I zig zag around the whole quilt edge before sewing on the binding. An overlock stitch works too. This step really helps to have great looking binding. I use the Simplicity binding machine to make non bias folded binding. It's always perfectly straight.

IMHO....if you are getting puckers perhaps you are not holding the binding even, pulling on side more than the other....perhaps pinning more would help.

I have never had a need to zigzag the binding edges together. My binding never puckers. However, I do starch the binding fabric heavily before cutting into strips -- whether doing straight grain binding or bias binding. Bias binding will definitely have more of a tendency to pucker (from stretching while you are handling it), so it is especially important to starch that yardage before cutting. My starching method is to mix a 1:1 solution fo Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, "paint" this onto the yardage until the fabric is saturated, toss in dryer, then iron with steam. This results in a very heavy starch that stabilizes the fabric so it does not stretch while sewing. (I do the same for quilt backings to prevent puckers while machine quilting.)

Try seveal ways on sample sandwiches, making sure to include a corner on each, so you can find what works best for you. I've never had puckers or stretching in a binding or anything else, bias or straight of grain, and I haven't had any starch in the house since maybe 1982. Find what works for you and stick with it until something works better.

Several years ago I ran across this Connecting Threads tutorial on Crossgrain Binding. Crossgrain, meaning you cut straight strips on the width of the fabric.

http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...ideo__D43.html

I have been using this method without a walking foot, zigzagging or starching. The only place I pin is when I have stitched down to a corner and then, I pin it to hold the fold while I reposition the needle. It works for me. I try not to pull/stretch the loose binding as I am sewing down the edge. Guess I should add that I try to carefully fold the binding fabric (almost always 2.5") when I am pressing it in half. Like others have said, practice on small samples (like mug rugs or potholders) until you find a method that works for you, then... perfect it. Happy Quilting.

Forgot to mention, I sew my binding on one side, turn it by pressing and then hand stitch the back side. I admire those who can sew both sides and come out with straight stitching... :D my bindings don't look as good if I stitch the second side. Just a quirk for this quilter, I guess!

I zig zag the quilt edges because it makes it easier for me to get a perfectly straight binding when turning to one side. I don't like bumpy or flat binding. It has to be full, rounded, and even all the way around.

Bella, I am not sure what you mean by flat binding?

That's what I do and I have never had a puckered binding. I just fold and press the binding in half. Someone here once suggested putting the pressed binding on a roller, putting a cord through the roller and tying it to wear around your neck to attach the binding. That has been a real time saver for me because my binding was always getting twisted as I sewed it on. With it on the roll around my neck, I never have a twist in the binding. My roller is made of very heavy cardboard and is about the size of the one that comes in toilet paper. I use a ribbon to tie it around my neck.

No puckers here - I just sew it down without pins, though I may pull on the binding a bit to keep it smooth. I do ZZ the edges of the quilt so nothing escapes on the bottom. For bias binding, I definitely would not want to ZZ it. Extra thread would cut down on the flexibility needed for odd shapes.

I never even iron my binding in half any more before applying it to the quilt and I learned this "non- doing trick" right here and it works great for me. Not bragging but very rarely have trouble.

The idea that was posted on the QB explained that by not ironing the binding in half and just folding the edges together as you sew it to the quilt actually makes it easier to then fold over to the back without having to fight with the pleat made by ironing. The binding just rolls right over the edge of the quilt for hand sewing. It sure saves time and is very easy this way.

I think the idea of zig-zagging the binding is a great idea for everyone with concerns about their binding and can help build confidence. I love to do binding. I always have and I like it even more now.
peace