I feel, too. Mostly, I think "hand" is a four-letter word, except for the binding. I like the feel of the quilt in my lap while I sew; I like the feel of the needle in my hand, and having something that I can do in the recliner besides eat! There's just something about finishing the quilt by hand that connects me to it more than the machine. But I don't think we can convey what we feel enough to make you want to do it, if you not inclined to.

I honestly like the hand work. It is soothing for me because it is a return to my first sewing skills of embroidery that I learned oh, so many years ago. The binding gives a finished look to the quilt and then I can set the quilt aside and move on to my next project. Yippee!