A Second Look at Binding Thread

I get so many comments from readers that tell me how much they enjoy my "tidbits". (Thank you!). I think I like them more than you because whenever I post them, I get additional suggestions related to that tidbit! (Thank you!). 

Yesterdays tidbit was in regards to using silk thread when doing the binding on a quilt as it glides smoothly and does not knot up. 

In my excitement, I may have posted in haste. I'm not saying that what I said is wrong or bad, but I really hadn't worked with this type of thread to really be able to give it a fair assessment. So let me share with you some of the suggestions I received, and you can make your own decisions on what you'd prefer to use in your own quilts. :) 

A lot of people said they used hand quilting thread to bind their quilts. I guess you can find it coated to help prevent the tangling. I don't know why I never thought of using hand quilting thread, since essentially, that is exactly what you are doing. I am going to have to give that a try too. I know that the thread is thicker than normal piecing thread so that would lead me to believe it would last longer. 

Julia had said that she had used silk thread and in a year or so the thread snapped. *gasp*. I'm a bit worried about that happening. I did a test.....I took my 100% cotton thread that I piece with (and used to bind with) and pulled it to see how much uumpfff it took to break it. Then did the same thing with the silk. To me, there wasn't a difference. If there was, it was unnoticeable to me. This made me feel a little better. 

Someone else also suggested to use a product called Thread Heaven. This product is supposed to condition your thread for ease of use AND it is supposed to lengthen the lifetime of the finished work. I'm totally getting some of this!! Once I receive it and have a chance to use it, I will do a review here. Thank you Diane for suggesting this!

Then....Sequana said she used straw needles. Who'd a thunk it?! Not I! She even shared a tutorial she found for her binding and now she loves doing binding! Check out the tutorial she shared HERE.  I am a bit worried after reading the tutorial because it speaks of using regular cotton thread for piecing and if you use it for binding, it should be doubled up. I've never done that. I hope my bindings don't start coming off.  (o_O)

So I've decided I need to change my ways.

I think I am going to try two things. No, three. I am going to get some hand quilting thread and I am going to pull out my straw needles and give that a go. I am also going to get some of that Thread Heaven and use that, perhaps even on my hand quilting thread. Can't hurt.

Even though I loved using the silk thread, I'm not sure its my best option unless I double it up. I say that because it's the same weight as the thread I used for piecing. 

So I apologize for being so quick to post on the silk thread and I hope that this post will help you make a better informed decision on how to bind your own quilts so they last forever! :D 

I also haven't shown any sneak peeks lately..... I know how you all love to be teased. :) 

Have you seen this line? Sweet Divinity by The Quilted Fish for Riley Blake?! 

**Swoon**

Well, I've been playing with it...I can't show you much right now...but soon. I promise. :) 

Is it ironic that it is waiting for binding to be tacked down? LOL

I tried a new quilting technique as well. The lines are spaced about 2" apart in a cross hatch design. I can't wait to see it washed and all smooshed up!!! 

Much Love!!!