Many quilters choose to best binds their quilts with sewing machines to ensure a durable and neat finish. It is an intensive process that involves lots of patience and attention to detail.
When it comes to basting quilts, most people don’t really think about using a sewing machine. It’s seen as a tedious and time-consuming ordeal that just isn’t worth the effort. But trust us, when it’s done right, machine basting is a great way to secure a quilt and give your quilt that professional finish.
Materials needed
To bind a quilt with a sewing machine you’ll need the following materials:
- Quilt top
- Quilt backing
- Scissors
- Iron & Ironing board
- Sewing machine & sewing supplies
- Quilter’s ruler
- Quilter’s cutting mat
Steps for machine basting
Once you have all the materials you need, it’s time to start basting with your sewing machine. Here are the steps you should take:
- Lay out the quilt top and backing fabrics. Make sure they are straight and there are no bumps or wrinkles.
- Pin the top and backing fabrics in place. It’s important that the fabrics are secured in place so that the finished product will look neat and even.
- Start basting the two layers together. Make sure the stitches are evenly spaced apart and that your sewing machine is set to the longest zigzag stitch setting.
- Remove the pins as you go.
- Continue basting until you reach the end of the quilt.
- Press the quilt top with a warm iron to remove any wrinkles.
When you’re finished basting your quilt, you can use your sewing machine to finish it off with decorative stitching. Once you’ve finished that, your quilt is ready to be used.
Tips and tricks
- Make sure your sewing machine is in good working order before starting.
- Use the right needle for the fabric you’re working with.
- Use glue basting for small areas that don’t require a full basting.
- Use extra pins to keep the two layers together.
- Use a quilter’s ruler and cutting mat to ensure accuracy.
Cost
The cost of binding a quilt with a sewing machine depends on the size of the quilt and how complicated the binding process is. Generally, it is much cheaper to machine bind a quilt versus hand binding, which can cost upwards of $100.
Pros and Cons
Like all quilting methods, machine binding has both its pros and cons. On the plus side, it is generally faster and more efficient than hand binding and can result in a very professional-looking finish. On the downside, it requires a lot of patience and attention to detail to ensure the job is done correctly. In addition, it can be tricky to machine bind some types of fabric.
Safety
When binding a quilt with a sewing machine, it’s important to practice safety precautions. Make sure the machine is functioning properly and that you have read the instructions carefully before starting. Always keep hands away from the needle and moving parts. If you’re using scissors, make sure they’re sharp and never use them near the machine.
Alternatives
If you’re uncomfortable using a sewing machine to bind a quilt, you can also opt for hand-binding. This method is slower but gives you more control over the finished product. Another option is glue basting, which is great for small projects. You can also buy pre-made binding, which is a great way to get a professional look without the hassle.
