Binding bags...
 

Came up with this idea about 3 quilts ago. Binding was getting all tangled up as I was sewing it and if I wasn't careful, the binding would get stuck in the wheels of my sewing chair.

So I took one of the plastic grocery bags, taped it to the edge of my sewing table, tossed in the binding. No more tangles. Off the floor so dust bunnies if they come to visit can't attack. Left over binding stays in there so if I want a scrappy binding, I have interesting odds and ends to use.

Just an idea.

The simple solutions are often the best. I'm forever running over my bindings.
Thanks
Annie

Winding is a good idea but takes me to long to wind it...esp for queen quilt

My solution was to make the binding, roll it up on an empty paper towel cardboard, then place the roll on an old stand-up paper towel holder. This sits on the sewing table to the right of my machine. The binding rolls off only when I pull off what I need when sewing on the binding.

I really do need to remember this. i just pile it in my lap or over my shoulder and neck.

Great idea Julie! Im going to do that on this wedding quilt. thanks for the idea.
Sue B

Sounds like some great ideas, I have a rolling cart with drawers under my sewing desk so I just open the top drawer a little and stick the roll of binding in there, it comes out fine and keeps it off the floor and out of my chair wheels.

What a great idea, and so cost effective!!

LOL!! I roll my bindings onto an empty toilet paper roll through which I've inserted a long, narrow strip of fabric and tied it to fit around my neck like a long necklace. It's made SUCH a difference not to be fighting with it all the time!

Jan in VA

I roll the binding, then thread a casino cord (that you attach to your player's club card) through the middle of the roll. Hook the ends together and put around my neck like a necklace. It is right in front of me and unrolls as I need it.

Hm...I can use this for making my 1600 quilt, which in my case is way longer than 1600. Last time both dogs got entangled in the strips it was funny to watch them but my strips ended up a bit "hairy". Good idea.

I use a old plastic easter bucket, think I paid fifty cents for it after Easter from Walmart....also a great place to put my scarps when I am cutting my pieces

JulieNM.....and you put it on the right side too? I cheated I know. LOL
Tartan...great idea.
Cybermom2...amazing. I have over a hundred or so of those wondeful casino leads. Now I know how to get rid of some. I will be adding them into the Gift bags at my retreats with your idea...Thank you. LOL

Such great ideas from everyone....makes my empty tissue box seem lame. LOL. I stuff it in there and put it on my left and off I go.

Thanks Julienm

I use empty tissue boxes as mini trashcans.....one beside my spot on the sofa, one on my sewing table and one on my cutting table...once full I throw away, or if its not 'cold season' will empty and reuse....

I use an empty thread spool (with ribbon thru the hole to go around my neck) and as I press the binding in half I roll it on the spool. No tangled and wrinkled binding. I do this as soon as I finish the top and it allows the binding to "hold" the fold while I'm waiting for the top to be LA'd.

I just let mine fall into an empty wastebasket as I iron it. I leave the end hanging out and start with that when I sew it to the quilt.

Yesterday I used one of my large stainless steel dog bowls. As I ironed the binding it fell into the bowl then I took it to the sewing machine where I placed it on the floor. Worked perfectly, but SuzyQ, my oldest dog, checked it twice to see if it was full of food.

Grat Idea, Love it....thanks

Oh, duh, why didn't I think of that. I especially like the part with the leftovers already in a bag ready for the next scrappy binding! Sometimes the obvious alludes us doesn't it! Thanks for the crafty idea!

What a great idea! Carole in Va

Love your idea, Jan! Now that's creative - I'm going to try that one!

Great idea, thanks for sharing!

I roll my binding on an empty spool .Then take it to my long arm quilter

Hey, don't knock it - I use the empty tissue box, too. Works great! :)

Simple solutions=peace of mind !! Thanks for sharing

I will have to try this the next time I bind a quilt...sounds like a great way to not have binding getting all tangled up...or dragging on the floor. Thanks for sharing!

I use a discarded baby wipes container. But your idea sounds terrific too. Thanks for sharing your idea ~ Pat

I use an empty cube-shaped Kleenex box. I roll the binding and put in in the box. The binding rolls out slowly as I attach it to the quilt. I set the box on the floor to the left of my chair.

I think that idea was suggested by someone on this board. I tried it and love. No more tangles or mess.

I have an old ball winder left over from my knitting days and I just slip a toilet tissue cardboard on the plastic piece where you would normally wind yarn and turn my handle and in no time at all my binding is neatly would on the cardboard. Slip it off, secure the end and it is ready for use. When ready to sew it on, I simply put the "roll" in Scrap--MaBob drink holder, slip the end through the slit and no getting it tangled in my chair, legs, etc.

OK.......stupid here....what is a "Scrap--MaBob drink holder"

I read the one I started using somewhere (maybe here) -- I took an empty tissue box (not Puffs - opening too big) and just put the binding in there and set on the floor next to me. Works great !! But I have to keep the empty box where DH won't see it and throw it out LOL

I just use the drawer on my sewing machine table!

This a great thread! I'm going to have to try to put some of this into practice when I graduate to using a binding going all around with one piece. I still do individual sides. I find it easier to keep a squared quilt if I do it this way. But then I'm a "slow learner, slow doer.":)

all good ideas. thanks for sharing.

I roll my binding up and drop it into a tissue box which I place on the floor in front of the machine. It feeds off nicely and certainly does not get tangled up.

That's what I do too. I like the big boxes with the long opening the best.

All good ideas...

Great idea!!

Nice ideas everyone has. I have been wrapping mine around a flat piece of cardboard like they sell it on. It gets twisted when you take it off though. I will remember these ideas.