Originally Posted by
Lori S
I use the stitch in the ditch foot in the last step of the binding . When I stitch from the right side to attach the binding on the underside... it keeps my stitches right against the binding. A stitch in the ditch foot has a blade ( not sharp) that runs in the center of the foot as a guide. I find it very useful for machine bindings as it helps to push the binding to the right a bit so I can get really close and consistant with my stitches. Some manufactures have a combination walking foot and stitch in the ditch foot.
I use a edge joining foot, same set up, with the blade in the middle. Never heard of a stitch in the ditch, but I use babylock/brother feet, perhaps they call it the edge joining foot.
Originally Posted by
Holice
1. Which side do you attach the binding - back to front or front to back.
2. How do you line up the fold over to get even stitching on the other side.
3. How do you stitch the mitre.
4. What stitch do you use in the final sew - straight or decorative ( includes zig zag)
I start out cutting my binding 2.5ins, join on diagonal, and then press in half. (if I am doing a small piece or if the quilt is thin then I might cut it at 2.25ins)
I then trim my quilt top so that it is even all the way around, I dont want little 'bubbles' or uneven edges.
1. I attach binding to the back using a 1/4in foot with a guide. To ensure the back is 1/4in wide.
2. I then press the binding from the back out flat, this helps me with folding over if the binding is pressed good (with lots of steam) over the stitch line. I then just fold it over, put on the edge joining foot and set the needle position to just inside the binding area. It should be lined up to just past the back binding fold, so it will be stitched in the ditch on the back.
3. I stitch off the edge, fold excess up away from the quilt, finger press the diagonal line formed, then fold it down where it matches up with the edge of the quilt. I then start down that side till the next corner. When I press (like in #2 above) I make sure that I press the miter good on the back too. When I have it on the front and am getting close to the corner, I will trim off the excess fabric etc from the corner (basically clipping the corner off) I know this makes the corner a little flatter and not "filled" like it is required in shows, however it is easier for me and my friends/family dont mind
or even notice for that matter. I then finger fold the corner and stitch and needle down turn when I am at the right location on the corner.
4. I generally use a straight stitch, my normal piecing number on my machine is 2.5 (not sure what that is in stitches per inch) but when I do the bindings, I use 3.5 or 4.0. I have used the serpentine stitch, but as I have gotten better with the bindings, I am using the straight stitch now.
For me, I have to move real slow to ensure that the bottom stitching is in the ditch in the back. If I hurry, sometimes I get off in either direction. It does take alot of practice and a ton of patience, If anyone is trying to perfect this skill, I recommend practicing with different widths of bindings. I know I cut a little smaller when I am trying for perfection. Other times, I just want it done and gone