I inserted an empty spool of aurifil through the hole in an old cd and wound the binding around the spool. Then I set the spool, cd and binding onto the upright spool holder on my machine. This makes a great way to hold the binding while I sew it onto the quilt. Here's a few of pictures of what this looks like.
Here are the components - an empty spool from Aurifil Thread, an old cd, and the binding:
Here's the aurifil spool inserted through the hole in the cd:
Then I wind the binding around the spool. This picture shows everything assembled and ready to use:
And here it is, set onto the spool holder on my machine, all ready to start sewing:
I use this method to 'tame' the binding - I can't stand working with a tangled jumble of binding. This method makes it all hands free while I sew. The binding just unwinds like thread off a spool while I sew.
When you're done, the left over binding just slides right off the spool, and you can store these prewound binding scraps for use in scrappy bindings later on.
I had my friends over for Mah Jongg today, so while I sat out a couple of games, I sewed on the most of the binding, finishing it up after they left. Tonight, I did the hand sewing on one side. Three sides to go.
I am hoping to have it all done by October 29th. We are having a 'reveal party' for those who were involved in the block of the month series that resulted in this quilt. I shouldn't have any problem finishing up by then. However, until I hear back from Road to California on whether or not the quilt has been accepted, I can only work on it in cat-free environments. This means working on the hand sewing at home is just out. I will work on it during class time. If the quilt IS accepted, I want to have to do as little de-furring as possible.
Anyway - hope the little tutorial on how to tame binding helps someone. Have a great weekend everyone.
Great idea, I'm going to try it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRain is great sewing weather! The tutorial looks good. It is something every quilter faces and you have come up with a workable idea. Sounds worth trying to me.
ReplyDeleteVery clever technique - I'm going to give this a try. Also, well written instruction (this from a retired teacher). The only change I would suggest is to show a "before" of the binding as well as the very tidy "after". Thank you for the idea.
ReplyDeleteKay - good call about showing a before of the binding - I've changed the first picture to reflect the 'before'.
ReplyDeleteI want to try this. I don't have aurofil thread so will have to look for something else to use. Thanks for the great idea.
ReplyDeleteA neat idea. I usually throw mine over my left shoulder as I sew it on. Store the leftovers wound on the cardboard tube from wrapping paper--its upright in the corner for storage
ReplyDeleteA nice tutorial! It sure beats my "method" of letting the binding puddle on the floor while sewing it on!
ReplyDeleteVery clever idea. You've done a nice job on the tutorial. Very easy to understand.
ReplyDeleteVickie in Cleveland
Well done Anne, and a great idea, one I would have never thought of in a million years!!! Mine usually is just laying all over the place and I straighten it out as I go....
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea! Thank you. I can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteI had to come back and say how neat is this idea! Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteOh...also, mahjong is a game I remember my mom would play with her girlfriends when I was growing up! :o)
Blessings & Aloha!
What a great idea on getting all that binding under control!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea, the only other comment is....I don't like your black background....makes for very hard reading.
ReplyDelete