Replies

1. 
   suesew | Jan 24, 2008 07:46pm | #1

   I have rereaad your question several times and simply cannot figure out exactly what you are referring to. Are you talking about binding as on a quilt edge? Are you talking about using binding feet? Can you clarify this some? Sue

1. 
   Bryden | Jan 24, 2008 10:35pm | #4

   I am using binders to finish the neck and armhole edges etc. on garments....  the binders themselves work superbly BUT (sigh.... VBG) trying to sew that last shoulder (or other seam) drives me to despair....   no matter what I use, and I have a good selection of machines, nothing wants to sew over that "lump" at the end....  any ideas please?

    

   Bryden

1. 
   mygaley | Jan 25, 2008 01:38am | #5

   Try padding your wooden cutting board, pad your fabric (I use a terry towel) and hit the problem bulk with a hammer. Be sure to test first and remember the padding protects your hammer. God bless you Galey

1. 
   Bryden | Jan 25, 2008 02:31am | #6

   Hi There

   I am thinking of trying my Elna 945 - I can lock the blade on that machine....  I have a good selection of toys and am determined to find one that works.   The binders are so quick and easy to use and do a great job....

   Bryden

2. 
   Dinna | Jan 24, 2008 08:50pm | #2

   Hello Bryden, 

   There is a wonderful thread on  Patternreview.com about the use of binders.  Go to sewing machines and then to coverpro 900 and 1000.  Some of the ladies had other machines other than the Janome coverpro,  but the info is the same for most machines.  The last time I looked there were 191 pages of info.  Yes, I read them all!  But, the first page has most of the important info, thanks to Vonn, who organized the site. 

   Happy binding.

   Dinna

    

1. 
   Bryden | Jan 24, 2008 10:33pm | #3

   Hi There

   I am not a member of Pattern Review - will try to read the info. as you suggested...  thanks for your reply.

   Bryden

3. 
   Tatsy | Jan 26, 2008 04:30am | #7

   There's an old Stretch and Sew technique that alleviates this problem. You use either bias binding or stretch knit cut a few inches longer than the neckline and twice the width plus seam allowance that you want the binding to be.  Lay the binding flat and opened out along the neck, stretching a very little bit to make it snug. Leave about an inch or two tail loose that will be sewn later. Pin if you want, or just guide the two pieces as you sew, still stretching the binding. Stop sewing about an inch before you reach the point where you began. Lay the two tails on top of each other at right angles to form a miter. Stitch the miter. Stitch in the ditch to catch the underside.

   Depending on the garment, I sometimes stitch pearls or on top to hide the stitching. If the fabric is knit, you can usually just measure the neckline, take some of your self-fabric cut along the greatest stretch, put a seam in it to make a binder, then stretch and sew it in like a ribbing.  Test the stretch by pinning it in before you. Works great and it's quick.

1. 
   Bryden | Jan 26, 2008 07:34am | #8

   Hi Tatsy

   Thanks for the detail but the issue I am having is sewing the second seam after binding an opening using a binder....   however, I have been given some suggestions by Jan Wright (Babylock UK) which I am going to try out....  The binders work so well and do a great job I am determined to find a way of doing that second seam with the bound edge....

   I also saw Debbie Cook's photos. and they were great - someone on this list mentioned them I believe. 

   Thanks to everyone who offered help -

   Bryden