Does this method of preparing binding help avoid puckers???
 

I read in the tutorial on the web address listed below, that after you fold your binding strip in half, that you can zig-zag the raw edges together before attaching the binding to the quilt. By doing this method, you avoid puckers and pleats in your binding . Has anyone tried this method? copycat

http://www.redpepperquilts.com/2009/...-tutorial.html

I don't find that I have puckers in the binding I fold it, iron it carefully and hold it in place while attaching. If you make sure both layers are flat, this doesn't happen. I also put the binding on with the binding foot. This probably helps. for me to zig zag is just another unnecessary step

I starch my binding strips then fold them in half and press dry. Starch pretty much "glues" them together so they dont separate. This is on Sharon Schambers youtube about her gluing method of binding which is all I use.

attaching the binding to the quilt with a walking foot keeps my binding pucker free.

I simply fold and press the binding in half. I've never had a problem with puckers.

same here, I never have a problem

Just be sure to use the walking foot and you won't have puckers.

I've never had a problem with a binding unless doing curves or scallops with bias binding. I do bias binding a little more carefully but never had any puckers with it. I use straight of the grain binding on all straight edge quilts with no problems. If the zig zag edge helps you, then go for it.

IMHO I think it is just a extra step (zig-zag) that I would not care to do. Possibly it would keep one from stretching the fabric to much.

I put my binding on with my walking foot, after I fold and press.

Since the walking foot does not have marks/guides, I have worked out a method, for me, to get the seam allowance that I want by moving my needle and using the edge of the foot.

One method that works for one person may not work for another. Find one that you like and go for it.

I usually do a serpentine stitch instead of zigzag around the edge when I am done quilting. I've done them without and prefer it with, so that's what I generally do. I also starch my binding strips as I am pressing in half and attach with the walking foot. I never have puckers. Try a couple of ways and do what works best for you. :)

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

I also tried her method and found I had good results. I used an empty hair spray bottle and created heavy StaFlo starch mixture to spray on the inside of the binding. It's surprising how well it sticks together. I always use a walking foot.

I used to get puckers all the time until I discovered the walking foot! No problems now.

I don't have any problems with mine either & I don't use a binding foot. I just use my regular old foot. I do make sure the binding is really ironed well, tho. And I take my time.

I put everything on with as little pinning and stitching as I can.I think you will find more puckers if something is stitched and therefore not flexible enough to move where you want it to.

Since I started using a walking foot, putting binding on has been a breeze!

I have tried that method ONE TIME...IMHO sewing those ends together reduced the "give" necessary on binding and actually created puckers. If you have problems with pucker I'm wondering if bias binding would work better for you than straight of grain binding as bias has even more give to it.

I fold and press my binding, and stitch it on with a walking foot. I always machine baste the first 4 or 5 inches so I can do a "trial" fold to the back to make sure the binding JUST covers the stitching line. Then, it's just stitching the rest down. I do put a little tension on the binding when I'm sewing it. I never pin...even the corners! Never had a problem with puckers or pleats!

I don't get puckers in my binding. I also don't press binding in half before attaching had lecture with Marci Baker and she just folds binding in half and sews it to quilt save a step. So I tried it and I like it and when turn to wrong side to hand stitch down it lays great so i save a save time...

I just press mine in half, and sew it on. I don't starch it, I probly would if it was thin or flimsy material. Never had problem with puckering. The only time I had problem with puckering was when I used to use bought binding. Now I always make my own.

I just wrote a thread asking if anyone else did this? I always sew 1/8" in on the edge of my binding before I sew it onto my quilts. It helps it so it doesn't pull apart. I have a bit of trouble with it moving when I am sewing it on. When I sew the binding together, it makes all the difference to me IMO.

I am going to try this. Sounds like a good idea. I don't seem to have problems with binding, but this seems like it would ensure no problems. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much!!!! Never thought of zigzagging --would be a great help for me!!!

I never have zig zagged nor do I ever starch and my bindings seem to be okay. I use the rest of her method though for joining strips and finishing the ends.

i only press my binding before applying. zig-zaging the raw edges seems to be an extra step, in addition adds another layer of thread in the binding.

I use my walking foot to put the binding on and I never get pleats or folds. Works perfect everytime.

I haven't had a problem with puckering either. Don't own a walking foot, but may get one for future use. I fold and press, then sew slowly to ensure everything lines up as I go. I have only bound straight sides, but I do use the cross grain as it has a bit of give.

I love this tutorial! I am a new quilter and have not had a problem with puckering but m going to try this method. Also, I like the idea of not pressing and not fighting with the pressed crease. Thanks for all of the great help!

I say, try several different methods and go with the one that works for you. I use the Sharon Schambers method with glue.

zig zagging quilt for binding
 

I think that this is refering to serge the quilt. I do run a stitch around my quilt before adding the binding because it helps hold everything together and keeps puckers and pleats out of the quilt while putting the binding on the quilt.

thank you for all the great ideas everyone brought up