Has anyone used this tool and what are your thoughts on it? I was reading on it and watched a video using it on binding quilts and small projects.

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-zip-bind-tool-232857/

Thank you for your input.

Sharon

It looks like one of those tools that makes a fairly simple binding application into a HUGE job. I'll also be interested to see if anyone has actually used it.

For some reason, I couldn't get the video to play. If it's the Martelli Zip Bind system I have do it, and it does work! This is for sewing bindings on by hand and it keeps the sides the same size. I haven't used it in quite awhile because Martelli's also makes Kwik Bind, for applying binding all by machine which is suitable for many of my projects. I also like Ricky Tim's method of binding by machine with a piping added.

I also love the Martelli zip gun which came with my Zip Bind, I use it for a lot of things!

Hi Connie,

I will have to look into the Kwik Bind and Ricky Tim's method too! Thanks.

The demo is of the Martelli zip bind tool. It has gotten great reviews; found a few by Googling. I want to get it, but not until I really need it. Looks a little fiddly with the settings.

I found the video to be a bit confusing, and it ended before she could actually demonstrate how the tool worked. Is this just for hand sewing or do you sew the binding to the front and use the tool to measure out how much to sew to the back?

There are several demos of this tool on YouTube that are quite explicit. Just do a search on "zip bind tool". I think it could be used for machine binding as well as hand binding. Basically it turns the fabric perfectly so the binding stays even.

I'd never heard of this tool.
But after watching the videos (which I thought ended too soon) I just might buy one. I usually don't like things I have to fiddle with too much but this one looks like it might be worth it. I'm going to watch the videos again and google for more info before I decide.
And I hope everyone here who already have it will post. Very interesting.

I also had never heard of Ricky Tims' piping on binding. I find it annoying when he sings instead of quilts, so I don't watch his dvds or his show with Alex Anderson. But I saw a few photos online of his piping/binding technique and I think I'll buy his dvd after all. I'll just fast forward through the singing...lol.
Thanks for starting this thread. :thumbup:

SInce you have one, you are the expert! :lol: The videos didn''t actually show it being used to do the actual sewing. Do the needles fit into the tool and you pull it along as you sew?

I watched a couple of the videos on this tool and am still confused (which is not hard to do), but I don't think I'd buy anything that looks so complicated...

I agree with you...I could see the video but she never did show how the thing worked so I couldn't say if it looked practical or not.

The way that I used the tool was to attach a binding onto the front with their Stitch-in-the-Ditch foot and Mitering tool, then use the Zip Bind Tool to hold the binding in the proper position to hand finish the binding on the back side.

The settings look fussier on the videos than I felt that they were. When I got my system it came with a DVD on how to use it.

The Kwik Bind video they include with that product makes it look impossibly difficult, however I did not find it so. Actually my friend came over, threw it on her machine and attached a binding without ever watching their video!

All that being said, I think the easiest bindings I do are the Ricky Tims method. All by machine and pretty darned easy to do. I highly recommend his Grand Finale DVD for showing this method.

The tool is pulled ahead of where you are sewing so, no, there is no place in it to put a needle.

Here is a link to the first of a series of Youtube videos on how to use the tool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l_gH...eature=related

Once you watch this one, the next couple will show up as options to view.

thanks

I would just like to find something with pictures and detailed how to use the thing