Appyling binding to hot pads

I thought you were supposed to baste the edge, I always have even on quilts. Does that mean I have been taking an extra step I didn't need to? :~}

Vikki in WA State

Absolutely not. I just didn't know I was supposed to, so I've been fighting with all those loose edges all this time. It was a lightbulb moment for me. :-)

Well TerriLee, I'll just show my ignorance and say, "duh"! Reading your post has just been a "light bulb" moment for me too! Glad you posted about this subject.

Hi, Michelle!! Long time no talk!! I felt really dumb when I figured out that "geez, if I baste all those edges together, the binding goes on *much* easier". I just got back from delivering them. I'll put pics up on the webshots in a bit (I actually remembered to take one before I took them off to their new home.)

I never thought of that! Thanks for the tip!

I made placemats for Christmas presents this year and I zig zagged around all of them before putting on the binding. It is much easier for sure.

I haven't always basted the edges of my quilt sandwiches, but I have found that when I do, I have a lot less trouble with wavy edges because it stabilizes the edges.

Julia > OK, does everyone but me know that basting the edges of the sandwich (cotton

If you own a serger, you can mark the cutting line for a quilt, then serge along it. Really keeps the edges together and makes a nice edge to sew the binding to.

If I am not going to serge the edges, I finish the quilting with either a small serpentine stitch or a 3 step zig zag along the edge of the top. Keeps the edges together, even if you end up trimming a bit of it off.

Pati, > I haven't always basted the edges of my quilt sandwiches, but I have

Ah, I have a serger. What a good use for it. Thanks!!