Binding question
 

I was just wondering why people use the binding clips. Why not just fold it over as you sew? Am I doing it wrong?

No you are not doing it wrong. Some quilters like to hold the binding in place with the clips as they hand sew.
I don't. they just get in my way.

I use them for machine binding for two reasons. One because for some reason all the jostling of the quilt can move the binding just slightly so that as I got further down on sewing the binding, it would be off a little and then I would have the front or back stretched more than the other side of the binding. Now, I put the clips on after making sure it is straight, then use Elmers school glue along the edge and iron it down. I only need a few clips when actually taking it to the machine. I will say it is downright perfect every time when I do this. I use 2 1/2 - 3" bias binding strips, no smaller. So stretching may not be a problem if they were smaller. I don't know. The binding clips have line measurements on them so the binding is the exact width all around the quilt. It is quick to keep measuring this way to make sure it isn't 'off'. This is also why I use them.

I don't use them either. Sometimes I'll use washable glue, but most of the time I fold the binding over as I go. I use one or two of those bendable hair clips, which I get at the dollar store. Some people like those binding clips, but to me it's an unnecessary expense.

If you don't use something like clips, pins, or glue it is too easy to stretch the binding and have 'lumps' in the finished product. this is especially true if you do a bias binding. It might not matter as much on smaller quilted items.

ali

Yep, me, too. And I don't pin or clip all of the binding on when I machine sew the front on either, just lay it on as I sew. Never had a wrinkle or bulge that way.

ditto. but I can see how they are handy in various situations when you don't want to pin.

I use them before sewing to roughly check that I'm not going to end up with a binding join right on my corner - which I hate!

WHen I don't use the clips I have to tug the binding in place for every bit. When I use the clips the binding lays nice and flat where I need to sew.

What a great idea!!!! It seems no matter what I do, i wind up with a join on the corner. Then I have to stop, make a join further down so I can move the seam. I can't get the corner to lay flat if there's a seam there.

I have often wondered the same thing. I press and starch my binding when I fold it in half. This is what works for me.

I like to use clips to keep the binding straight. I also like to clip my quilt and let it sit for a least a couple of hours; then as I'm sewing and removing the clips the binding stays in place.

Sometimes I think what we do in preparation goes back to what we were taught either in Home Ec or by family. When I first was taught to sew I was told to always pin and sometimes baste seams. Now I couldn't imagine sewing without pinning (even the simplest seam) and would baste if I thought the seam would shift or be a bit tricky.

I don't use clips, I would rather use the money on something else. I've never had a problem with the "turn as you sew" method.

I use the clips but they are placed far ahead of where I am sewing (min 5" from my needle), otherwise they get in the way. By using the clips far away - I can eyeball the binding to make sure it is staying straight, keeps the area I'm working on straight and even, and keeps my hands free from having to hold the binding down while I work.

I think it is easier and faster if I use the clips to hold ahead of me, turns out nicer. Whatever works for you is the perfect way.

same here-always works.I am too cheap,lol

I start my binding down the side. I never seem to get a join on the corner. A teacher told me to leave 7 or 8 inches loose down the side and start sewing. When I get close to the loose part to stop and measure and sew them together. I works.