Machine applied bindings

[debra a.]

Anyone have any tips for applying binding by machine only? I know to sew binding to back of quilt and turn to front and machine stitch, but how do you keep the back stitching in the ditch (of the attachment seam)? I've seen a blog on using a blind hem foot stitch (but can't find it again.) Any ideas, please!

[debra a.]

How about using one of the fancy stitches that goes from side to side, then it will look like a more deliberate design choice. :wink: (and be a bit more forgiving for slight wanderings)

[Rita C.]

I found this on Youtube, it might help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jw0EcUJsDE

[Betty J.]

The Bernina Videos here on TQS has Nina McVeigh's method for this. It doesn't have to be a Bernina to use that method (or indeed many of the tips they provide in those neat short videos). learn/bernina/

[wendy w.]

When I do it I sew the binding on the back with 1/4in seam allowance turn to front and secure with invisible thread top and bobbin and a fine zig zag. When I pin the front down I check with pins where the seam will land on the back. :?

[wendy w.]

i do the same as Wendy, but if you have the modern quilt book, you can see another way they add the binding i promise i will give you the name of the book soon

[wendy w.]

quilts made modern byweeks ringels & bill kerr

[Sharon A.]

My "back-to-front" bindings show a wandering seam on the back. I use Invisifill (100 wgt poly) thread for that construction and then over stitch the fold on the front with 40 wgt thread, top and bottom, with a large decorative stitch. The eye follows the decorative stitch on the back. Only the quilt police would care that it's not perfect!

[Margo C.]

Check out this gizmo! It took me a while to get it adjusted, but I really like using it now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpqfaxuMhLw

If you like the looks of it, check Youtube.com and search for ZIP BIND TOOL. There are several other videos there about the tool.

[wendy w.]

Shall have a look.

Another method I use for wallhangings is to use steam-a-seam2. Iron to fabric and cut strips. Fold in half and slot over edge of quilt. Iron in place then zig zag in matching thread from front. 8)

[Betty J.]

Check out this gizmo! It took me a while to get it adjusted, but I really like using it now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpqfaxuMhLw

If you like the looks of it, check Youtube.com and search for ZIP BIND TOOL. There are several other videos there about the tool.

Ok, that looks cool. Can you do mitered corners on your binding using that tool? I have always wondered how in the world people make their front and back binding edges the same. Mine look good, but my back binding is a little wider than my front binding.

[Margo C.]

With the tool, you need to remove it and work the corners by hand. I can do a decent job all on the machine now!
It really makes a huge difference if you starch your binding fabric before you begin, and press the binding away from the quilt before you stitch the back side.

It makes a neat, quick, secure binding that is perfect for any quilt that will see a lot of use.

I will still do hand binding on my "good" quilts, but this gizmo worked great for the 10 antique quilts I finished for my sister-in-law.
In fact....I timed the last one I did (after practicing on the other 9!) and was able to cut the binding, piece and press the strips in half lengthwise, attach it to the front of the quilt, press it away from the quilt and stitch in the ditch to secure the back edge of a 75"x75" quilt in less than 90 minutes!!! I was impressed with myself!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Nancy R.]

That is impressive! I'm going to have to have a look at this tool...

Nancy

[Rita C.]

That is ridiculously impressive Margo. I have never been able to get my binding done by machine on both sides and stitching by hand takes soooo long. :roll: I have looked at this tool but wondered if it was as good as it looks. I have the minute miters which are a bit finicky but do work. I will have to give this some though. Mind you, it would help if I could get on and finish a quilt instead of just starting lots of projects. :roll:

[Rita C.]

I'm impressed too, Margo!