thoughts on machine binding

I generally do hand binding or do pillowcase (birthing) style edges. Recently my Janome dealer suggested that I try machine binding again. I don't like it as well as hand binding, but it came out OK. I learned a few things about machine binding.

1. It works better if you hand miter the corners before you begin.

2. Use lots of pins (I found about every 2" was right for me).

3. I started with a double blanket stitch. That was too heavy and made the binding too stiff. Single blanket worked OK.

4. The resulting binding is probably better for quilts that may have heavy use by uncareful people.

5. It is faster than hand binding, but not hugely faster. I probably took half the time, considering the prep. It would have been somewhat faster yet if I used simple top stitching.

Do you set your blanket stitch to a shorter or longer length than what is automatic?

I am absolutely terrible at finishing bindings by machine. I don't know if I'm trying to make it something it isn't (invisible would be nice, perfectly even would be acceptable) or if I've just missed out on that 'gene' that allows me to get it right.

I am extreeeeemly fortunate that I have friends who love handwork and are happy - yes, happy! - to sew down my bindings while watching TV.

I tried machine binding on a wallhanging and did not like the result at all. I love doing the binding by hand and probably won't try it by machine again.

I sew the binding to the back first and then machine bind to the front... the front always looks good, but not saying the back is right in the seam...

I didn't like machine binding either until I tried this:
http://www.tmequilting.com/PDFs/Handout.pdf

golo wrote:

I sew the binding to the back first and then machine bind to the front... the front always looks good, but not saying the back is right in the seam...

This is just what I do also. Then I either do the front by hand or machine. Depends on what mood I'm in at the time or how long I have to finish the project! Somtimes I wait too long and find myself doing it by machine.

Bearfoot, she sure makes it look easy. I'm going to try that sometime. I have the foot you need, so it should be easy!

Thanks for sharing that link...will check it out!

Link doesn't appeal to me I'm afraid. I also don't like the look of machine binding. Not saying I like sewing it down by hand but I do it as to my eyes it is a far nicer finish . Seeing the stitching on the top or back always looks slapdash to me . Each to their own .

I use machine binding on table runners and small projects. I also do something that a Sharon Schamber follower taught in a class. Use Washable Elmers Glue to baste it. I bought tips for the glue so that you can dispense just a drop. Use a hot iron to set it. It washes out beautifully. Washable glue is actually very thick starch.

I much prefer the look and feel of hand binding, but there is a place for competantly done machine work, IMHO. It is not simple or easy, but it is faster and very firmly attached. Next time I will try the glue method instead of the pinning. That sounds like a better idea.

When I get ready to bind... my norm is to sew to the front ... iron it and then turn to the back and pin... but I recently bought these little clips (look like clothes pins) I have used them on two quilts now and I love them... no more poking myself with pins....

Memaw, that's what I generally use. They work really well for me.

I only use machine binding for table toppers and runners. I would use it for wall hangings, too, because you'd never really look at the back anyway.

You think so Luvs ? I couldn't tell you the number of people I see look at the back of quilts and wallhangings . Must admit I do it myself

I love the clips too, better than pins any day. I'm not much a fan of glue for anything. Norma

quiltermarynel wrote:

I much prefer the look and feel of hand binding, but there is a place for competantly done machine work, IMHO. It is not simple or easy, but it is faster and very firmly attached. Next time I will try the glue method instead of the pinning. That sounds like a better idea.

I don't have the elmers glue bottle tips (the ultra thin tips) so I put a glob of elmers WASHABLE school glue on a scrap of fabric and draw the head of a pin through the glue and place miniscule dots to hold it in place, you really don't need much, then touch with your iron to set. I'd love to find those tips local so i don't have to pay shipping.
Because you have used glue, there are no pin heads or clips getting in the way when hand sewing the binding down...goes pretty quick.
I put a zipper on a clutch last night with this method...worked great.

Binding is what takes me forever to finish a quilt. I just dont' like to do it. If and when I do it, I sew to the back and either fancy stitch on front or hand stitch. Depends on my mood and size of quilt.