After quilting your quilt, but before you add your binding, sew around the perimeter of your quilt about 1/8" from the edge.
Here's a closer look.
I have found that although it is an extra step, it is well worth it. When it is time to sew your binding on, there is less fiddling with all the layers and it goes much quicker.
This is something I just discovered, that I love:
After sewing the binding strips onto your quilt, when it is time to cut off the excess, I use a pinking shears to trim off the edges. It leaves just the right amount of fabric and batting.
When handstitching, the binding just fits around it, and it leaves you with an nice smooth edge.
Not rocket science, I realize, but fun tips for a quilting geek like me. :)
What are your favorite quilting tips?
20 comments:
What a wonderful idea! I'm definitely going this from now on. That is, if I ever finish a quilt again...
I can't think of a single tip, except: get a walking foot for you sewing machine. But I think most quilters already have one.
My biggest tip is to use pins when doing piecing, and have a strong magnetic pin cushion handy. Press your seams opposite of the one you are joining it to, and then pin in place the locking seams. I always thought pinning was a waste, but my corners are soooo much more accurate this way. The magnetic pin catcher enables you to use the pins quickly. (I use a Grabbit I picked up at Joanns on sale.)
I've actually been serging the edges of my quilts. Really, serging the binding on the front and hand sewing it to the back. It makes it very sturdy and the serging is also the perfect amount before folding over.
I admit that I don't know how to quilt yet...but you better bet that when we get that house in the country I will be coming to you for advice :)
How are the kidlets doing with school???
My quilt tip......have a great friend to give you all of these wonderful tips!! It's worked out well for me! Pinking shears - that's a good idea! Miss ya!
pinking shears. dang. never thought of that!! you are brilliant my dear!
Pinking Shears! Great tip, my batting edges always look a little off! I find your blog to be very inspiring and look forward to checking in! I want to put a pieced back on my next Denyse inspired quilt. Hope that you'll have some tips for that! Have a Great day! Libby
Great tip and your photos are clear and wonderful.
Tanya
OHG- what a great tip, I'm SO going to try that!
Life IS about the little thinks...thanks for sharing. A little light bulb just wemt bling!! In my head. GOOD TIP!
You are soo good to share these kinds of tips with people :)
Oooh, what a great tip, I will have to use it when my quilt gets back from the quilter!!! Thanks so much!!!
I'm going to try to store all your wonderful quilting tips in my brain for when I finish my quilt.
Quilting geek? That's cute. I am just finishing up a quilt and am trying to thing of any tips I might have. The only other one I can think of was one someone else passed on to me: It's good to have a glass of wine before you start meander or stipple quilting!
These are great tips. Thank you for sharing them.
Thanks for the tips! :)
I have not heard of the tip about the 1/8" sewing line .... it sure makes sense and will have to give that a try with my next quilt. Thanks for sharing!
brilliant - that's one of those: why didn't i think of that? things
Great tips! I am going to try that on my next quilt.
Inherited pinking shears from my Mum,they must be 60 odd years old, now I know why I have kept them, great idea, also like Alisa's tip about a glass of wine, not too many though or the 'meandering & stippling' start a life of their own. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas, Cheers
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