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Hi all, I have always had trouble doing a 3/8 inch binding so it's nice and even. I've been using the method in Alex's "finish it" book. This has you cut the binding 2-1/8 inches, cutting the quilt 1/8 inch outside the edge, laying the binding at the edge of the quilt so the 1/8 inch of extra batting shows, and sewing a 3/8 inch seam. I usually cut the binding 2-1/4 inches because I can't seem to get it exactly right. And usually my quilt isn't exactly even so when it's trimmed there isn't a good 1/8 of batting around it all. It's definitely my technique, not Alex's instructions!
Today, I sewed on a binding as per the instructions, eyeballing the 1/8 inch. After going all the way around the quilt, I noticed that the binding didn't fold all the way over to meet the seam on the back. I ripped it out, fortunately the quilt is only 35 inches square.
Then, I got a piece of stiff paper and drew some lines on it. There's an edge line, one line 1/8 inch away, then 1/4 inch away, then a final line that's the width of the folded binding. I used this for a gauge for the 1/8 inch, which turned out to be a lot more than I thought it was! I used the 3/8 inch line on my sewing machine throat plate for the seam allowance. This turned out to be the most consistent binding I've ever sewed, no wavering or dips. Here's a photo to make it more clear.
I've been quilting over 10 years and just now figured this out! Hope this helps someone else, Kathy
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Great tip, Kathy! Thanks for sharing, and the great photo that makes it so understandable!
It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter
That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived ! -
This is a great tip Kathy....thank you
Sylvia
It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter
That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived !Comment
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Great tip! Doncha just love "AHA" moments!
Maggie in E. Central Illinois
It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter
That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived !Comment
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Yeah, once in a while they happen to me. Mostly I benefit from others' aha moments!Originally posted by maggieszafranski
I actually took the photo so I could remember my own tip, then wondered if I could post it here.
I just finished quilting my Ricky Kaleidoscope quilt, and had sewed the binding on my old way.
Naturally, one side needed to be taken out but with my handy 1/8 inch guide it's fine now.
Yippee!
Kathy
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Kathy, what a great tip, and with a good visual too. Thanks.
Margarita in rainy again, Auburn, CAComment
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