So here was my thought. Fuse on the backing and leave enough extra beyond the edge of the quilt to turn that over the raw edge in a back to front faux binding. I don't think I've done this before, but I keep looking for quick ways to get this quilt done, and the thought of sewing on a separate binding was more than I could face. This quilt has GOT to get done before years end! The fusing went flawlessly, and the use of pressing cloth as per the instructions actually worked really well to also give the quilt a good last steaming. I left about 1-1/2 inches extra all round planning to trim it down to one inch.
This trimming was fast and easy as I butted my one inch ruler against the edge of the quilt and made my way around with a rotary cutter.
Then I turned the raw edge of the backing to meet the edge of the quilt, taking the extra time to iron in the crease.
No, not mitering the corners. I did think about it but it was more fiddling and work than I was up for. I've bound small wall quilts before with a single fold binding overlapping the corners this way so it's good enough for this one. I swear, I never pick up this quilt to work on it without it presenting another decision to make, and this time it is how to sew that turned edge in place. No, definitely not hand sewing it. Did consider a sort of machine blind hem stitch with monofilament thread, but I think it best to just top stitch along that nicely creased fold. Not with monofilament thread, I don't think, but with either the dark green thread used in the quilting or the dark brown thread used in the satin stitching. Now that it's pinned into place, the brown thread makes the most sense so that's what I'll be doing next. And I'm pretty relieved that my idea for finishing the edges is working.
7 comments:
Nicely done. Good way to work a binding and get the results you were after.
Thanks Mary - nice to hear from you!
Great looking finished edges! They look clean & neat! I know you're happy to be nearing the end of the project! Stay well! Jan in WY
Innovative way to finish the edge. I’m probably one of the few quilters left who still hand stitches bindings, a task I enjoy. Besides the few times I tried it by machine I never could hit the edges both top and backing consistently…..being the fuss budget I am….it just wasn’t acceptable. Happy this method worked for you.
Thanks Jan. Honestly, once I did the stitching, it didn't look quite so neat and tidy, but as I've said all along, this is just for me which means I don't have to be so perfect with everything - much is good enough!
Mary, I still will do hand sewn binding if it is a piece for sale or a gift. I'm just a lot less willing to spend the time stitching a binding by hand than I used to be, plus I'm starting to have some issues with my hands - not while I'm working but later in the day or the following day. Same with chopping up veggies or meat where I have to grip the knife handle. Those gripping motions set off interesting and somewhat painful cramps well after the fact. Even just turning this binding over the edge and pinning it resulted in some minor cramps. As for machine stitching, I figured out a way to do it for larger quilts where I'm "stitching in the ditch" from the front and the binding has been cut just a bit wider so it catches in that stitching on the back. I've even mastered catching the mitered corners! Occasionally there will be a missed spot that I tack by hand and again, I wouldn't do this on an art quilt but it sure saves me a lot of time on "utility" and baby quilts.
It's about time for Jan to chime in how much she loves hand stitching bindings - lol
Busted! I laughed that Mary, too, likes to do the hand sewing on her binding! I wasn't going to comment again, but you called me out on that one! 😂😂 Stay well! Jan in WY
Couldn't help it Jan! Thanks for being a good sport. I'm sure Mary is happy not to be alone on this one. ;-)
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