Originally Posted by
quiltmom04
The only reason I can think of is that I've never seen a machine binding that is as perfectly mitered and sewn as a hand binding. I personality like to hand sew a binding, and I usually think of "hand" as a four letter word! And I do machine bindings sometimes when perfection is not a requirement, because I can't get a machine binding to look as nice as a hand one. But if someone can get a machine binding to be perfect, I see no reason why it shouldn't be judged accordingly.
That may be the reason, that techniques for "perfect" machine binding are not being taught or shared enough for people to learn how to do perfect machine binding. It does take alot of time but not nearly as much as a novice hand binder. Another point you made was the mitered corners. I can get my corners mitered, and even very nicely. However they are not tacked down in diagonal like hand binding is done. I havent found a good way to do that via machine while putting the binding on.
Originally Posted by
Peckish
Oh I hope you don't think that I thought you were whining! I was just making a suggestion.
all is good peckish
I wasnt sure if I had been clear about this being more a philosophical discussion than a "how come they dont". I find it important as the "experts" in this field that we discuss these issues. And anyone doing quilts is an expert
some with more experience than others.
Originally Posted by
Holice
A comment about machine binding.
If the front looks good, what does the back look good. Is the stitching straight and even on the back side but does it zig zag all over the edge of the binding. They may look good on the front but not good on the back.
Equal quality is what judges look for (for those who enter your quilts.) I sat in a Ebony Love class recently on machine binding. Her binding was perfect on both front and back. So it can be done. This is probaby why some use glue and other methods (fusiable thread) to assure the binding is the same on the back as front.
Yes I have come close to perfect however most times I just want it done
but I know it is possible.