Quick posts regarding binding attachments! (Sorry these are so quick and dry!)
You can get affordable binding attachments for most machines.
It's great when they can integrate with your machine perfectly but if you're not using it much, you might want to try it out first to see if you like using an attachment before committing to a more expensive attachment.
I've used many binding attachments and none have been for a specific sewing machine brand.
If your machine doesn't have a hole in the bed to screw the attachment to, you can use a temporary material to hold it in place while sewing.
I've found this double sided thick clear tape meant for hanging things on walls works great, removes cleanly and easily without residue, and holds the attachment firmly in place.
It gives you a good amount of surface area to stick the attachment to. If you have the option to screw the attachment in to the bed of the machine- this is preferred. Usually the screw is NOT included in the purchase of the attachment.
Machines are different. On this machine, the screw holes are in this silver circle. There are two about 1/2"/1.2 cm apart so you have a choice for the one that works best, or you can use both. There is a screw in the left hand hole in the photo and the awl is pointing to the other. The other dark circle is the screw attaching this to the machine.
These attachments are temporary. They can also be a more permanent installation on industrial machines by changing to a different throat plate, feed dogs and machine foot.
One of the limiting factors with using binding attachments is the type of binding you are sewing. You can only sew seams that have an entry and exit- in other words, you will find it hard to sew an edge that is in the round like the perimeter of a quilt. While you can utilize it for an edge that is continuous, you will have to pick some stitches out and refold the edges to finish it.
For all of my designs, I use 1 3/8"(35 mm) wide cut bias binding. When you're looking for an attachment for the things I bind on my patterns, you're looking for these key features:
Double Fold (it is clean folded on top and bottom)
35 mm (the size of the attachment almost always references the width of the bias you are inserting- in some cases the finished width will be stated but it usually is not).
(You can use a 1.5" binder if you cannot find a 1.375" binder).
This one works great on all of my machines:
It's from Wawak and comes in a few different widths. Notice in the photo the awl pointing to some engraved numbers- these numbers say 1 1/2" which indicates the width of the bias you need. I found the bias could sit behind my machine and feed in to the attachment.
I have a couple of other binding attachments meant for my coverstitch machine from Erika Syskrin. These are great attachments but the space inside is meant for thicker binding - like ribbing so they do not work well for quilting cotton or similar.
I've also tried this one from Amazon: it is a little on the long side (the part where the bias feeds in) and it needs to be at an angle, but it works as well. I found the bias needed to be in front of the machine to feed nicely. (this is an amazon affiliate link).
A few tips:
Bias should be cut accurately for best results. Seriously.
Keep experimenting!
Adjust the position- either left to right or front to back- micro adjustments make a big impact.
Plan to waste bias!!!!! Especially when you're learning.
Set yourself up for success- don't give yourself bias with lots of seams!
Yes you can use bias with seams but you'll want to have the knack and be prepared for wobbles at the seams.
I have quite a few videos I'll link soon to help you sewing bias-especially with an attachment.
