I see a lot of pictures of machine stitched binding on the board. Am I the only one who prefers hand stitched binding even for the simplest projects?

I love to hand stitch binding

I machine stich to the front, turn and hand stich to the back. I just like the look better.

Nope. I prefer hand-stitching my binding.

I prefer hand stitched too, I tried machine stitching but I love sitting and stitching the binding down, call me crazy ;)

That's just what I do. I like it that way and I like to do hand work.

Oh, I'm so glad to know that I'm not alone. I don't know why, but I find it quite satisfying to put the last stiches into something by hand. I can do it while DH and I watch baseball on TV, or even a movie. Just did one tonight!

I love hand binding quilts and like the look of it. I can't even get the machine sewn ones to look nice and end up ripping them out.

Sorry - machine stitched here. My dear quilting buddy hand stitches hers and seems to like it, but then she'll tell me about the number of hours it took her. I'm a "pedal to the metal" kind of girl and that's just too slow for me.

My time may come, though. I have a quilt at the quilter's now - it's for my mom and I may bite the bullet and do that one the "right" way. Sigh. I'll let you know.

Ditto - I like the handwork and feel more in control.

I like the handwork by the TV with my husband in the evening. If I'm not doing something I fall asleep.

I've done both but like the hand stitching better for the look and the relaxation I get from doing the hand work, forces me to sit!!

Same here :D

i machine bind the binding onto the project on one side and then I hand slip stitch the other side. It may take a bit longer to complete the project but to me it has a much nicer and neater look

I hand sew the binding down; just can't get my corners as neat on the machine as I do by hand.

Jan in VA

me too.. I also love the relaxing part of it.. I find working with a needle and thread in my hand to be very therapeutic.

Hand stitch has a better "hand" but arthritis makes some do machine.

when i first started quilting i found the binding part --- time consuming and difficult-
but as the years have gone by i have become quite fast- can hand stitch the binding on a queen in just a very few hours- (2-3)...so it is the perfect end to a project- usually while watching a game with hubby...it's the best part of every project for me---the last stitches before the washing machine

I also like to do mine by hand.

Agreed. I have tried machine stitching it and I just don't like the look. I much prefer the look of hand stitched and I like doing hand work. I do a lot of stuff by hand including the quilting, applique and of course the binding.

I did once do a bring the backing to the front and machine stitched it down with a decorative stitch and that did look nice but it is not my preference and I would only do it if I was pushed for time.

I handstitch all of my bindings.

I sew it down with my machine to the front and hand stitch it to the back. Does this count as machine or hand stitching it down?

I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" way. Just different ways. If you are happy with the machine way, go for it. I say the same to those who do it by hand.

I do it that way also and love the time spent hand sewing the binding down with the hubby...

Me too. This also gives me a sense of satisfaction at finishing the quilt by hand.

You're crazy!!! :mrgreen: But then, so am I. :-D To me it's the final touch and after I've spent so many hours on a quilt, I wouldn't want to do a rush job at the final hurdle. Plus, it's imperative for a competition piece. :-D

I do both. Hand stitch for final, but at times, when quilt is puffy, prefer to hand stitch both sides together.

Always hand stitch the final side.

Funny everyone has their own way. :0)

Ell

I tried on the machine and couldn't get it all in the stitches so I do it by hand now. Plus its the only time hubby gets to see me lately.

I agree :thumbup:

I too.. stitch the folded part to front by machine..then turn it to the back and hand stitch to the back..I like the look of the hand part and feel relaxed..use it for my down time..while I watch tv or am sitting in a Drs. appointment !!

I do the same as a Gramie bj.

Every quilt I make is very personal to me. Binding is the last thing I do to create it. Hand stitching the binding is almost a religious experience. I love doing it.

I know....I'm weird...

Thats how I do it, too. Handstitching is relaxing when I watch TV.

This is the way I always do it, too. Gives me handwork to do in the evening which I always like to do.

same here

I have done both, but I think the hand stitching just looks better.

Love hand stiching the binding down. :)

Same here.

I luv handstiching too..

I love love love hand stitched binding. :) I just love doing it - it's hypnotic and so relaxing.