The Blind Hemmer
 

I got an email from Nancy's Notions about The Blind Hemmer machine. I says it can do quilt bindings easily. Does anyone know anything about this or have ever used one to bind a quilt? Very intriguing since that is my least favorite part of quilting.

What is the brand & model? The blind hemmers I've seen would not handle the thickness of a quilt sandwich, but I haven't used one in years.

This did not have any brand name. Just called a blind hemmer. Here's description
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...lind+hemmer.do

I doubt that anything can sew the bulk accurately. I saw a demo of something similar in the early 90s. Wasn't impressed. But Nancy's Notions has a good reputation of refunding your money if not satisfied.

I spent time yesterday researching blind hemmers after seeing the Nancy's Notions email. Huge price range and if you plan to do drapes, a portable model is not recommended. The commercial name is Reliable 700SB and Amazon carries it for the same price. I found the 700SB at a couple of sewing & vac stores but the kicker is a 20% restocking fee for returns while Nancy's takes anything back with no questions or fees. There are videos on YouTube on threading, oiling and needle replacement but I didn't find anything on blind stitching quilt bindings.

The major complaints about blind hemmers are there are no markings for tension and the threading path is a bit different from sewing machines as there is a small pin that must be used which most beginners miss. There is no bobbin thread and the stitch produced is a chain that can be easily pulled out if you tug on it. There is a mechanism under the feet dogs that push the fabric up as the curved needle takes a bite of the fabric.

Hopefully someone with a blind hemmer will chime in as I'm not fond of stitching on bindings.

Marilyn
Sequim, WA

Seems a bit expensive to me for a feature/stitch that is already on most sewing machines, although I am not sure how they will use the blind hemming stitch for bindings.

Here's the response from Nancy's Notions when I asked about a video so that I can understand how the blind hemmer does quilt binding. I can't capture the image that was in the email but if you go to the webpage on Nancy's Notions for the blind hemmer, the picture is there.
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Thank you for your email.



Our staff is planning for a video. But it may be a while before it can be completed for viewing. Below, I have an image that is included on our Blind Hemmer webpage of a sample of quilt binding done with the blind hemmer. Our sample doesn’t include the corners. On the blind hemmer machine, the needle comes in from the left side. So, for the mitered corner, as long as it is folded, you would only catch the edge of the long part of the binding, not of the miter itself. Also, you are only catching the backing and maybe some of the batting, but you aren’t catching to quilt top.

NO NO NO ...this machine will never work to sew on binding...I have one...an identical model with a different name...and use it for mainly for drapery panels....have had it for years ..it would not fit the thick quilt under the needle...in my opinion wouldn't be strong enough for binding even if it worked...but trust me, it won't ...

Look at the Martelli binding system -- much lighter and much less $$. It is a set of feet and the doohickey that mounts on the DSM. You feed your fabric strip in it, it folds the strip into binding and wraps it around the edge of the quilt and stitches both sides down at the same time. A video is included which shows how to mount and use it, including turning corners. I bought one several years ago and plan to permanently mount it on one of my FWs, but haven't done it yet. I can't use it on my Berninas, because it needs an adaptor.

Not in my budget at all.