Thread: The worst part about binding

I sew my binding by machine these days. Faster. I use the method that you sew it on the back and bring to the front. What I hate is connecting the two ends. But getting better at it.

Sandy

Tartan has explained it perfectly. Give Thread Heaven another try with the shorter thread and I'll bet you'll be much happier.

I've always used thread that's considered "too long" when I stitch by hand. It started with cross stitching as a young child, progressed through needlepoint and crewel, and carried over to quilting. I seldom cut less than 36" strands of thread when hand stitching the binding of a quilt and never, repeat never, have knots or tangles.

I use the right size needle for the thread, thread from the lead end, knot at the spool end, and when the thread starts to twist back on itself, I simply roll the needle in the opposite direction between my thumb and forefinger until there's no twist. No need to coat the thread with anything or drop the needle to let it spin out on it's own (tried that once on someone's advice and the needle fell off onto the carpet). It may be against all the "rules", but it's certainly worked perfectly for me for decades so I'm sticking with it.

To end the thread, I just make the thread equivalent of a french knot in the seam allowance bringing the needle back out a needle length away and pulling the knot through the seam allowance and into the batting.

Make sure you don't pull the thread from the cut end. Thread has a twist and has the least twist when the part coming off the spool goes into the eye of the needle. That way all of the little thread hairs are going in the right direction. When mine starts to tangle, I generally let it hang and untwist itself. Every little trick helps.

I sew my bindings on by machine and avoid all of this angst!