So I got a BIG problem with my art quilts. I hate to bind them. Why? 'Cause they always looks like crap when I'm finished, that's why.I know that if I hand-stitched them, they probably would look okay, but I DO NOT like to hand-stitch. I've tried lots of different binding methods, but none were even closely up to par.....
'TIL NOW!!!!!
I've put together a few things I learned at the quilt retreat, at the last PAQA meeting and from the internet. I mashed them all together and came up with the following. First, I'll show you the crappy bindings I did....then I'll show you the AWESOME bindings I did...then I'll tell you how I did it ;)
....and now for the big reveal...!!!!! NICE, FLAT binding!!!
So here's what I did.
At the retreat, folks were using steam irons. Oh my. Those are quite the invention. I've never used a steam iron and I really liked how it pressed most of the wrinkles out without starch....duh. Also, I learned that you could block a quilt by using a steam iron.
So, I just happened to have a new in box steam iron that has been kicking around the house for a few years.( it took me awhile to find it) I filled 'er up with water and BANG! I gently pressed/steamed some of the art quilts I've wanted to bind and when I was done, they were laying VERY flat. YIPPEE!
Okay, onto the binding. I cut the binding 2.25 inches, ironed it half and when I sewed it onto the quilt like usual...but, I sewed it very close to the edge...less then an eighth of an inch. After it was sewn on, I steam-pressed it over from the front to make it really flat. I then folded it to the backside and then instead of stitching it down (I HATE hand-stitching,remember), I glued it down with a glue stick.HA!
Now, of course I realize you can't do this with a regular quilt and I don't know if the glue will hold. Time will tell,I guess...but for now, I'm really happy with the results.
Update:The amazing Maria Elkins said...
Since you have your iron out, you could always use fusible webbing to fuse down the binding on the back instead of glue stick.
Great idea, Maria....and omg, thanks for visiting my blog! I love your work!!
Which leads to thinking of stich witch...the stuff used to 'hem'pants. That stuff would work great...it comes in one inch rolls. I could just tuck it in the binding flap and press. Ting ;)
Update:The amazing Maria Elkins said...
Since you have your iron out, you could always use fusible webbing to fuse down the binding on the back instead of glue stick.
Great idea, Maria....and omg, thanks for visiting my blog! I love your work!!
Which leads to thinking of stich witch...the stuff used to 'hem'pants. That stuff would work great...it comes in one inch rolls. I could just tuck it in the binding flap and press. Ting ;)
12 comments:
Yay for flat bindings! Hugs!~Lois Grebowski (on the road)
Good for you! Steam is a miracle, isn't it? I am eager to share with you the Weeks Ringle binding method, which is all done by machine with one pass for both the front and back! Those lovely art quilts of yours are even prettier with their flat bindings!
Since you have your iron out, you could always use fusible webbing to fuse down the binding on the back instead of glue stick.
Oh man I couldn't get anything done without my steam iron. I even steam block knitting with it.
My first thought when you mentioned the glue stick was to use steam-a-seam. I have a big roll of 1/2 inch (not sure if it comes smaller or larger) steam-a-seam fusible that I use on some of my projects. SUCH a life saver!
When I don't want to hand bind a quilt, I will sew the binding from the back and then I will use a blind stitch on the front.
Thanks for all the tips everyone! I'm still such a baby at this quiling thing, so every little bit helps ;)
I just came across a wall hanging I did for my mom years and years ago. And omg is the binding ever horrible. So I'm thinking about a blog post - then and now - and my journey in quilting strictly in relation to binding. Thanks for getting my wheels turning!
I'm glad you figured out the binding. Now you can teach me!
~Jennifer
Have you tried facings on your art quilts? Still a pian to do but love the look.
Judy, can you explain facings?
Doesn't it feel good to learn something really useful, and to solve a problem! Your work looks very professional. I specially love the one with the round petal flowers! Very pretty!
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