Why didn’t y’all tell me??
Binding
How did I not know how much nicer it is to sew on binding using a walking foot? I was working on a quilt Saturday–I got the quilt sandwiched, basted, & quilted, and I was down to the binding by Saturday afternoon. I decided to give my walking foot a go for the binding. I have always used my 1/4″ foot for the binding but I really dislike having to sow that quilt around to get the binding sewn on–I know you know what I’m talking about. So, I whipped out the walking foot…and voila!…so much better. How, after a mere 12+ years of making quilts did I not know this? I give myself a pass for the first 2 years of making quilts as I don’t believe my good buddy the walking foot came long until around year 2 or so…so, that leaves 10 years…lame–o! =)
If you haven’t tried using your walking foot for sewing on binding, definitely give it a whirl! I used it to initially sew the binding to the quilt but I do hand sew my binding after this step.
PS….I’m hoping to be able to share that quilt up there with you sooner rather than later! =)
Can’t wait to see the quilt!
I also want to see the quilt!! 🙂 I know I won’t be disappointed!!
I think I use my walking foot for almost all of my quilting. Habit, I guess, but nothing ever goes wrong with it so I think I’ll stick with it!
I use mine all the time for binding! Love it! That print from Ruby makes a perfect binding.
I work in a quilt shop and teach some classes, and at every opportunity I try to impress on people how much better bindings can be with a walking foot. Some are hesitant to spend the extra money, but if they can get past that, they are always happy they made the purchase. Also–use it for corners of mitered borders and matching plaids or stripes.
My walking foot died a sad death. Guess I need to buy a new one. I have always loved sitting and sewing on the binding by hand tho.
Can’t wait to see that quilt. The binding is wonderful!
I’m going to try my walking foot next time I bind. Thanks for the tip. What I can see of your binding in the photo looks great.
I have no idea how you missed that! 🙂 It was… I think… the first thing I learned. 😉
(cute binding… by the way)
Okay already I’m turning green with envy over the quilt because I know that I spy Ruby with my little eyes. Can’t wait to see the full quilt. I’m sure it will be amazing as always. And good tip about the walking foot. I didn’t know that either but saw it on a blog a few days ago. Next binding I sew on I will be trying the walking foot for sure.
I never try the walking foot for the binding either… I’ll give it a go. I always finish sewing the back of the binding by hand as well. thanks for the tip!
lol…I didn’t think you needed to know! I would have said something if I knew you didn’t do that. It definitely helps sew those bindings on easier! And I hand finish mine as well.
LOL! So sorry!! That’s what I get for assuming you already knew to use the walking foot. It does make life a whole lot easier.
Can’t wait to see the quilt!!
Isn’t it funny how things just hit us? I’ve had those moments too.
I am glad I stopped by today and learned something new. I am new to quilting so any tips are a great help to me. I just sewed binding on a small quilt and did not use my walking foot. I will be sure to use it next time.
I NEVER take my walking foot off now. I think there is even a machine out there (i’m sure some of you gals have it and can say which one it is) that has the walking foot part built into the machine, so to speak, so whatever foot you use, the machine pulls through both top and bottom at the same time. Wow! That is such a great feature. Try it with long strips, then you don’t have to pin and don’t have to worry about them ending uneven. (at least that was always my problem.
What on earth is that binding fabric called.. So FABULOUS!!!
It’s from Ruby by Moda–yardage should be available soon! =)
It helps with sewing flannel too. Anxious to see the quilt reveal!
I had no idea about using the walking foot for binding. Thanks for the tip! I’ll be sure to give it a try, if I ever get a quilt to the point of binding… (sigh, why oh why am I a hand quilter?)