Can it be that difficult??
 

I struggle with finishing the binding on my quilts. When I saw the Binding Tool tutorial on MSQ I ordered one immediately. I've watched the tutorial several times but I still don't get it! Is the angles? What am I doing wrong? I have developed an unhealthy dislike for what should be a useful tool...and my binding closures still look clumsy and unprofessional. Can it be that difficult?

I don't have their tool, but used a laminated instruction card from Fons and Porter. The method on it is called "lumpless finish." The angles were confusing the first few times around! Still, the end result was perfect, so it was worth persevering.

You're folding both tails of the binding back on themselves at the 45 degree angle to find the sewing line. I'm pretty sure that is what the tool from MSQ is going to give you. Make sure you test your binding before cutting those tails off - it's easy enough to rip out a short little seam and redo if needed, but if it's been cut off and you turn it out only to find it doesn't fit... Well, that'd be sad!

Try a search for "lumpless binding" or "lumpless finish;" you should find several tutes on it; hopefully one of them will make it more clear for you. Good luck!

I wanted to show you my latest binding using this method. It's sewn to the front, waiting to be hand stitched to the back. Not easy to get a good picture of, but really, it is lumpless, lol!

The two pieces laying on the back, next to the binding that is clipped down, are all I had left of the binding when I clipped it off. Waaayyy too close for comfort - I thought I was going to have to search through my scrap bin to find the little scrap of fabric that I had left so I could make a little piece of binding to get it to fit. I don't recommend cutting it that close, you really should have an 8" tail on either end to work with.

Connecting threads has a WONDERFUL tutorial on ending the binding. Kaye Wood has a great tutorial on sewing a binding on but I finish mine the CT way. I have used both techniques for years and teach both techniques to those in my classes and they have been very pleased with the results and do not fear or dread doing a binding.

http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...rick__D41.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf7Mm_mkbCc (Kaye Wood's)

I use the so easy simple pocket ending. Here is a video of how to do it, forward to the 3:15 min mark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWh90...=TLQWyAp5EWwcU

When I watch the different videos, I've found I can back up or move forward, if I have the cursor on the time line. I also add to my favorites or bookmark.

I don't use any gadgets and my bindings come out great. What I do is I press one end of each strip at an angle. Then I glue baste the strips together and sew them. I fold the long strip in half and press. Sew to the top. When I get around to the end, I open out the end that I pressed, overlap the ends and mark where to cut using the measurement of the original strip as the overlap amount (i usually use 2.5"). Then I refold the end I pressed, tuck the other end into the fold, glue baste, sew the angle and sew the strip to the quilt. Comes out perfect everytime.

That looks like a great method. I've never tried it but I think I will. To date, I've used Sharon Schambers method which can be viewed on YouTube. There are three videos. You can do a search Binding the Angel Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

llong0233, I was getting stuck with that tool also....... I found the best and easiest video tutorial re: binding, so easy.... Try Mccallsquilting.com binding video."Joining the ends" Hope this helps!!!!!

I love this tool, you just have to remember to measure out the 12 inch opening, use the ruler with the print side up so that you can read it and just mark one side below the line, rotate the ruler and cut the order side above the line.

This is the method I was taught to use by a shop owner. It was not the method taught in the "Binding Class". Now anything else seems so clumsy!

Don't give up. I promise once you get it, your bindings will be a piece of cake to do.

The ONLY way that has worked for me is the written tutorial that Holice posted here on the board. And no matter how many times I do it, I have to read the sheet again! You'd think I would catch on at some point, but not yet.

Thank you all so much! I knew I could count on you for ways to go at this that make sense and make a nice, clean, flat binding.

I have taught binding classes and judged quilts for fairs. You might say bindings have been an obsession of mine. This is a Youtube I ran across that gives you excellent steps for creating your binding no gimmicks no tools just good directions and simple steps to watch with repetition. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMsmEtonhoA There are a lot of steps to creating the perfect binding and each step has its own set of tips and skills. Wish we were closer I'd have you over for coffee and we would perfect your binding easy when you have someone to work with.

I DISDAIN that binding tool, I watched the video several times just couldn't 'get it'... I have been using, for quite some time the simple pocket ending demonstrated on the video Bella Boo has posted it comes out beautifully EVERY time!

I learned something neat on a sewing show the other day -- most sewing feet have a notch that marks the 1/4"! This means you don't have to pin, or draw a line 1/4" from where you should turn, just look at your sewing foot.

I used to do the hidden pocket method, but now that I've gotten used to the continuous/lumpless binding, I like the look much better. You literally can't find it without a close search. The other links, to Kaye Wood's and Patrick Lose would be preferable, IMHO. I'm sure you can do it, just keep trying!

I use the one from Fons and Porter, I was like you too, for a LONG time, but it just clicked, keep on trying, you will get it and then you will love to bind :), that is my favorite part of quilting....but just keep on it will all work out.

this is how I also do mine.

Lisa, does it really matter if you have to read the tutorial. I still have to read the instructions too. Still worth it though. It's not like we bind a quilt every day so of course it's going to take longer for us to remember. Besides we girls have to remember so much a little help every now and then is not such a bad thing. Happy Binding.

I have also tried the Binding Tool, and just don't get it.

I found this video several years ago, and it depicts how to sew your binding on, without seeing where it starts and stops.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot7Trk6J2Vw

So, I continue to do it this way. Here are a few pics of how to do it.

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I find this so much easier than trying to use the binding tool. Hope this helps.

A forum member posted instructions several,years ago and I guess it is basically the same as the others. Both ends
must be trimmed and the last end is tucked into the first end and you end up with a very smooth finish. By cutting the angle on both, a lot of bulk is eliminated.

the MQC tool is wonderful------once you "get" it. Just keep working on it. I did a set of 8 placemats and when they were done I finally "got" it''

I feel the same way. I find using that tool makes something pretty easy into a confusing task. There is a tutorial I found by Konda Luckau that I find most helpful: www.moosequilts.com/BindingTutorialWeb.pdf. See if it helps you!

Thanks. I'll watch this for sure as I need a visual. Thanks again.

This is how I do it also. Here is the link (just in case you don't have enough videos. LOL)

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccal...ining_the_Ends

Oh, this one is really good! She makes it so easy. I didn't know McCalls had video tutes; thank you for the link.

I had to laugh at this thread! I go the binding tool, watched both the original and the updated MQC tutorial several times, even took notes! Saw a vendor at a show and studied what she said to do, even took notes on that! And once I actually did it right--think that I just got lucky! Now I use the Fons & Porters method--almost. The key thing is to leave a 1/4" gap between the two ends and then pin/mark the angles. NOW, the binding tool does make a real handy ruler for making a braid quilt--there's a tut on MQC for that too!

I bought both the small and the standard size binding tools (the small one by mistake - cheaper to keep than post it back to the US from Australia). Even at this early stage in my learning I think they'll end up in a cupboard unused. I have come across one or two videos which just make a lot of sense without the complications.

Actually I'm already amassing a small collection of bits and pieces that I don't think I'll use. Guess it's part of the learning process.