How wide do you make your strips for binding for your potholders?

I haven't made any yet...but I think I'd do what I normally do for binding - 2.5"...

I use a bias tape maker for those. Cut the strips 2 1/4 and put thru the maker and that's it. Works well for me so far.

i like mine a bit narrower than on my quilts, i cut my strips 1 3/4" and sew it on one side with a scant 1/4" then bring it over. gives you about 3/8" on each side.

so you like the bias tape maker?

You definitely need to cut on the bias. You can actully use the prefolded wide bias tape from Wrights.

I hate binding small objects, so I use a "faux binding" technique that is actually a variation on the "birthing" method. They look like they have traditional binding, but it's much faster.

RST

OK, you're going to have to tell us about this one...'birthing' method? this is a first for me! Do tell!
Kind Regards,
MaryAnna

I recently made a tea cozy and used a 1/2" bias tape maker. I thought it was too small, but I made it work. Next time I will cut the strips larger. 1 3/4" sounds great! Probably won't buy another bias tape maker. I found a tute on a bias tape maker "cheat"...I'll look for it and post it

You only need to use bias if its a round potholder. I love my bias tape maker !! It is one of my favorite tools, and 99 percent of what is made with the bias tape maker is fabric cut with the grain not bias.

MaryAnna-

So, this is what I do -- I construct the piecing of the front of the potholder as usual. Then I place it right side up on top of my layers of batting (I use 1 layer of insulbright and one layer of warm and natural, both cut a generous inch larger than the pieced top on all sides). I then use 3/4 or 1 inch strips of farbic as my faux binding to match the backing or as an accent, and I place the right sides of the binding strip facing the pieced top. I stitch those on (layers = binding strip, pieced top, batting). I sew binding strips to all sides, then square up with rotary cutter. I cut backing exactly the same size as my squared up hotpad, and sew top and backing together, right sides facing, leaving 2 or 3 inches open in the middle of one side for turning. Clip corners, turn, fuss with edges to make them smooth and nice, and then whip stitch the opening closed. Voila -- pot holder in less time, with nice neat edges, and minimal hand stitching.

Oh -- and the "birthing" aspect -- that's the turning it right side out and having the whole project come out of a small opening and then get stitched up. I think quilting ladies use the term to squick out men who might be tempted to eavesdrop on their chitchat.

I cut 2 1/4 " for square potholders and on the bias for round ones. Thanks to my LQS teacher!!

I cut 2 1/4 " for square potholders and on the bias for round ones. Thanks to my LQS teacher!!

Is it possible you could do a tut on this. I supposed it is clear when you have the pieces in front of you. But I can't visualize it. Please :oops:

Q A -- I stink at tutorials, but I will give it a try. It may not be til next week. But I promise you, it's a nice technique, and has saved me so much time.

RST

RST - Thanks for the explanation! That sounds like something I might try. I usually fold the backing over the front for potholders (less fussy than making & applying a binding), but your method would work better when the backing won't really look good with the front fabrics.

I make mine the same as I do for my quilts, 2 3/4 inches.
I stitch them on the top side, hand stitch on the back and then top stitch them on the top.

Looking forward to seeing the tutorial on this one. I am another one of those who has to see it done...I hate reading directions.. has been my downfall in the kitchen....LOL