I’m relatively new to quilting but not incredibly new, so you’d think I would have known this.
The one part I’ve always not liked about the whole quilting deal is sewing down the binding. It either seemed to take forever or I rushed through it and it looked like crap when it was done.
I don’t remember how I found this blog post over at ankastreasures. In fact I don’t even remember searching for binding tips but somehow through some link somewhere, I stumbled acrossed it.
I’m in love with her method! It seems so much quicker. I even went and bought straw needles to try which I am also in love with. They glide so nicely through the fabric. The worst part is the needle eye is really, really, really (did I sat really?) tiny! But with reading glasses in hand, I will prevail!
Do I now like to sew binding? Not really but it’s a whole lot more tolerable!
So thank you to Heather for your post and for introducing me to straw needles.
I'm glad you found this online and got the stitching down to an easier method.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, stamped on my forehead... better tools = better work. :)
Thanks, Lori, for pointing us to this tutorial. Hand quilting thread! Of course, it would be easier to work with and stronger, too! After hand quilting 2 bedsize quilts years ago and having the thread sitting on my shelf, why did I not ever think of this??? Will I try it now? Not sure. My hands have gotten old and stiff, so I've been machining the bindings --not that that method is all that easy or pretty.
ReplyDeleteI've never used anything other than straw needles for binding as that was what I was taught to use. I love them, they are so flexible so it's easy to get the right amount of fabric.
ReplyDeleteHow did loading your needle go for you? I've never tried that - always stitched each stitch individually - and it looks interesting.
Right...who knew? I didn't! I will have to check into the straw needles. Why do they call them straw? Are they metal? I had never thought to use hand quilting thread on the binding either. I don't always love sewing down the binding by hand, but I always LOVE the look versus machine stitching it down.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Sunday!
Michelle
Thanks for posting this Lori - I like her method. I've used straw needles for applique, but didn't care for them much because of those small eyes. :) blessings, marlene
ReplyDelete'Morning. :) I'm not a quilter, but I've always been amazed at the beautiful work that quilters do. It's as if you're all painting with fabric.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love it when you find an easier way of doing something?
And ps...any photos of your quilting project? HintHint.
Thank you so much for posting the link for the binding tip. Her sight is amazing, can't wait to get back over there and check it out. Would love to see your quilt project.
ReplyDeleteuntil next time... nel