binding stitching

[Teri]

A few days ago, the APQS Daily News had an article called "Better Binding". I found good information there, but want to question this point:

"The stitches should be less than 1/16th of an inch apart (or even closer) for positive judging comments."

Less than 1/16th of an inch? This has got to be a mis-print! That is SO FAR from a fingernail distance apart, which was said to be what the judges were looking for.

Please respond to this from the perspective of having various judges comments' on the quilts you've entered in shows or other statements about show requirements. I hope this is a typo.

Teri in ID

[DawnCavanaugh]

Teri,

The 1/16-inch reference is only meant to indicate that the stitches should be very close together, so that a person cannot lift any portion of the binding with a fingernail. It isn't meant to be that literal. Have you ever worked on a "group quilting project" only to discover that everyone's interpretation of what a "quarter inch seam" should be is completely different? That's the same thing here...the number isn't so important as the consistency and closeness of the stitches.

Quilters who do needle-turn applique are used to very tiny stitches, and make terrific quilt binders! Just strive to get them very close and you'll be good to go by any judge's expectations.