Binding "AHA!" moment
 

Maybe some of you have used this technique before when you are stitching binding to a project, but for me, this was my "aha!" moment for today. When I was getting ready to start binding my table runner, I remembered one of the suggestions for using an empty toilet paper roll to hold the binding. When I didn't have one, I saw that I did have an empty thread spool from a larger Coats and Clark spool of thread. The flat center measures exactly 1'5" wide and held my rolled binding perfectly. I put the spool on the spindle of my battery-operated bobbin winder to hold it upright and set it on the right side of the machine. The spool with the binding stayed in place, unrolled smoothly without twisting and the binding strip was easy to line up on my runner without any pulling or tangling.

On the tips section of Fons and Porter Love of Quilting episode, someone installed a toilet paper holder under the edge of her sewing table to hold binding. 😄

I always end up sitting on the end of my binding . I need to use this tip instead of throwing it in my lap.

I also use a toilet paper roll and when my binding is all rolled up, I place a thread cone net over the roll so it doesn’t come unraveled. I can let a little out at a time as needed.

i also use a toilet paper for mine

Jmoore, a thread cone net! Brilliant idea. I've used a tp roll placed on my thread cone stand next to my machine but it always ends up puddling off on the bottom. Gonna try the thread net next time.

I just puddle my binding strip on the floor. Glad this works for you, though.

Great suggestions!! I usually end up using a small trash can that I put between my feet. I used to just let it fall on the floor but always ran over it with the chair wheels.

I just throw the binding over my shoulder and sew it down. I don't sit square to my machine. I've always sat at a slight angle. I'll have to look into this method!

I have a small cabinet at right angles to my sewing machine, I open the top drawer and lay the binding on top and that works fine.

I never thought to use a toilet paper roll for the binding. Mine is all over the room depending on the size of the quilt. This is amazing. Something I may start using very soon.

I puddle mine in a clean coffee mug. It works perfectly for me. It's heavy enough not to turn over and I can move it if I need to.

I just let it roam around on the floor!

So many useful ideas for handling binding! Thank you all!

I find this works best for me. I don't make wall hangings or table runners etc.

Personally I don't see what the fuss is about having something to roll our binding strips on. When I make binding I will roll it up on itself (think coil not ball) and set in my lap. Bit by bit I unroll it and sew. It's never been a problem for me.

This is what I do too. And at some point I either step on it or roll my chair over it.

I may have to try rolling it up. Good idea!

This is me too! Lol, you'd think I'd figure it out...or remember.

Any chance someone can post pictures of this hack?

I roll mine up onto an empty spool and then put the spool on an extra spool pin on my machine. I have a Singer 401a, so there is one at the base of the machine. I once used an old tissue box to make keep it rolled up and pulled it through the tissue box opening, much like a desk top tape dispenser. It worked pretty well too. Next time I do binding I'll take a pic. I don't like the puddling because I inevitably roll over it with my chair or it gets tangled.

Oh...my....god. When I was re-binding my nine-patch last month, it was a nightmare because the fiancé was gone for the weekend and it never failed, I would roll over my binding or Poe or Butters would end up with it wrapped around their feet and walk around the room. I found my binding clear in the kitchen once and never knew that they took off with that much!

Putting it on a toilet paper roll is absolutely brilliant! This is why I love this board so much, I've found more great tips and tricks on here than anywhere else on the Internet!