Making folded seam binding

[VictoriaGuy]

I can't get synthetic seam binding locally, so......

Cut strips of cloth 4 x the width of your finished binding (a hot knife works best).

Fire up your steam iron (you can use a hotter iron than the dial indicates for nylon if you keep the iron moving and pay attention )

Fold your strips and press. Fold edges to middle and press again. Fold again and press and you are done.
Pinning one end of the strip to the ironing board helps when folding and ironing.

A simple thing with an iron - the other 'tool' for sewing.

[Ramblinrev]

You can use the same technique for bias tape. Just cut the strips diagonally to the grain. (On the bias). Bias tape is much more flexible than straight grain binding and would work better for cat cuts on tarps. Just make sure the edges are well sealed to prevent fraying. That's the benefit of a hot knife for cutting the strips.

[boulderv7]

I love the way bias tape looks, but in my limited experience with it, it sure is a pain to make. At least with lightweight ripstop- it doesn't really want to hold a crease. Does it hold a crease better cutting on the grain?

[Ramblinrev]

Does it hold a crease better cutting on the grain?

For nylon... straight grain is probably marginally better. I would prefer to make my binding and bias tape out of polyester taffeta. In that case there is probably not much difference. Polyester is easier to crease than nylon in my experience. YMMV.

[The Old Boot]

And if you're adventurous, here's the instructions for making continuous bias tape!

http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/02/m...as-strips.html

Works great if you need or want same color binding or want it to be of the same material.

[boulderv7]

For nylon... straight grain is probably marginally better. I would prefer to make my binding and bias tape out of polyester taffeta. In that case there is probably not much difference. Polyester is easier to crease than nylon in my experience. YMMV.

Good stuff... I'm going to try that... Thanks.

And if you're adventurous, here's the instructions for making continuous bias tape!

http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/02/m...as-strips.html

Works great if you need or want same color binding or want it to be of the same material.

I watched a video on this....these instructions are much clearer. Thanks for the post!

[VictoriaGuy]

And if you're adventurous, here's the instructions for making continuous bias tape!

http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/02/m...as-strips.html

That's pretty clever, IMO. And some of the comments explain how to use a short cutting board and rotary cutter - a method which only needs the first strip to be marked, the rest being cut with a gauge.

Making yards and yards of bias binding is not in my plans, though!!

I agree with the comments on pressing nylon - especially on the bias it doesn't crease very easily.....even with a 'too hot' iron. Part of the problem IMO is that 'modern' irons are too light to do a solid job compared to the old heavyweights.

[Ramblinrev]

Part of the problem IMO is that 'modern' irons are too light to do a solid job compared to the old heavyweights.

The weight of the iron is a big issue for natural fabrics but I'm not sure how relevant it is to the nylon issue. Heavier irons work best for natural fabrics. What might help, although I haven't tried it, would be to get the old fashioned water sprinkler bottle. Those of a certain age will surely know of what I speak. A spritz bottle will probably do in it's place. Wet the nylon and then iron it so the steam helps set the crease. You'll dry the nylon at the same time and should be able to lower temp on the iron to give yourself a little more leeway in temperature.

[boulderv7]

The weight of the iron is a big issue for natural fabrics but I'm not sure how relevant it is to the nylon issue. Heavier irons work best for natural fabrics. What might help, although I haven't tried it, would be to get the old fashioned water sprinkler bottle. Those of a certain age will surely know of what I speak. A spritz bottle will probably do in it's place. Wet the nylon and then iron it so the steam helps set the crease. You'll dry the nylon at the same time and should be able to lower temp on the iron to give yourself a little more leeway in temperature.

My father taught me to use a spray bottle when pressing slacks and button downs when I was young. Never thought about it again until now.

[The Old Boot]

I buy all my spray bottles in the garden dept of W/M. House brand and holds 16 oz.

If you're using them for anything but water, label the contents so you don't use Mean Green when you really want window cleaner! (Don't ask..)

They're cheap and the sprayer works great!