Binding a quilt is probably my least favorite part of the process. So why did I decide to make new placemats, especially placemats that were done on the longarm which will require binding. Lots and lots of binding... Wow! I am thinking of stitching them down by machine. Have you done that? Any tricks for a nice-looking job? Have you ever made placemats? I would love to see pictures of ones that you have made...
8 comments:
I really don't like binding either. I think placemats would be a great project for machine binding. I've seen a few good tutorials on blogs-try a google search. I usually machine bind donation quilts since they go to hospitals and could be handled/washed a lot.
Regardless how you finish them, they are very pretty. :)
Actually I really like binding as it signals the finish! I do just about all my bindings by machine. I stitch it to the back first, fold to front, and topstitch with a matching thread and invisible (poly monofilament) in the bobbin. Some people do just the reverse. I don't pin or glue--too much fussing for me. Try it on your placemats--they'll give you lots of practice!
http://beckyquiltobsession.blogspot.com/2011/01/another-ufo-finish.html This is a picture of the table runner and placemats currently on our table. I bound them by machine, sewing the binding first onto the back, the turning to the front and stitching with a wavy stitch. It is the one used for darning, but with the stitch length set longer and the width set narrower. I see this binding daily, and I'm always amazed at how nice it looks. The wave allows it to pucker nicely after washing without creating waves. I have started doing all my charity quilts, as well as some gift quilts, this way. It is very sturdy and washes well. I hope this helps.
I stitch the binding by machine frequently and here's a blog post about the process.
http://threadsofmine.blogspot.com/2008/10/christmas-porch.html
These place mats are beautiful.....they will be well worth the binding. I just do one placemat a night in front of the tv.
Have to chuckle...I made my mom a dozen placemats for Christmas, and the binding about drove me nuts. I actually learned to do a 1/2-decent machine binding because there was no way it would ever be done by hand!
I understand your resistance to binding. But the result is so beautiful!
Let me add myself to the crew of folks who add binding to the back, then stitch to the front w/ invisible thread. I use monopoly and a tiny blanket stitch. Works great!
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