I get lots of questions about quilt binding and I wanted to make a post highlighting some of my favorite tools that make the job SO much faster and easier. Just like with any home improvement job, the right tools really do make the job easier. If you need some stocking stuffers for yourself, here are some suggestions. wink wink.
- Clover Leather Thimble – I discovered this after I literally sewed a hole in two of my fingers from binding so many quilts. I tried poke a dots and a few other things, but they just didn’t feel natural to me. This literally starts to form to your finger after you use it and it has changed my life. I can bind SO much faster now and save my fingers. I wear it on my middle finger. I bought a size medium, but it definitely has expanded and I’ll buy a size small when it needs to be replaced. I’ve bound probably 20 quilts with my current one and it’s still going strong.
- Clover Clips – in case you don’t already have these, I highly recommend them. I bought mine when my now 18 month old was born and I didn’t want pins poking out of my binding poking him. I only use 4-5 at a time, so a pack of 10 is plenty for binding.
- Fons and Porter Binding Needles – These are relatively inexpensive, but I love them. Their length is perfect for binding. The right needle does make a difference.
- Machinger’s Gloves – I use these as I’m initially attaching my binding to my quilt by machine (in preparation for hand binding). I just use one on my left hand, Michael Jackson style, and it really helps me get the grip I need to control my quilt. I also use these when I free motion quilt, but even if I never were to FMQ, I would still want these for attaching binding.
- Gutermann thread – I prefer using polyester thread for binding. I know some say it “cuts” through the fabric, but cotton thread breaks down more easily. There are pros and cons to everything. I mainly prefer polyester because it does not knot up as easily. It makes for smooth sailing and much less frustration.
I’ll update this post if I think of anything else, or find something new I like using. Happy binding and may we all finish our Holiday to-do’s before Christmas eve, though not likely. 🙂
Great post, Jen! I have a Roxanne thimble that I love, but I’m definitely going to have to buy myself a glove. I was really interested to learn that you only use a few Wonder Clips at a time. I typically just use one straight pin.
If I use more than 4-5, I have to stop to adjust them anyway, so why bother wasting the time, right??