I hate putting binding on - I hate cutting it and the way it starts to curl in, I hate trying to decide what length to use and then having to do lots of pinning - and I still haven't practised with my binding attachment for the coverstitcher, I have tried a sort of shell stitch over a very narrow hem that works ok, but looks a bit too fussy possibly. So does anyone have any alternative quick and dirty edge treatments? Not necessarily "correct" methods, but quick bodges? Please?
Aaah, I see binding is a quick and dirty edge treatment for knits. It's even quicker and easier with coverstitching
There are several different methods but just one quick (and dirty) ways is
- cut away seam allowance on edge to be finished
- right sides together overlock binding strip to edge (or sew approx 0.5cm - 1cm in from the edge)
- wrap binding strip around the SA to the inside
- coverstitch along edge, which secures the binding on the under side
- trim excess binding away next to serpentine side of the cover stitching on the underside
there are two or three other methods that are quicker and simpler than setting up, adjusting and working with a binder attachment.
Binder attachments can be useful but they're better for batch sewing jobs rather than one-offs because of the time, effort and materials used in setting up, test stitching and getting your eye in to get a nice finish.