Ironing Binding Strips *** Why Not?
 

Recent threads discussed quilt binding and there were questions about ironing the binding strips first. Some do and some don't.

This video explains why not to iron binding and how binding wraps around the edge of the quilt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot7Trk6J2Vw

I stopped ironing the binding first and happy with the results. It was hard to give up those pretty pressed fabric strips. LOL. Isn't it nice we can all do things our own way as there is no right or wrong?

I too no longer iron my binding strips before sewing. It took me a long time to try it but, once I did, that's the only way I do it now. It really does help.

Rhonda, I, too, stopped ironing binding strips. It sure saves time and if there is a difference between ironed vs un-ironed binding strips, it is invisible to me!

Same here. I used to iron them, now I don't, and my bindings go on more easily now.

I tried skipping the ironing. Hated it. So now I iron binding strips again. I use bias binding so I think it makes it easier to prevent the wonkiness that can happen with bias bindings if they aren't folded just so.

I'm a no ironer also. Like my bindings much better.

I prefer to use bias bindings - I pin the edges together so that the binding is lying flat - and then I machine base the edges together to keep it from creeping and getting weird.

It is also easier for me to edge baste the quilt sandwich, too, before putting on the binding. That way, I only have to worry about lining up two edges, instead of trying to line up five edges.

For me, it's worth the extra prep time.

That might be a good workaround for me. I'm working on a table runner so I'll give it a try.

I really like the idea of basting the quilt sandwich before binding. I am going to try that, as well as not ironing my binding first.

Because of the other thread we talked about this in our small group yesterday where we are all press first. I have a piece of bias binding for a top that isn't quite finished yet, not sure when I'll be quilting and binding down but I'll try the no-iron method when its ready.

I'm worried I'm going to fuss in some issues with it being on bias. I think I'd be ok with straight grain. Only one way to find out!