Binding Control: Reva's Tip

Cut and Stitch

For me this begins when I start working with a project that will require binding. As I am cutting out the project, I take the time to also cut enough strips of fabric to be used for the binding, plus about 24".

The next thing I do is stitch the strips together. I prefer to use a 45 degree seam for this vs stitching the straight end of one strip to another strip. This helps distribute the fabric thickness of the seam allowance along a few inches instead of all on one place.

Press with the Binding Eaze

The third step in the binding prep process will take us to the ironing board. The seams joining the strips need to be ironed flat. At this point you may choose to leave the strips the same width as they were cut or you may want to fold them in half (lengthwise, meeting the raw edges) and pressing the whole long strip of binding. The first tool that will help make this a breeze is called the Binding Eaze.

This silicone iron rest has a "belt loop" on both the left and right of the mat. Get the pressed fold of your binding started, slip the folded section through the "belt loops", set your iron onto the folded binding that crosses the width of the Binding Eaze, then pull the pressed end away from the iron. This feeds the unfolded strip under the iron and helps hold the next folded section in place. The weight of the iron presses the fabric as it glides under the sole plate.

NEW! Quilted Heartz Binding Eaze

Helps press your quilt binding or bias tape quickly and evenly with a perfectly crisp crease every time.

Our price: $34.99 each | Peacock Blue: 281104, Purple: 411505, Coral: 652782

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Wind with the Winding Eaze

It is at this point, the second new tool that I have been using becomes valuable and makes the task of creating binding far more efficient and fun. The tool is called the Winding Eaze. When attached to your ironing board, it reels up your pressed binding neatly onto a binding spool so it is devoid of creases and is ready to stitch to your project.

This is when you will move the tool over to your sewing cabinet so that the binding will smoothly unwind. The binding neatly goes right where you want it to go. No creases, no drag and no strips getting caught under your sewing chair. Additional spools are available so you can have multiple projects prepared.

NEW! Quilted Heartz Winding Eaze

Winds binding onto a removable storage spool.

Our price: $49.95 each | QHWEP, QHWEC, QHWEPB

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Some tasks are just necessary, but getting them out of the way just may help your process be more enjoyable and help you feel more in control of the outcome.

♥ Reva