machine sewed bindings--front or back?
#11
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 36
I like to sew binding to the back first, then sew the top with a decorative stitch that goes to both the right and left of the center line. The best decorative stitch for this is the type that does *not* include a stitch down the center. My old Bernina 1230 has a feather stitch, but it includes that stitch down the center. I am actually thinking of buying an inexpensive Brother from Walmart to be able to do a feather stitch that does not have the stitch down the center. Without that center stitch, you do not have to worry about getting a straight line exactly matched up with the binding edges on both front and back; both sides will look fine because nothing will be "off".
#12
When I sew binding on by machine, I first sew it onto the back, flip it over to the front so my final stitching line next to the fold will be on the front where it looks the best. I do the reverse then I do the final sew down by hand---sew first to the front, flip over and sew fold line down on the back.
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
asheryl, I find it helps to glue baste the binding in place before sewing. Best method I have found is, after sewing binding to back, iron the binding to secure the fold from the stitching line. Turn to front, and use small dots of Elmer's white washable school glue (and my iron) to match up the binding fold to the stitching line that shows on the front. This makes sewing the decorative stitch much easier because I do not need to be wrestling the binding. A decorative stitch sews out more slowly and uses more thread than a straight stitch, but doing it this way makes that last binding step relatively relaxing and quite gratifying.
If you can't find a feather stitch, look for another decorative stitch that doesn't have the straight line in the center. Unfortunately, my Bernina does not have any kind of stitch like that. Many of the newer machines (my machine is about 20 years old) do have that kind of stitch. Hence, my lust for the Brother.
If you can't find a feather stitch, look for another decorative stitch that doesn't have the straight line in the center. Unfortunately, my Bernina does not have any kind of stitch like that. Many of the newer machines (my machine is about 20 years old) do have that kind of stitch. Hence, my lust for the Brother.
#15
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,688
Thanks for the great replies. :-) What I need to perfect if I sew to the back and pull to the front are mitered corners. When I sew on top and hand stitch, my corners on top look amazing every single time, but the ones on the back don't always miter so nicely. I do every single step I've seen in every video--but still most don't miter. Since they've always been on the back, I've accepted them as is for years, but if they are on the front, I need to adjust. A quilter on fb said I need to "jiggle" them to a miter. lol I just finished five bindings today--so next project I'll try this jiggle. :-) This is how mine come out... I'm going to add some hand stitches to every corner because I like them secured to the point.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]555966[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]555967[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]555966[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]555967[/ATTACH]
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 1,040
I do it this way also. Seems to work perfect for me.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,092
asheryl, I find it helps to glue baste the binding in place before sewing. Best method I have found is, after sewing binding to back, iron the binding to secure the fold from the stitching line. Turn to front, and use small dots of Elmer's white washable school glue (and my iron) to match up the binding fold to the stitching line that shows on the front. This makes sewing the decorative stitch much easier because I do not need to be wrestling the binding. A decorative stitch sews out more slowly and uses more thread than a straight stitch, but doing it this way makes that last binding step relatively relaxing and quite gratifying.
If you can't find a feather stitch, look for another decorative stitch that doesn't have the straight line in the center. Unfortunately, my Bernina does not have any kind of stitch like that. Many of the newer machines (my machine is about 20 years old) do have that kind of stitch. Hence, my lust for the Brother.
If you can't find a feather stitch, look for another decorative stitch that doesn't have the straight line in the center. Unfortunately, my Bernina does not have any kind of stitch like that. Many of the newer machines (my machine is about 20 years old) do have that kind of stitch. Hence, my lust for the Brother.
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,406
I sew back first and then top stitch the binding down on the top.
I do press/iron the seam line on the back and then press the binding flat. I DO use bias binding and I DO baste the edges together before sewing it to the quilt sandwich. I DO NOT press the binding in half before sewing it to the quilt.
I use a wider binding that many people do. I think I cut it at 2-7/8 inches. Then I use the leftmost setting on my machine when I do the first stitching of the binding.
I also hand-stitch the miters (front and back) when I'm done sewing the binding to the front.
It also lessens the bulk if I turn the fold "towards the left" on one side and "towards the right" on the other side.
I do press/iron the seam line on the back and then press the binding flat. I DO use bias binding and I DO baste the edges together before sewing it to the quilt sandwich. I DO NOT press the binding in half before sewing it to the quilt.
I use a wider binding that many people do. I think I cut it at 2-7/8 inches. Then I use the leftmost setting on my machine when I do the first stitching of the binding.
I also hand-stitch the miters (front and back) when I'm done sewing the binding to the front.
It also lessens the bulk if I turn the fold "towards the left" on one side and "towards the right" on the other side.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
I attach to the back, fold to the front, then machine sew down with a bobbin thread that matches the backing. Sometimes I will use a more decorative stitch like a shallow, narrow serpentine.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
irma tapia
Main
77
03-26-2011 11:24 AM
quiltswithdogs
Main
12
08-20-2009 04:27 AM