As a beginner I prowl the board looking for tech things. I think it's a great description - but I could use a couple pictures. Can you find someone left-handed to do this??? LOL Seriously,
I am not sure how you started the binding. A 1/2" binding gives you a very small space to tuck the head piece (the part going around the quilt) into the tail, which is where you started, and left a couple inches not sewn just pinned. I think what you are saying is you unfold the French fold and pull head and tail inside out, stick in your thumbs so they are not heading into the tail and the head (like that kid's party toy where you stick your thumbs in each end and get stuck), but headed out, then you lost me.
I have read your other posts and benefited from your advice and instruction before, so thank you much and I hope you explain more.
Thank you
Sue