binding question

I usually just hold it in my hand and pull to the back as I sew it down. However, with a bit of stiffness and soreness in my hands happening more often these days, I will use those hair clips that snap closed. Don't ever get stuck with those! ~~~~~~~ Laurie G. in CA

CAwww.finishingtouchesquilts.comhttp://community.webshots.com/user/lagrant7 Oh, Laurie - thank you! I forgot I have a pack or two of those in my drawer that I HAD to have one shopping trip and have never used!

Lynn

Lynn, I've always pinned until recently. However, I'm getting much better results now that I'm using Sharon Schamber's technique, which has to do with water-soluble glue (Elmer's) and an iron. It's amazing what a difference it's made!

purchase you hair clips at $dollar store for a dollar rather than several dollars from a quilt supply center. Audrey

I don't pin my binding. I get stuck enough without the extra pins around. Also find it takes more time than it is worth. I just pull it around as I go.

Pati, in Phx

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

Fold and "pin" every 5-6 inches. You could try safety pins, those funny metal hair barrettes, binder clips (office supply), or tiny clamps from a hardware store to avoid getting stuck by straight pins. Debra in VA See my quilts at

I switched to the hair clips a number of years ago - I only use about 4 of them & just to keep the area ahead of where I'm sewing down flat. They're great for holding the folds at the corners. I switched when I got tired of being stabbed by the *&(% pins and bleeding on the quilt ME-Judy

Yes I use the hair clips as well, cheapies from the $$$ store......they work a treat and I don't get stuck with pins. Even hold the folded mitred corner nice and firm. Wendy in Nsw

I enjoy using the little wooden springy clothespins. They won't stick you and are just so darn cute. We all need a little cute in our lives. Polly

I use 4or 5 pins, and just pin a bit ahead of where I'm sewing. For some reason, that seems to make the job go faster because I can see my progress when I get to a pin.

Louise

The old fashioned ones with the little ball on one end, or the spring in the center ones?

I've got some vinyl covered wire clothes pins in bright colors. I think they have a new use now. Debra in VA See my quilts at

I'm a pinner -- about 4-6 pins ahead of where I'm at. But the "getting stuck" is a pain... figuratively AND literally!

Maybe I should try the hair clamps!

I do all my corners *first: carefully fold, pin and sew. Then, to do the rest, I pin a little way ahead of where I am, just so that it doesn't get a chance to develop a twist. I wonder if that's why I never get the 'five-cornered' quilt? because I've done them all before I get fed up? >g< . In message , snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com writes

I do big basting stitches

Same here. I use flower pins 'cos they're nice and long. If I don't pin I find the hand gripping the quilt and pulling (pushing?) the binding to the back sort of seizes up after a bit. Using a long sharp needle also makes it easier for me.

Lizzy

Corners first. What a novel idea. I think I'll try that next time. Thanks!

That's me - novel >gg< . In message , KJ writes

I don't pin my binding anymore. Now I iron the binding flat from the front, then flip the quilt and fold the binding over the back and iron again. If I needed more help, I would use the little hairclip thingies.

Denise

I start by machine sewing the bias tape to the three layers on the "front" side of the quilt. mitering the corners as i go. then fold over and pin the bias to the "back"side of the quilt. i start the sewing in the middle of a side that is not where the ends of the bias meet, mitering the back sides of the corners as i go. it seems to work out well this way and my front margins are straight. amy