Classes & Lectures
Ties that Bind
© 2009 Ties that Bind Workshop
These two binding methods are totally by machine, blindingly fast, and highly accurate. If you love to quilt had hate to bind, if you have hand problems that limit your hand sewing, or if you ever got volunteered to bind the pot holders for the church bazaar, you need this. One method utilizes bias tape cut with a rotary cutter to make regular binding and the other utilizes rayon thread, gimp and machine stitching to make a binding that defies corners and straight edges.
Skill level Beginner/ Expert
1 Session 3 hours technique oriented class
A. Getting even- quilt preparation
1.Blocking
2. Trimming
3. Special remedies
B. Method 1: Bias with a rotary cutter
Making bias
1. Bias demo
a. Figuring yardages
b. Making the bias tube
c. Cutting bias with a rotary cutter
d. Using a bias maker
2. Binding demo
a. Choosing the right stitch
b. Attaching bias
c. Mitering corners
d. Finishing the edge
e. Adding hangers
3. Class binds square
C. Method 2: Thread Binding
1.Thread binding demo
a. Laying down cord
b. Covering cord
2. Class binds square
Tools:
Materials Zig-zag sewing machine with edging and/or
5 9" squares of cotton hemming foot and button hole foot
2 9" square of a cotton or mostly cotton quilt batt
#90 Sharp needles
Clear monofilament nylon thread Extra bobbins (2)
Thread fuse 1 pair, scissors
Utility sewing thread Rotary cutter, plastic ruler and mat
Polyester embroidery thread Smaller mat for cutting bias
Kit of materials available for $12.00 fee 8 straight pins
#25 mm ( ½ inch when folded) bias maker
Iron and ironing board
Pressing cloth (optional)
Ties that Bind Kit for class is $12.00
(Includes Booklet available for purchase $5.00)
Student Class Information
Please read this before class.
I know many of the things I use for creating my quilts are hard to find. I won’t do kits for most classes because kits limit what I can bring you and limit your choices for your work. Instead I bring all kinds of resources into class for you so you can have what you need in class, without having to purchase something you don’t want. Please bring anything you want to experiment with to class if you have them. But don’t worry about finding things that you don’t know where to get. I’ll bring in the right stabilizers, fusibles, hand-dyed fabrics, the best threads, and tools I trust. They’re there for you to choose so you can
pick exactly what you need and want in class. You can make a tab and settle up at the end of your class time.
A big part of enjoying a class is being able to participate and experiment. If your machine isn’t working right, it makes that harder. I will make every effort to help you if your machine is in trouble, but there are things you should do to help avoid problems.
Please bring a machine you are familiar with! If you are borrowing a machine, make sure you know how to thread the machine, wind a bobbin, and change the feet. Bring your manual if you can, and all your attachments.
In general, sewing machines are like cars. They need regular maintenance. Before any machine class, please take your machine out, check that it has the correct feet, and that it's working properly. If it hasn't been tuned up in the last two years, please have that done. Your good experience in any machine quilting class depends on your machine being in its best condition.
You probably know what you need to make your sewing day more comfortable. If you are more comfortable with a special light, chair or a pillow, bring it. Also if you have an extending table for your machine, that can be a great help.
I bring some books to help us feed our eyes and give us ideas, but if you have interesting art books, children’s books with wonderful illustrations, or any kinds of image collections you want to bring, they will be very welcome. Please put your name in them before you come so they won’t be misplaced.
As a personal favor, please don’t wear perfumes or anything with strong scents. Or clothes that have perfume on them. I’m quite allergic to them. Other people may be too.
If you have questions or problems with your machine, or anything you are having trouble finding, feel free to call me and discuss it before class. I may be able to bring just the right gadget or book to make things work better for you.
September 09, 2010