Sunday, October 16, 2011

Binding Tutorial

Here is a great way to do binding...


I almost always make continuous cross-grain beinding.  There are lots of great informative tutorials available online which are clear to follow.


I do have a few other things to mention that work well for me.


To determine the length of continuous binding needed, measure the quilt top and side, multiple by 2 and add at least 25 inches.  This is on the generous side side, but it will ensure that you don't run out!


I cut my binding strips 2.5" wide.  I also use cotton batting which does not have a very high loft.  Extra width would be required if you are using a high loft batting.


I join the binding strips with a diagonal seam just like this:

By piecing the strips together on the diagonal, you avoid having too much bulk in the one spot along your binding and makes the join less noticeable.  Once I have the required length of binding, I fold it in the half along the length, pressing as I go.



I then sew the binding to the top of the quilt by aligning the raw edge of binding with the raw edge of the quilt top, right sides together.  I like to leave an approximate 7" tail of quilt biding at the beginning, and then sew with a 1/4" seam allowance.  I miter my corners.  I use a stitch length of 3.0mm for this and use a walking foot.  


I join the ends together with a diagonal seam:

I like to leave quite a large gap between the start and the end of the stitch, say appropromiately a 12" tail.  


Overlap the two tail ends smoothly along the quilt edge.  Trim back the binding tails so that they overlap by the width of the original binding strip plus 1/4" (in most cases that works out to be a total of 2.75 inches).  Be sure to use a ruler and mark the binding for the correct measurement.

Unfold the binding and place the two ends right sides together, perpendicular to each other.  Allow the ends to overlap by a generous 1/8".  Secure the strips with a pin.  Mark the diagnonal line and the stitch along the line (which can be a bit difficult to do with the entire quilt attached).  


You can now test to see if the binding fits along the quilt edge.

Trim back the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press open the seam.  Finish stitching the rest of the binding on the quilt as before.  

Works like a charm every time! 

Friday, October 14, 2011

A Quilting Oasis

by Yvonne Lance-Jodoin, October 2011

It's another world when you go through the door
Away from everyday strife.
The Running Stitch, welcomes and opens its arms
To encourage your "quilting life".
Creativity smiles with a capital "C"
And surrounds you everywhere.
Inspiration floods the mind and soul
Quilt "magic" with a flair.

A colour paradise treats the eye,
An explosion of visual delight
Magnificent fabrics and "fat quarter" haven
Ensure you get it just right.
Laughs and smiles permeate the space
And invite you to proceed,
Where patterns, threads and notions galore
Will meet your every need.

The classroom is a beehive of activity and fun
With instructors extraordinaire.
Come and quilt by machine or hand
With professionals who care.
Embroidery skills can be your own;
Learn by hand or by machine
From simple pattern to intricate design
And everything in between.

The "Batte Cave" is ingenious
A self-contained display
Of batte fillers in different sizes
Shelves burgeoning with their array.
If you want a new sewing machine,
To give your old one a rest,
This is the place to make your choice
The shop that does it best.

To complete you "sandwich" masterpiece
Just to go the room next-door.
Longarm quilting with an artistic flair
Will enhance it even more.
So if you want to sew a fine seam
Or learn to quilt "in the ditch"
Don't wast any time; just make a plan
To visit The Running Stitch.
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