Steam a Seam for binding
 

Went to a class tonight and the instructor suggested using the narrow seam fusing tape to hold the binding down to the back after you've stitched it to the front. She then top stitched the front with a decorative stitch and the back stayed put because it was fused. Came straight home and tried it on the Fantasia Fracture (see in picture section). I'm sold! Anyone else do it this way?

I've never used Steam a Seam for that purpose, but doesn't it make the binding stiff and gum up your needle? (If not, it sounds like a good idea for a speedy finish if I ever get sick of finishing my bindings by hand)

I've always used steam a seam for my bindings. I sew it down on back, then use the steam a seam on the front, then stitch it down on front. It lines right up with the back and I think it looks really nice and it's not stiff or gummy.

Note: when pressing down the front, I make it stay just right up to the stitch line from the back so there's no over or under lapping.

I think hand stitched bindings look wonderful, but I can't stand hand stitching so this is the best alternative for me.

No, I am still doing my binding the old fashion way. To get it perfectly lined up would be a challenge for me. All that matters is that if it works for you, that is what counts.

I'm guessing that this would be more "perfect" than just Elmer's glue?

I have been doing my bindings that way for years. I love that I can sew the binding to the backside with out pins, and the stitching falls exactly where I want it to. I get complements on my machine sewn bindings all the time. I sometimes just cut 1/4 inch strips of heat and bond lite if I can't get the steam a seam 1/4 inch on a roll. Prior to using this method , my machine sewn bindings were not very good, and I thought there must be a better way.

I am with you I still do mine the hand stitching to the back. I am never in a hurry to get the quilt done..

Washable school will do the job

Many years ago I did some bindings with fusible thread (long before the thought of Elmers). I used it in the bobbin, sewed on the binding, then folded the binding over and fused. I did hand sew the edges just in case, as I did not know how long the fusing would last. I liked it because I did not have to use pins to hold the edge prior to sewing it down.

I had the 1/2" roll, so I cut the strips in half which worked well. That box was moved from GA to TX in Aug of last year and the sticky back didn't stick any more, so I had to work at placement. A new box is definitely on my shopping list.