Can it be that difficult??
 

I struggle with finishing the binding on my quilts. When I saw the Binding Tool tutorial on MSQ I ordered one immediately. I've watched the tutorial several times but I still don't get it! Is the angles? What am I doing wrong? I have developed an unhealthy dislike for what should be a useful tool...and my binding closures still look clumsy and unprofessional. Can it be that difficult?

I don't have their tool, but used a laminated instruction card from Fons and Porter. The method on it is called "lumpless finish." The angles were confusing the first few times around! Still, the end result was perfect, so it was worth persevering.

You're folding both tails of the binding back on themselves at the 45 degree angle to find the sewing line. I'm pretty sure that is what the tool from MSQ is going to give you. Make sure you test your binding before cutting those tails off - it's easy enough to rip out a short little seam and redo if needed, but if it's been cut off and you turn it out only to find it doesn't fit... Well, that'd be sad!

Try a search for "lumpless binding" or "lumpless finish;" you should find several tutes on it; hopefully one of them will make it more clear for you. Good luck!

I wanted to show you my latest binding using this method. It's sewn to the front, waiting to be hand stitched to the back. Not easy to get a good picture of, but really, it is lumpless, lol!

The two pieces laying on the back, next to the binding that is clipped down, are all I had left of the binding when I clipped it off. Waaayyy too close for comfort - I thought I was going to have to search through my scrap bin to find the little scrap of fabric that I had left so I could make a little piece of binding to get it to fit. I don't recommend cutting it that close, you really should have an 8" tail on either end to work with.

Connecting threads has a WONDERFUL tutorial on ending the binding. Kaye Wood has a great tutorial on sewing a binding on but I finish mine the CT way. I have used both techniques for years and teach both techniques to those in my classes and they have been very pleased with the results and do not fear or dread doing a binding.

http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...rick__D41.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf7Mm_mkbCc (Kaye Wood's)

I use the so easy simple pocket ending. Here is a video of how to do it, forward to the 3:15 min mark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWh90...=TLQWyAp5EWwcU

When I watch the different videos, I've found I can back up or move forward, if I have the cursor on the time line. I also add to my favorites or bookmark.

I don't use any gadgets and my bindings come out great. What I do is I press one end of each strip at an angle. Then I glue baste the strips together and sew them. I fold the long strip in half and press. Sew to the top. When I get around to the end, I open out the end that I pressed, overlap the ends and mark where to cut using the measurement of the original strip as the overlap amount (i usually use 2.5"). Then I refold the end I pressed, tuck the other end into the fold, glue baste, sew the angle and sew the strip to the quilt. Comes out perfect everytime.

That looks like a great method. I've never tried it but I think I will. To date, I've used Sharon Schambers method which can be viewed on YouTube. There are three videos. You can do a search Binding the Angel Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

llong0233, I was getting stuck with that tool also....... I found the best and easiest video tutorial re: binding, so easy.... Try Mccallsquilting.com binding video."Joining the ends" Hope this helps!!!!!

I love this tool, you just have to remember to measure out the 12 inch opening, use the ruler with the print side up so that you can read it and just mark one side below the line, rotate the ruler and cut the order side above the line.