Barb2018

I'm still piecing the blocks on a quilt but I'd like to get the binding finished so it's ready to go. If I use heavy starch when folding and pressing the binding as in Sharon Schamber's method, will the strip edges still be stuck together in a week when I'm ready to use them? Or should I prepare the binding right before I'm ready to put it on?

EasyPeezy

I've starched my bindings several months in advance...no problem.

AliKat

I best press. When I lived in the south bugs would get into any fabric with starch.

jmoore

I have also prepared my binding weeks ahead using Sharon’s method of starching and had no problems at all.

maminstl

I started out folding and pressing, but now I do not do either. I don't press that crease until I fold it over to the other side and cover my stitching line.

Rhonda K

I starch the binding strips but don't fold and iron either. Binding is folded as it is stitched onto the quilt. Then folded over and stitched down. and a final press.

I have used the small glue tip and used the glue down method first before the final stitching. Different techniques that all work.

trolleystation

I have been making quilts for over 30 and have yet to use any starch. Just fold and carefully press the binding and all will be well.

joe'smom

I use Sharon Schamber's method as well. I would probably wait to do the starching, but I use Best Press, and I've heard that is not as heavy duty as other starches. Why not try doing it ahead this time, and then you'll know for the future if it stays put.

Jules51

I do the same as Trollystation. When the quilt is pieced, I sew binding strips together, press and hang on hanger--all ready to put on quilt. I've never used starch and haven't had any problems.

wildyard

I, too, used to do all that work preparing a binding. Since I read here about not folding or pressing first, and tried it, I am completely won over and never have to mess with pressing a binding again. Cut the strips and sew them together end to end. When I'm attaching it, I finger press the seams open, fold it in half as I'm sewing it down, and it works much better. No puckers, and it all goes on much smoother and easier.