What is it with hand binding? Is it because you are SO CLOSE to finishing - this part is frustrating or is it because my poor thumb and next finger get so damaged and sore from pushing and pulling the needle through all the layers? Jo offered a finger pad which totally saved my thumb and I was able to finish Son 9 lap quilt last night (I am buying some pads when I go to AQC).
I have Son 10 (see picture) quilt ready for binding, Son 9 Bed quilt almost ready for binding, Helena's Dancing Flower Quilt soon to be binded and Helen's Mystery Quilt soon to be binded and my poor fingers are not happy. I have tried machine binding but my sewing at the back looks seriously wobbly (I mean WOBBLY - not good look). ANY ideas/tips/hints? I am at present sticking leukoplast on the fingers to protect them but the adhesive works it way out and effects the thread and needle.
Any ideas?
13 comments:
What are finger pads like ? we all need those I think:)
Have fun at the show dont spend too much, is there such a thing as too much in quilting LOL
Sounds like you are going to be busy binding for a while. Your poor fingers!
I have a little leather thimble I use sometimes - it fits my finger quite snugly.
Oh Sarah, I hear your cries from here,I knew my arm and fingers would not hold up with binding the mystery quilt (from Helen)-so I cheated and did it all by machine..bad girl I am
cheers Vickie
That is the part I like because I know I have finished it. I can relate to the thumb too. It does get a bit sore. I could do it if you want to drop it in while you are over here shopping.lol. Im not good in the machine binding either. It doesnt look as good. Good luck
I find binding a bit of a chore too! My fingers end up with holes in them, so I put band-aides on them...might have to buy some finger pads too!! Cathyx
Oh, Sarah. I actually like binding ... never done it all by hand though. I sew it on by machine then only do the back part by hand. I must do it wrong/different because I don't get sore fingers.
I`m a bit of a cheater; I sometimes put the binding on with machine. I make sure the binding is wide enough on the back and stich close to the binding ("in the ditch") on the front. This way you can hardly see it on the front, but of course the back side can`t hide...
I love putting the binding on as it means that the quilt is nearly finished. I have these great little sticky leather patches I got them from Punch and Judy. You can use then over and over and put them exactly on the right spot. Much more user friendly than a thimble.
I used to hate binding too, then I started using my walking foot and it got lots better. I pin my binding to the back initially, one side at a time, and do each corner as it comes. Then I use the Fons & Porter binding tool to close the binding. Then I pin the binding to the front and use the walking foot again to sew it all down. The walking foot prevents that annoying binding ripple I used to get, and the extra large foot keeps everything nice and straight. Slow and steady wins the race. I remember my first quilt, with the Mickey Mouse ears for corners. lol I've come a long way!
Happy binding,
Susan
Oh I love hand binding, I alsways sew the binding on teh front with my machine then I use ladder stitch to sew the back down, looks fabulous and you cannot see where it has been sewn.
Those finger pads sound great,can you share more info about them, and have fun at the show can't wait to hear all about it.
That quilt looks fab. I like binding and I put those sticky plastic thingys on my fingers, works a treat.
Have fun at the fair.
With Smiles
Kathy
I used to hate stitching on the binding too. I machine stitch the front then slip stitch the back by hand.
Then I two short lessons from Kerry - cottage the hill and Kim - honeysuckle cottage; also started using a 'straw'needle (email/phone Kim about them). The needles are longer than an embroidery needle and are flexible, making it easier to catch the binding and stitch it onto the quilt. I also came a cross numerous people (ahpyinquilting included) that said they enjoyed stitching down the binding so I also tried to work on my mindset along with technique. I find a rythym and my binding stitching gets done much quicker than the first few I did.
Now I enjoy the binding work, and after giving away a few quilts recently it is my time to enjoy my creation before it goes to a new owner.
Christine´s comment could have been written by me, I agree with her.
First by machine and then by hand at the back and then only through the back fabric. My fingers love it!
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