Machine binding
 

Hi, Does anyone have a way to attach machine binding so it looks nice on both sides of quilt. Would like to use this on a baby quilt. Mine always looks messy on one side. Thanks, Lorraine

There are so many tutorials it is hard to choose one that fits best without trying a few. I especially like videos or plenty of pictures. Several seem to prefer using a decorative stitch to allow a little less precision with nice results on both sides. Maybe one of these would work?:
http://blog.ilovefabric.com/2012/03/...-bind-a-quilt/

I think machine binding is something that requires practice. I haven't practiced, so mine didn't look good the one time I tried it.

I have successfully used the flange binding method, I don't know how to post the link, but if you google it, it will come up.

Flange binding is also called magic binding. It's easy and always looks really good.

I always do machine binding, I hate hand sewing. I sew the binding to the back of the quilt first. Then I pull it to the front and use a zipper foot to sew it down. I sew it slow without using pins or clips, just holding a few inches at a time in place. It doesn't take long and always looks pretty good.

Cari

I also use the flange method a lot and I make sure to use matching thread color so any slight mismatches won't show too much. After I sew the binding on the backside and pull the flanged part to the front, I pin along the flange. Before I sew down the flange, I check the back and make sure that the pins are in the background fabric.

I'm with you ...
I don't particularly care for machine binding, for the same reason as you have already mentioned.

The Flange Binding method does look good when completed, but likewise, you do end up with a row of stitching on the back side. A good match of the thread colour to the backing fabric colour as well as potentially using a finer thread could help with the camouflage.

However .... there is no reason why you could not do a regular hand finished binding on a baby quilt, if that is your preferred method.

I only machine bind now. most of my quilts are donated for kids. I think it is more secure and will hold up to washings much better. Machine binding also allows me to make more quilts and faster. I am sure the kids don't check to see how perfect it is.

Thanks to all of you! I am going to try the flange method. I've watched some YouTube video's.

I'm not very good at machine binding, but have used it on some baby quilts and choose to use a decorative stitch on the front so that it doesn't look so messy.

I sew the binding onto the front, next, I fold it to the back side, press and secure with elmer's school glue so that the edge covers the top binding seam, next press the binding to make sure the glue sticks well. Then I turn back to the top of the quilt and stitch in the ditch. I go slow and keep checking to make sure I catching the back binding I usually use clear thread on top and thread that matches the binding in the bobbin. Here is a tutorial and it has worked well for me. Instead of glue she used clips. https://beechtreelanehandmade.com/20...nding-tutorial

I am going to try this method on the quilt I'm working on right now. You might like it. https://awomanaday.com/2013/01/17/ha...nding-edition/

I use this method. It has several steps to it but looks wonderful when done.
http://www.quilterstouch.com/store/p...e_Binding.html

Lorraine,, here is a better you-tube tutorial. She doesn't do as many steps as I do, but it's still the same thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC41HRssHsc

Yes there is, if you have arthritis in you fingers as I do and can't hold a needle to hand sew.

jeanharville and twhvlr, I am going to look into the videos and tutorials you mentioned. I have my own method but am always looking for a better way. I don't hand sew because of carpal tunnel.

Totally understand your reasons, and of course, machine binding is the way to go. Nothing wrong with that.

... the OP never referenced any physical reason for not-wanting to do hand-finished binding.
With her being not happy with the machine binding, it appeared that she may be still wanting to do the hand-finished, and perhaps, just needed the encouragement that it was OK on a baby quilt.

When I want to machine bind both sides I use a couple of tools that Martelli makes. You sew binding on front first, using their Foot which has a fence you set for your seam width. Then you flip the binding over to the back and pin it so it covers the stitch line you made when putting it on the front (I use wonder clips since I think they work better than pins or the Zip clips that comes with the Martelli binding tools. Then you attach the Martelli binding tool to your quilt and binding---you hold it in your hand while you stitch and it holds the binding at exactly the right place so you can stitch in the ditch from the front and catch the binding on the back. Once you've got the binding tool set, you adjust the fence on the foot to help keep your stitches in the ditch.

There is a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it really speeds things up and also produces machine stitched bindings that look good. I use this system for all my quilts now, unless they are going to be entered in quilt competitions.

Rob

Gee, Rob makes it sound so easy...I'll have to checkout the Martelli tools. I've done a couple on kids quilts and I agree, it takes a little practice.

Check the Martelli binding system. Looks great.

A good decorative stitch will work....make sure you test first to see what the back looks like. I believe Bernina has a flat fell foot that is supposed to help a lot with machine binding. I have been meaning to call the dealer to order, and try it out.

Machine binding sometimes gets a bad rap, but I believe it is a very secure method of binding. And I no longer want to take five days to bind a quilt by hand, versus an hour or so to do by machine. I just want a secure binding that will hold up in multiple washings, and still look presentable. Small goals?

I've used the flange binding and been very happy with it. But if the quilt has star points at the edge (no border) the flange will slightly cover them

I sew all of my bindings by machine. I sew it to the back of the quilt first and then turn it over to the front, then top stitch it down; using either a straight stitch or one of the decorative stitches.
Sharon in Texas

This is the method I use & it has come out looking nice every time. I also purchased the foot but have not tried doing it that way yet.