Machine Binding
I’ve finally finished up Silas’s Castle Peeps quilt {I’ll have full quilt pictures soon, he loves it already so it’s hard to get it away from him to take photos!}, and I tried something new this time around. I put the binding on completely by machine. I’ve tried machine bindings before, and they didn’t work for me {the stitching was uneven and I ended up redoing several parts!}. But, since this little boy is a bit rough {what do I expect?}, I thought I’d give it one more try. This time I folded my binding around to the back as I stitched and it turned out great! I think there are many more machine bindings in my future.
So, what about you? Do you finish your binding by machine or hand? Any reason why you do one or the other? And if you do both, how do you decide which quilts will get which style?
When I was making several charity quilts, I found it was much faster to do the binding by machine. I actually would bring some of the backing fabric around to the front and fold it into a binding. That was the best method doing bindings quickly and easily. No skipped stitches in the back either 😉
Well besides not knowing how to bind by hand, I don’t have/make much time to quilt, so I prefer to attach by machine. By the time I finally finish piecing and quilting, it’s usually been a few months and I’m eager to get it finished. Plus, I like to know I’ll get lots of use from it and am scared hand binding won’t last long.
I’m with Elena – by the time I finally get the thing quilted, I’m tired of the project and want it done! I’m even at the point where I may just buy binding tape pre-made because I have so many quilts to finish before Christmas – eep!
I finish by hand, I think mostly because I actually enjoy doing it and can do it pretty quickly too. Also I feel like I have more control over how the corners turn out when I do it by hand. Your castle peeps quilt is SO adorable!
I machine stitch my bindings. not enough patience for hand-sewn.
I’ve only ever bound by machine, as that was what the first tutorial I read did!
I’ve done one on the machine, the rest by hand. They look nicer by hand, but are a lot of work. =)
I used to do my binding by hand-but I don’t have good lighting to do it in the evening and I would have quilts lying around with binding only sewn on halfway. I started machine binding, and now wouldn’t do it any other way. Each quilt is a little bit better than the last, as it does take practice.
I always finish my binding by hand! I love the time to sit and reflect on the quilt and the fact that it is almsot complete! It is vey satisfying!And one part of the process i will never change!
I definitely need to try it. The combination of time saved and increased durability is just too tempting.
Jennie, I always finish the binding by hand..but I don’t have little ones…my quilts are for bigger kids, walls, and tables! I will admit sometimes I have to “fix” the binding ’cause it has let go, but I’ve never had luck with machine binding. You, however, seem to have it mastered!
Cheers!
by machine, it is faster!
I finish off my binding by hand most of the time. I like to think I’m practicing my hand stitching while I’m doing it. It comes out much neater than when I try by machine.
I finish my binding by hand. It is my way of saying goodbye to a quilt I may never see again. For quilts I am keeping, it is an enjoyable way to finish. It is also a process I enjoy.
Glad you preservered and got it done Jennie! I have nerve problems in my hands, and can’t sew bindings down anymore, unless I use my machine. I sew mine on from the front, making sure that I stitch exactly in the ditch! If it’s a little off, then it will be off in the back also. And I use an open toe foot, which really helps.
I think I finished my first 3-4 quilts by hand, because I thought that was the only way. Then I saw someone do one by machine so I gave it a try and I must admit that I haven’t picked up a binding needle since!! Sometimes I do miss bits because I also don’t use pins, so I have to re-go over that little bit. But if I waited to do it by hand I suspect the quilt could sit unfinished for months if not years. I’m definitely an instant gratification girl! 🙂
I finish the final edge on heirloom quilts for adults by hand, and do baby quilts, lap quilts, hot pads and table runners that will be washed often by machine.
I do most of my binding by hand. I do machine binding on table runners, pot holders and wall hangings.
After 2 1/4 yrs of quilting, I still fluctuate between hand stitching and machine stitching. If I know the quilt is going to get rigorous handling & inconsistent washing care (true for children & charity quilts) I will machine stitch to ensure quilt integrity. For gifts, decor, personal use — I tend to handstitch as I love the invisible, smooth appearance.
just found your blog — love it! Thank you for all your great projects. Would you happen to have the pattern/tut for the swap with angled bright colors on white? You posted you made a mini of it to keep as a reminder of the swap project. Thank you!