Clover 1/4" bias tape maker

[Eileen K.]

I had such a tough time keeping the strip of fabric straight going through the tape maker. I finished my strips using starch to keep the folds. Does anyone have any advice? I'm not super crazy about the flatness. Is there a way to poof them up a little? Erin R. suggested spritzing with water. I'll try that but I'd like other ideas as well.
Thanks,
eileenkny

[Margo C.]

Eileen, I lightly starch my strips before I pull them through the tape maker. Yes....they come out flat, which is easier for me to stitch in place. After the quilt has been laundered the stems do have some dimension.

[Eileen K.]

thanks, Margo. I was concerned. Do you wash all the starch out?
eileenkny

[Margo C.]

ALL of my quilts go into the washer and dryer (GASP!) as soon as I finish the binding. Because I use a lot of starch in both my appliqué and piecing techniques, the quilt is pretty stiff when I'm done working on it. I also do not pre-wash my fabrics because I really like the old fashioned puckery look that comes when the unwashed fabrics and cotton batting shrink a little in the wash. This may not work for art quilts or wall quilts that aren't meant to be washed, but it works for me!

[Margo C.]

I'm with Margo--I don't call it a quilt until it has gone thru the washer and dryer. If it hasn't fallen apart--it is good to go!