May 07, 2005
Finishing Edges
This is a sample of how I would like to see the edges of my current piece finished. I would like to fold the edges to the back of the work so that the painterly quality of the piece extends all the way to the extreme edge of the work.
This is a test piece so you don't get to see that the real piece is backed in a black fabric and the "binding" (shown in white in the photo above) will also be black. But this is how it looks from the side.
This is how the above "binding" looks from the front and side.
This is another way of doing it but I am not sure that I like seeing the small strip of "binding" fabric at the right edge in this photo. I love the look of this binding better than the other, EXCEPT for the small strip at the right corner of this photo.
This is how the this "binding" looks from the front and side. Am I making something out of nothing? Is there a better way to do this? If there is a better way of doing this I would love to know about it. Help is appreciated!
Dog earring the corners won't work because the corner is too thick. I haven't tried mitering the corners for the same reason. Perhaps one of you has done this technique successfully and could help me out on this one.
If I'm understanding the pictures correctly (and I may not be) the simple solution is to use the pillowcase method with the escape hatch on the back. I learned it from Melody Johnson and I believe that she has it on her blog.
Posted by: sonji hunt at May 7, 2005 01:23 PMMelanie:
I agree with Sonji - I think that the pillowcase method would work very well. But I have also done the facing method with good results. You need to trim the seam allowance (in both cases) to 1/8 inch or less. I think I would match the fabric of the front rather than the back so that you do not see the contrast in colors so easily at the corners.
Posted by: gerrie at May 7, 2005 01:47 PMMel,
I have bumped into the same issue and my solution was to paint the nasty little flap to match the rest. I have also use an inverted miter but your fabric is prolly too thick for this to be affective.
Try using a facing - I've done this with great success. It is very much the same as Melody Johnson's pillow turn method.
To do it, cut a piece of fabric the same size and color (or if you have it, the same fabric) as the edges of the piece that needs finishing. Pre-cut a hole in the middle - I like a 6" x 6" hole. Lay it right side down on the piece (right sides together). Stitch a 1/4 seam all the way around, using two diagonal stitches in each corner (prevents pointy corners). Turn inside out through the hole, pushing out corners, and press into place. Make your label, and attach to cover the hole. Or, the hole can be shaped and placed to be covered by the hanging sleeve (I think this is what Melody does).
Posted by: ThatLoganChick at May 7, 2005 05:07 PMMelanie - I agree , the pillowcase, with facing matching the front fabric. And the following addition - after closely trimming the seam allowance, press the edge making sure that none of the facing rolls forward to be seen from the front, then with a toning thread, on the back side of the edge, as close to the edge as possible, run a line of small running stitches which catch into all the seam layers inside but must miss the actual front one... easy once you have pressed the edge. This is a fine dressmaking detail often on Vogue patterns for armhole and neck facings. I haven't made a dress for years but I still use this finish very often on quilts, and it really does get that finish you want. It's also perfect for irregular shaped edges. If my words aren't clear enough, email me, I'll sketch scan and put up on my blog. Let us know how you go.
Posted by: Alison Schwabe at May 8, 2005 10:08 AMHi Melly
I use the method posted by Alison above and it works very well - I find the small line of running stitches to hold all the layers together really makes a difference especially if the piece is very large.
Nicky
Posted by: Nicky Perryman at May 9, 2005 06:02 AMMelly,
I can't wait to see this quilt, you are being very tough making us wait til it is totally finished! ;-)
Cheers
Claire
You REALLY inspire me!!!!!! I'll be back to check out more of your work very soon. ~Sharon
Posted by: sharon at May 10, 2005 07:45 PM