I'm thinking it's time for me to learn how to do mitered corners. I have seen the tool to help making them, but there are a few differen't ones and I'm not sure which one would be the best. I don't want to buy more then I'll use because there is plenty of other quilty things I can spend my money on :D

Opinions please.

Thanks Kris

I have one and love it, but in reallity, and ruler that has a 45 degree angle will do the job. I found the instructions in an old quilting magazine. I am not feeling well today but tomorrow I will copy them. If not, I will scan it on Monday and post it.

Maria

There are several good You Tube videos that demonstrate how to do mitered corners, and it's really quite simple after the first one. The tools I've seen appear to be so much more work. I bought one tool to try, but the instructions were confusing and it involved cutting the binding, so I tossed it. I think that would take much more time and dexterity.

I have one also and it is nice, but you really don't need it. There are lots of lessons out there that will teach you to do the corners without having to buy a tool. I think that sometimes we buy these little tools or aids because we can do it the "old" way, just to see if it is easier. Sometimes yes and sometimes no, but I do it anyway.
If you have only been quilting a short time, get the basic things, a couple different sized rulers, a good cutter and mat and spend the extra on the best fabric you can afford. After awhile, you will know if you need any additional tools.
Pam

I agree with buying tools and gadgets that are more work than they are worth, I would look at the videos and give it a try these ways first. Although there are some members on this board that swear by this mitering tool.

Mitering is one of those skills that are easy after you do it once. You used to be able to find a friend, neighbor, mother. grandmother, or aunt who could show you quickly, but most of us don't have Sewing Buddies anymore.

Thank goodness for Youtube, it's not as good as a live human being, but will do in a pinch. Sharon Schamber has a great 3 part demo on Youtube for bindings, which includes mitering.

mitering my binding seemed like a difficult thing to do till I did it a few times, now I wonder what made me so confused and apprehensive!!!

:D Good luck on your journey....to mitter corners....

After watching many experts methods I use this one.
When you reach the 1/4 inch from the corner angle towards the corner and back stitch off the quilt. Dont take quilt out of machine just pull it out far enought to fold the corner over even with the top of quilt then stitch down that side. If neccessary mark the 1/4 in or put in a pin to be sure you are at the 1/4 inch from edge.
The fold should be even with the edge of the top of quilt and even with the folds under the left side of binding.
It really is simple but sure hard to explain.
I like Sewing with Nancy and El Burns methods best.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/21057.page
(Hope I copied that post in right.) Her method makes perfect corners for me every time, no measuring, no special tools. Just start fiddling with your fabric. It was way easier than I thought it would be!