Flat Bindings

Getting the binding of a quilt sewn down is a "hurrah" moment.  Usually this is the last task to finishing the construction of a quilt.  However, there's one more thing that I like to add to make the binding look the best it can be.  In this photo, the left half has just had the stitching completed while the right half has been taken one step further and flattened. 

The first step to getting the binding flat is dampen the fabric with a shot of steam from the iron.  Do not touch the fabric with iron.  Just hover over it and "shoot".

The second step is to place a Taylor Clapper over that area and press down firmly for about 30 seconds.

Any piece of smooth wood will accomplish the same as a purchased clapper.  I just happen to have one from back when I sewed suits and coats.

This flattening process makes a big difference in the appearance of the corners.  The extra fabric that's folded into it creates bulges (top picture) that distorts the corner.  That distortion disappears with a bit of steam and a press with the clapper (bottom picture).

All of my art quilts that are finished with a binding get this treatment.  Utility quilts that are gifts, plus those that are entered into a show get this treatment, too.  The difference in the appearance can be seen between the unpressed corner that's overlapped on top and the one that's been flattened on the bottom.

The thing I like about this method of flattening is that the edge of the quilt is not stretched out of shape as it would be if it were "ironed".  The dimension of that outside measurement is not affected.

PS:  This post is listed along with other tutorials I've posted throughout the years.  Click here to go to the Blogger Page to see all.

PPS:  Another kind of clapper that I just became aware of can be found on I Have A Notion blog.  It's 24" long, one side is flat and  the other is rounded, and it can be hung on the wall for storage.