Does anyone use the simplicity bias maker and do you like it? I am considering getting one and would like opinions. Do you always have to cut your strips on the bias or will it work for straight of grain? I think cutting on bias wastes fabric unless you are binding curves. Please let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.

I have it and love it! I almost never cut on the bias and it has no problem with straight of grain. It's a real time saver.

Almost always cut straight on grain (across)...only time I do bias is if binding is going on a curve. I use the binding tips on my ironing board, much more cost effective....however next binding I am not even use them but fold in half and then fold in half. Theory is, where the wear is, on the edge will be double fold, as compared to single layer only if rare edges are folded to center and then folded again.....Took some thinging to kinda work it thru in your head....but does work....am also going to get a pair of thermal thimbles to protect my fingers.....

I have it and it does a great job. I bought the 2 1/2" tip so I can make the double fold straight binding. I take a few hours and make up lots binding in different prints and colors. It's a real time saver.

Have you tried folding it in half with the raw edges on one edge rather than meeting in the middle? You still get double layer on the edge and your raw edge will be hidden anyway when you sew it down.

Yes, that is what I was trying to saying,,,,,but not too well.

will it just fold in half and iron, rather than fold to middle....do you have to pre-iron your seams flat before running thru....

Thanks for all the responses. I have a coupon for JoAnnes for 40% off plus an additional 30% total. It makes the total less than $50. I am still thinking whether it would be worth it. I usually just cut strip, fold in half and then sew on, then turn over and sew down. Will need to make a decision soon since my coupons expire this week.

I think you would be better servered using that money on fabric....I don't think (IMHO) that they will honor both coupons on the one item....

I love mine. I use it alot to make the 1/4" strips for appliqued vines.

This is called french binding when doubled. If a quilt is going to be used it really helps with wear. Wall hangings can stand the single fold and keeps them lighter in weight
so there is less draging it down.

There was an earlier tip on the QB about not ironing the fabric in half before sewing it on the quilt. Just fold the binding as you sew it onto the quilt. And then as you bring the binding to the back to stitch it down there is a nice curve around the edge of the quilt and you don't have to fight with the ironed pleat going crooked on you as you sew it to the back. I tried this and really liked it. I will hunt for the post and reference for it everyone.

EDIT: I tried searching for it and found lots of people who don't iron their binding. Do a search on binding and you will get lots of great stuff! I think simple is best!
peace

My husband bought me one for Christmas last year. I used it to make the binding for a "Wallet Purse" pattern. It saved me soooo much time. I LOVE IT!!! I would recommend it to every1 & any1. I really would LOVE the deluxe model, but no funds to buy it. ;-( ;-( I have been a really good girl, maybe Santa will bring me one??? :lol: :lol:


debra

I believe that is what the quilt binding tips will do. I have the machine with the regular tips, but I don't have a quilt binding tip, so I can't say for positive.

As far as wasting fabric, if you start with a square piece of fabric you will not waste any fabric. (Except for maybe a small strip on the end.) Here is a tutorial that has helped me a lot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeTt9...eature=related

Indygo Junction also has the written instructions for this method.

That's the cost of it at Walmart before the coupons! Buy it at Walmart and save the coupons for something else.

I use mine, it was a gift, Love it. But I have to admit. Unless I'm doing a curved edge I prefer just to fold my binding in half.

I'm so scared of doing binding that I always have my LA person do it for me!!!

I definitely love and use my bias maker. It's a real time-saver! And it gets really hot and presses the binding properly, which is nice.

Does it only make single fold binding? I always use double.

Just make sure that you can use the coupon on that item. I tried to buy a case to hold spools that go with one of the Simplicity items and was told that the coupons could not be used for that as it was considered sewing machine department merchandise. Hopefully, the coupon will work for you.

love mine

After running fabric through the first time, I fold in half and run it manually through the heat press, by passing the tip. Hope this makes sense. Maybe someone has an easier way to make double fold.

I understood what you meant Deborah!!!!! You did ok!!!! :)

I won the bias maker in a blog giveaway a few months ago. I never knew what I was missing! It is well worth it!!

Consider making binding very easy often can get it done and on in an am before off to work. Not looking for more gadgets no room,

I have one and use it all the time. I cut which ever way I have enough fabric. Never had a problem.

skip it

Why skip it? Do you have one that you have used and had a problem or didn't like it?
I can fold and press my own binding but
I (and many others) don't want to. Same as I don't want to hand piece just because I can.

I have one. Never out of the box.

I have one and absolutely love it. Definitely saves time!!

I have one and I wonder how I did it without... love mine..

I was just getting ready to say the same thing! ;)

I've used mine; so easy!

have one and love it. Use it all the time

I just bought one but have not used it yet except to see how it works. Think I will love it.

OMG! duh. I have the bias maker and I NEVER use it. And was trying to figure out how to make all that 1/4" tape for applique so I could try to do some. Thank you, thank you, thank you! :mrgreen:

I am interested to read everyone's remarks as I have been thinking of getting one. Thank you to everyone that responded.

The Joann's I frequent will not apply the extra 30% to whatever u use the coupons on. However, the 30% is applied to both sale or regular-priced items. I purchased mine when they had buy one and get one free, and split the cost. U may want to wait for the Black Friday sale. If u ask a trusted salesperson there, they can, using the upc, click their little thingy on it and tell u when it will be on sale and for what. I like mine and think you'd find it worth the wait.

Thank You for all the comments, I just saw one at Walmart today and wondered about it.

Thank you all for your responses. I appreciate all the insight, both pro and con.