Should I buy a binding ruler?
 

Ok so I have been debating for a while know whether or not to buy a binding ruler and bias tape maker? The reason for this is because I hate to bind my quilts and would pay for one of you to bind it if you lived close enough. I just don't know which one to buy or were to start with this?

I bind my quilts by folding the backing to the front. I like how it looks and it's super easy and (I think...) fun. I like the challenge of picking a backing fabric that will also be a super border.

Here's the tute I used when I first started. Now I've memorized the instructions.

http://www.prettyprudent.com/2011/11...nding-a-quilt/

By binding ruler, do you mean to cut the binding itself or to join the binding when you're putting it on the quilt? I don't have a ruler for either one. For joining, I just trim the overlap to the width of the binding minus 1/8" (before I did that it would be a bit loose, but I use bias binding so it may vary with WOF binding) and sew it on the diagonal. Like this: https://completelyblocked.wordpress....-binding-ends/

oh, thanks... i thought i was doing something wrong because mine are always loose... i'll have to try this.

I had both and never really used either.

I cut mine the width of the binding but I like to see a little left over at the ends so I can see a little V to start my needle in so I lap the ends about 1/8 in. They usually perfect.

Could never find a tute for this. Love it sew easy.

Gale thank you for posting the tutorial. I tried to remember how to do that the other night and couldn't so I ended up just over lapping my ends. Not very tidy in comparison.
I always drag my feet on binding a quilt too. It's not nearly as much fun as picking out fabric ;-) .

thank you sew much for the link - I really like easy ways to do things and I am just starting quilting so this is great.

http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccal...ining_the_Ends no don`t buy a ruler I use this link everytime works great but I don`t do bias
Gale

Is this the tool/ruler you are talking about?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex2PajesRvU

Isn't it interesting to see so many ways of joining the binding. This is the method that I use. http://www.mccallsquilting.com/mccal...ining_the_Ends

The only way you can know if these tools will help make the stress binding easier on you is to use them. Do you know anyone who uses them that can help you or a guild that may be near you. Try your LQS and talk to them about what you think your difficulty is and if the tools would help and a good shop will even demonstrate the tools for you. It will help you decide. In the end it is not a big expense to try them and you might find you like them.
peace

Someone at the quilt club where I work recently demoed the Fons and Porter binding ruler. It looked so easy to do the final connection that I went and bought one. It's great. So easy to get the last connection on the binding right! https://www.shopfonsandporter.com/pr...ic-and-notions

Ube quilting said it...the only way you can know......is to use them. I have both, and have never used the bias tape maker, and only use the ruler to cut the width of my binding. I fiddled too many times with the angle and folding and cutting....just couldn't figure it out. Going back now and watch all the tutes and videos listed!

Personally , I like the binding ruler but would not buy the bias tape maker.

I don't know if anyone has posted anything about MSQC but Jenny teaches how to do a really easy binding finish which is the one most are referring to (just in case your a visual learner).

I bought the a binding ruler when I first started gathering supplies. I have yet to use it. I am happy using my 24 inch ruler to cut the appropriate widths.

Cheers, K

Bias tape maker no...that's too easy for me to make without buying something. I did purchase a handy dandy little tool though for binding and I really like it. It's "The Binding Tool" from TQM Products the Missouri Star Quilt Company has a video up on how to use it properly. Was a good buy for me since every time I tried to join my binding it looked awful.

the bias tape makes the binding single layer ......i cut a 2 1/2 in strip and iron it in half then the binding is doubled....

Yes that is the ruler I was talking about.

I am a visual learner and think you so much I certainly did not want to waste my money on something that I may or may not need. I just want my quilts to look good if I'm going to sell them I don't want them to see my ugly binding.

I don't use a ruler... just cut 2 1/2 inch strips but I like and use the Binding Angel method that has been posted here on the board many times by Sharon Schamber. You can find it on youtube. I tried to copy and paste but it didn't copy to my reply.

I use the folded method, stitch and then ladder stitch the back, but I did get those bias tape holder thingies to make the ironing easier for when I'm doing other sewing projects that need a single layer bias binding. The ruler wouldn't be on my list of things to buy.

I love binding....so meditative....one of my favourite things to do.

This is how I do it too. Learned this method during a "quilt show prep" workshop at my old guild. It works great. I bought a "binding" ruler and have used it a few times, but prefer my regular 6x24 ruler, and just cut my bias strips to 2 1/4 inches.

I'm a novice quilter but have been at it for quite awhile. I keep it simple though. I saw a NZ video on binding and I was sold on her method. The challenge for me is connecting the ends-I do ok until then cutting strips. She makes a little pocket at one end and shoves the other end in. Cutting on an angle reduces bulk. No muss no fuss no crazy estimating fabric intersections.

I have a binding ruler my mom bought and gave me cause she thought it would be a nice addition to my collection. I use it often but haven't used it for binding...yet. :-)

I have and use the Fons and Porter binding tool from JoAnn's. I love it! Simple to use and perfect fit every time. Comes with clear instructions.

I found the NZ video. It's only a few minutes long on her website. http://www.nancysnotions.com/categor...g+technique.do
She's my hero :).

I cut bias binding the easy way.
Bias binding is easier to sew, it wears better and print fabric looks great on bias: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO7iTP1MSsY

I join the ends this way. I trim the tucked in end to be narrow, to make it a perfect fit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWh9...=TLQWyAp5EWwcU

I have the Simplicity Bias tape machine it works great to fold and press the binding in one step.

I have the long binding ruler with the 45 mitered end. I use the 2 1/2" wide binding ruler to accurately cut bias binding. After you have done the joins a few times, they become much easier. I don't know if I would have used that cute little square looking one more than two or three times. It probably would save me 5 minutes, but I'm okay with that extra 5 minutes of time matching the ends up. I am going to try the method of measuring based on the binding width. I think that will save me the 5 minutes.

Be advised that a binding is twice as strong as the 'folding the back over to the front, because it is doubled. The edges of the quilt gets lots of wear.

If you are folding the backing over, try folding it under and then wrapping it, so you have the same double thickness as a quilt binding.

I even took a binding class, where we were shown multiple ways to put binding onto a quilt and finish those ends. This method made the most sense to me and it's the only one I use. When pressing your 2.5" binding in half, at the beginning, fold it at a 45 degree angle and trim. Sew binding to quilt. When you are getting close to the end, measure how much you need, again cut this end in a 45 degree angle, trim, tuck this end into the angel from the beginning, finish sewing. Easy-peasy!!.

Go down the page for the "tucked" version. Gives you an idea. http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...ine__D101.html

Another tutorial. http://mollyflanders.blogspot.com/20...ngoohlala.html

And another, with so many visuals, hopefully this will help! Page 4, http://theartquiltassociation.com/ho...ng-Methods.pdf

Thank you so much for the tute - will struggle with bindings no more!

Me too! I thought I was the only one! Lol!

I always had problems with getting the binding to 'match' at the end. I bought the Binding Tool that Jenny Doan at MSQ demonstrates and have NEVER been able to understand how it works even though I've watched the video multiple times. I know that there are several threads on Google with other people having issues with the binding tool, so that gives me some people in the same boat I find myself in. :0)

'The Binding Tool' is not a total loss as I've used it several times for the MSQ Friendship braid when I'm down to the wire to make a quick quilt. Here's wonderful Jenny's tutorial on this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpHAp_pyVXQ

This is the YouTube video that I have used for a couple of years now and I no longer have issues with binding a quilt of any size. I'm sure someone here directed me to this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWh90tXr7g4 Heirloom Quilts also has so many videos on rulers its a great resourceful site. I'm not affiliated with the shop just grateful for all their tutorials.

I just oust found the video where MSQC actually demonstrates exactly how to use the binding tool. It is clear enough of a demonstration that I now want one! http://youtu.be/ex2PajesRvU Good luck, and I hope this is helpful. Nothing is as frustrating as having a tool you can't figure out.

Hmmm I have one that I bought several years ago. I have never used it and have no idea on how to use it. In the mean time I have made hundreds of quilts. so I'd say keep your money and use it to buy more fabric.

OK maybe I should watch this. Thanks for posting.

Yes, that's the video which clearly demonstrates how to use 'The Binding Tool' but like others on multiple threads here on this board and different threads via Google say, that the online demonstration just doesn't translate to actually being successful in using it for me. I just cannot get the ends to meet. In fact there are multiple threads or once was on the MSQ forum with quilters having difficulties with the tool.

I fortunately had enough fabric when I got to the point of joining the ends, and wasn't too short at the end that I was able to 'wing' it into place but nothing like Jenny demonstrates. It's not an expensive tool so if it doesn't work for you then you can always make the friendship braid and isn't that great when you can use a tool for multiple quilts?

Again, my favorite and only way I apply binding is via the Heirloom Creations demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWh90tXr7g4which no special tool is needed.

I did buy a binding ruler from Missouri Star Quilt Co. It was not expensive and I do use it each time because I can never remember how to finish off the binding. The directions are printed on the ruler itself and it does help me figure it out. I also watch Jenny Doan's tutorial on binding each time that I bind off a quilt. Since I am a hand quilter, there is always a time lapse between bindings.