illinois

My collection of bias tapes, rick-rack and such was in a mess so took time to try to organize that. I found a LOT of seam binding that I used to need in the days that I was doing clothing construction. Anyone have suggestions for any quilting-type projects to utilize that? Most of it is rayon, some is the stretch lace sort that could be utilized simply as lace, I suppose.

Tartan

I would use seam binding for small projects like zipper sewing bag with the seams on the outside and covered with seam binding, accents on pillowcases, strings and edging on baby bibs, use for binding on mug rugs etc. You could use it you to do Celtic design blocks or stainglass applique but since you would need to iron on it, you would need to see how it reacts to heat.

Krisb

Or use it on crazy quilts, along with any silks, velvets, etc you have.

nativetexan

where have i lived all my life? I've never heard of seam binding. bias binding yes, but not for seams. sort of a way of doing french seams, but not. interesting!!

illinois

Seam binding could be put on the edges of seams to keep them from fraying or I think I used it more as an edge on hems. Didn't have to turn under the 1/4" and it let the hem be flatter. Stitch the seam binding along the raw edge and then hand stitch the hem in place. All rayon so very suitable for not making extra bulk in the piece. It's kinda like twill tape but different fiber?? One friend suggested using it to make casings in sleeves but I so rarely do clothing construction any more. It used to be economical but not so any more! Wow--price of patterns has certainly changed in my sewing life. Do many of us remember standing perfectly still to have mom use that hem marker all the way around so your hem was exactly so many inches from the floor! And to let your bra straps show--gasp!!!!!!

cat-on-a-mac

Illinois: we must be the same age ... I totally relate to everything you wrote! My mom quit sewing for me when I started complaining that I didn't like the styles of what she made, and when she had taught me enough so that I could make my own clothes. It was so much cheaper to make your own ... but no longer!

And I'm sure you took home ec? Do they even offer that in public schools anymore??

d.rickman

You could use some by wrapping cotton clothes line with the opened up bias, and make some cloth bowls, they are easy to make, and you could add other quilting cotton colors. Look up sewn cotton bowls on the web, it is only using a zigzag stitch and your zipper foot. You can also check out the videos on UTube.

Friday1961

>or I think I used it more as an edge on hems.<

Yes. I used it to face hems. I still have a lot of it, too.

NikkiLu

Me too - I don't throw anything away.

maviskw

This stuff is not bias. It is lace, and quite thin, too. We used it on hems, as suggested in a post above. It would not make bowls. I sent most of mine to Jamaica with other sewing supplies. They have missions there, where they teach women and girls how to sew to make a living.