Binding clips? When putting the binding on a quilt, why do so many people use binding clips (I think that's what they are called) instead of using pins? I have been using pins but wonder if the clips would be better. Sometimes I have a hard time going through all those layers. Is this why clips are used?

Thanks

I have not used clips, but think I might get some. I am always getting stabbed by the pins as I work my way around the quilt. Binding clips will stop this. Thanks for the question so I could think about it!

I use pins but the clips don't have points to poke me with. I think I'll try them soon.

I have in the past (when I first started quilting) used binding clips, the ones I had looked like oversized "pop" clips that I put in my six year olds hair! I used them instead of pins to keep from stabbing myself. Also since I have children and hate putting my project away in a closet every time I have to get up from it the clips keep them from getting stabbed or losing a pin. It also keeps the cats from pulling pins out and "eating" them!

Now I don't use any clips, I use a ladder stitch to attach my binding and I find it hard to do this if the binding is held onto the quilt tight!

I love the clips!

The clips don't have pokey points. They hold the binding more flat than the pins too. I really like them.

I use the clips and like the way the binding lays for stitching.

I use the clips also. I find they're especially nice when doing the mitering of cornors.

I use the clips...but I use the hair clips...they are cheaper than the binding clips! Same thing...just cheaper!

They don't poke like pins, making binding a quilt much more comfortable! :)

I love those binding clips. When I'm machine piecing the binding down, I just pluck them off as I go.... I keep the little tub that I keep the clips in right next to my machine and when I take them off they go right back to where they came from. I can't say enough about them They are GREAT!

I bought the binding gun and clips at Paducah quilt show. It was cheap and it works great. The clips are reusable. Here is a picture of it:

http://www.quiltsxcetera.com/manufac...Martelli/42/92

I know, for me personally, I have a hard time getting the pins through all the layers but I also prick myself with the pins. And sometimes, while stitching the binding down, I can't always finish it in one sitting and the pins don't fold up with the quilt as nicely as the binding.

I've been thinking about getting some for the same reason. :wink:

I use the clips to keep from loosing pins on my sofa or floor. The clips stay in place and sometimes a pin will get pulled out as I'm working on it. Sure don't want to step on a pin in my sock feet.

Clips mean no puncture wounds from getting jabbed by pins. I love the clips!!!

I use the clips all the time...much better than pins for me! No more getting stuck! I machine stitch my binding (usually on the front) and hand sew it to the back. After I sew the binding to the quilt on by machine, I press it out then fold over and use the clips. It's easier on the hands if you do press it out. I space them about every 6-8" and that seems to hold it pretty well. They also help hold the fabric at the corners and make it easier to do them. I've had them for many years, so I guess I got my money's worth from them.

No pins or clips for me..... I glue baste the binding. Heard about it here - watched the tute - tried it - love it - never going back. :D

check an office supply store for the clip attacher shown at the martelli site. we use them all the time to clip bundles of paper too thick for staples. they come in several sizes.

i know martelli makes great products but i think the price for the refills is a bit ... er ... ummmm ... muchish.

for myself, i think the hair clips would be a more reliable way to attach the binding. i think the clippie thing would be clumsy to use on a sandwich of fabric and batting. the clips would also be more difficult to remove. they are designed to hold on for dear life.

i happen to love the binding clips. they look like the hair clips that spring open and then closed on your hair. they are curved a bit and i open them and close them over the binding. they don't stick you like pins could do. i use them a lot.
if i machine stitch my binding though, i do pin. have to.

I use old wooden spring-type clothes pins instead of the metal clips. I machine sew my binding on and fold it to the back to hand sew. I was always sticking myself and was afraid of losing pins on the floor. I found a bunch of these clothes pins in a bag in the basement (why??) and started using them for binding-I like them and they don't leave marks on the fabric.

I don't use pins or clips. I just fold as I go along. It all turns out fine.

The clips are the best!!!! You just take one or two off at a time while hand sewing the binding down. Everything stays right in place till you need it and nothing to prick your fingers in the process.

clips just slide on, whereas pins have to go thru fabric(s) - they get in the way and poke me.

I love the binding clips. They are easy to use and don't poke holes in the binding (or in me!)

I use the clips and like them more than pins. As you all have said - the pins tend to poke you. I only use 2 clips at a time, clipping only several inches in front of where I am whipping it down. Since I also add a narrow strip of batting in the binding this is a good way to hold it in place.

I'm quite happy using pins actually. They don't have to go through "all the layers", just the binding fold and the quilt backing. That's only three layers of cotton. And if you point them away from the direction you are sewing you don't get stuck at all. I'll stay with pins and spend the money I save on fabric. ;) Why couldn't you use office supply binder clips from Staples or Office Depot? They must be cheaper than anything aimed at the quilting market.

I use hair clips, look exactly like quilt clips and are cheaper

Good reason=I was in the LQS Friday and a customer was sharing the quilt she was ready to finish binding and she had the binding clips(hair clips)on it and there where several women holding it and no fingersticks. She said she has been using the clips for quite awhile and they fit over the thinist to thickest quilts. I will be using them for the first time on my next quilt. :-P

I love the clips too. When I used pins I would get stuck a lot and even more annoying, my thread would get caught around them. Since the bindings are roundish it didn't happen so much with them. Plus it holds the binding flatter than pinning.

eta: I've never used clips for machine stitching the binding on (which I've only done once so far). I'll have to try it for that. I always hand stitched binding before.

ive lost less blood since i started useing the clips

I really like the clips. My long arm quilter gave me a few to try, and that's all I use now. They save time and no pin pricks!

Ditto!

[quote=gale]I love the clips too. When I used pins I would get stuck a lot and even more annoying, my thread would get caught around them.

Thread getting caught was my main reason to switch to clips

I've never tried the clips, but I think I will now, I get aggravated at the thread getting caught on the pins.

You ladies are right. No finger stabbing with pin points sticking out. I love my binding clips!

I bought some of the clips and really like them. I used to use pins but would always get poked. The clips are much better.

I use binding clips because the pins always stab me.
With the clips this doesn't happen and it is easier to take them
off as you work around the quilt. No dropped pins anywhere either

I used to use pins but after bleeding on a quilt, well, I broke down and bought clips and have never looked back! It is a lot easier to clip than pin too!

I use binder clips found at Walmart or any office supply store. They work just as well as the binding clips sold at quilt shops or the hair clips.
http://www.quill.com/quill-brand-ste...romoCode=20099

I have also used hair pins like these: http://www.sallybeauty.com/Metal-Curl-Clips/SLNCAR19,default,pd.html

I love using either one!

I use pin curl clips. Much less expensive than the ones you buy in a lqs. I find clipping for a short time keeps binding pretty much in place and even when you do the ladder stitch...you can take the pins out a short distance from where you are sewing and the cotton memory fold stays pretty much turned. Does this make sence? ALSO, SURE IS EASIER ON MY HAND BECAUSE WHEN I DO NOT USE CLIPS I GRIP THE QUILT SO TIGHTLY MY HAND ACHES.