binding foot?
 

I've been seeing a lot of posts about binding feet on Facebook. Well, it's probably seeing what I look at and giving me the ads but still there are a variety.

Has anyone bought one of the special binding feet-the ones that allow the binding and quilt to be sewn at top and back and the same time?

Like this one:

https://ilovequiltingforever.com/pro...lt+Patterns%29

if it's wrong to post a link, let me know and I'll remove it.

Looking at it.....states "bias binding", and states max width of binding is 1".......looking at an illustration of the binding, it looks like the binding is folded as the kind purchased, not a French fold as quilt binding...jmho

Do they make one that is more for real quilting binding? Not adding bias tape to something. I've been looking but would also like other's advice.
thanks

I have seen the advertisements for this foot but after reading the notes I'm not sure how well it would work for quilting so have not made the leap to purchase one. Guess I'm waiting until someone else tries it first!

"*Note: This binding foot works best for sewing projects with 1-2 layers of lightweight or medium-weight cotton fabric. It can be used for binding thin quilts with low-loft battings which are flatter and thinner (and NOT with battings with high loft, which are thick and fluffy). Because you DO need to feed the whole quilt sandwich into the slot of your binding foot..."

I bought one about 10 years ago. I found it very frustrating.

How would it work when you get to a corner?

I bought some of these a few years ago but did nothing with them till last week. You can adjust the width of binding up to 1", but you do need to use the bias binding with both edges folded over - the gadget won't do that for you. I had issues with the metal part in front of the needle pushing the top binding aside and only stitching the bottom on - then realized that metal bit was bent down, not flat. (It may be good for sewing stitch-in-the-ditch if binding is attached to the front first. Just a thought)
Have since found the others but haven't tried them out - they don't have that bent part either, so I don't expect any problems. The corners might take a bit of manouvering though.

Most of the binding feet are designed for adding bias binding to clothing; they are really not designed to handle quilts. Bernina used to have one for my machine (the 1240) that was supposed to be for quilts, but they discontinued it -- I think because it didn't work very well. Even when used for clothing -- say, to add bias binding to the neck and armholes of a child's dress -- the binding foot requires some practice to acquire a certain level of expertise using it.

Several of my machines have a regular binding foot - mot quite like the one shown. I have never used them for anything. Dure wouldn't work for my quilts, I mainly use high loft poly batting. I wouldn't trust it sewing both sides at once, I would be afraid it wouldn't stitch all the layers together. i have bought clothing before that came of because it wasn't securely attached.

I bought that one and tried it on a pot holder. I could not get the thickness to fit in the foot. It is not worth it for quilts but works great for clothing.

I have two old Singer machines, a featherweight and a 401A. Both have binding feet in the attachment box and were to be used with bias binding of standard (purchased) binding. I can't see how the 'new' ones can be used for quilting because of the thickness of the quilts vary.I do prefer bias binding on quilts and I use the French fold binding I cut mysel.

Original attachments can be found in every OLD/ANTIQUE sewing machine box. Back then the ladies used it to put the bias trim on aprons, to cover fabric edges which gave a 'fancy' look.

As for using to bind a quilt, just how does one deal with a corner. Must the quilt be completely removed and then fold over the raw edge and then start again, doing the same for each side of the quilt. Am not seeing that look would be as nice as how I do my corners, sewing on the back or front and then turning to the other side to stitch down.

Do a test on a 12" square sandwich, only sewing it on each side to find out how you might do the corner and see if you like the look at every corner. You can not turn a corner like using your machine foot alone.

Re: binding foot
 

Because I have been researching this same subject I thought I would comment. Both Bernina and Janome have come out with special binding feet recently, which got me interested. And they must be special at almost $300 MSRP. But I started doing research on binders because I thought it would be helpful in finishing charity quilts and things like placemats and pot holders. Yes they are only single layer fabric. Some of the ladies at my guild use single layer bindings all the time so that shouldn't be an issue. You could possibly use two layers of fabric before folding it to make it double. Clover makes bias binding folders to help with that process.

After doing a lot of searching I found one option that looks like it would work for quilts. There may be others, so I am not trying to sell something here. If you google: "Sailrite binders" you will find a site that sells binders for sails etc. they aren't adjustable so you need to buy the size that you will use most or buy more than one. I have asked them several questions regarding the use of these binders on domestic machines. They will work on any machine that has the two screw holes on the bed as shown in the video. Nearly all older machines have those mounting holes. My Juki TL98e has them for example. Don't know about new machines. I am considering purchasing one and putting it on one machine and leaving it there for that purpose. I know my old singer collection would love the job. These binders cost about $69 I believe.

If you get a chance to go look I would love to see other's opinions of this attachment.

If you go online to look at the Bernina binder the video shows how they do corners. I think you could do those with this binder with practice or you could just round the corners and sew continuous.

Barb in Kansas

I have this foot, does not work well for quilt binding..I used it to bind bibs. Marge

I watched the video! Cool idea! C'mon machine makers, surely you could adapt the design to make a foot like this for domestic machines and quilts! Thanks for the link, Barb.

I asked in the comment section of one of the fb ads. They answered almost immediately with a video. In it, the sewist approaches the corner, removes the project from machine, then fiddles it back in after top stitching just the corner. Then they show the same thing, but the sewist removes the foot after top stiching corner, reinserts binding, then puts foot back in machine. Definitely a fiddly process...as these feet are best used for items with rounded corners...placemats, aprons, potholders etc.

I purchased one ,and it is for bias tape,and will only go 1" wide. Great for all those potholders I make for the family.

I purchased the Martelli Quilt Zip Bind System Kit & Stitch-N-Ditch Kit. It takes a little to get use to, but I won't do another quilt without it. It comes out perfect.

I purchased the Martelli Quilt Zip Bind System Kit & Stitch-N-Ditch Kit.  it works great!

I saw videos of a Bernina Felling foot. That seemed to work well, but it is only for Berninas. I have a Janome 8900 and have used the Janome binding system and it's not bad. I have also tried using the Stitch in the Ditch foot, but it only works so-so. I may trying using the Accufeed version next time.