If you check with your local carpet store, they have samples of their different carpets and they have a binding all around the square of carpet. (actually a "rectangle" of carpet) When they get new samples in the store, you can usually get them free or once in a while you see them at flea markets for 50 cents or $1 ea. They are just the right size and the carpet thickness holds your pins like a pin cushion, and keeps other items like snips or scissors, handy as well and looks neatly organized. When I sew full speed ahead, nothing bounces anywhere. And the carpet samples look pretty under the machine too. (get a pretty one to match your sewing room) Sandrea