DIY: double fold binding tape

I know, TWO tutorials in one day.  Amazing!!  They went together so I felt it only made sense to post them together...right!?   :)

This is a great binding for home decor projects because it is made with raw edges tucked into the binding center.  This is not the type of binding I use for my quilts.  

Keep in mind, this is NOT bias tape.  "Bias" suggests it was cut from the fabric at an angle.  This tape was simply cut straight across the fabric.

Here is a tutorial for making 1/2" double fold binding tape. 

What you'll need:

2 1/4" x WOF strip (if you need more then one WOF, stitch multiple lengths together to get your desired length)

iron and ironing board

Here is an image to show where the finished pressed edges will be.

1.  Begin by pressing your strip in half lengthwise.

2.  Open your seam and fold one long raw edge toward the pressed line you just made (the center of the strip).  You want the raw edge to be just shy of the binding center to reduce bulk when it is finished.

3.  Repeat with the other long raw edge.  Be sure to press it just shy of the center as you did with the other edge.

4.  Now fold in half along your first press line.  If you want to press that fold again, go for it!

That's it!  Like I said, it's great as binding for home decor projects (like this and this) because the raw edges are folded into the binding.

DIY: prairie point garland

Real quickly...the race last weekend was AWESOME!!!  I'm so glad I participated in it.  I'll post more about that later.

I have a non-quilting tutorial for you today...YAY!!  It is super quick and very easy...it is a prairie point garland!  

When I was a little girl, I had a soft pink little blanket with prairie points around the edge.  I think it might have actually been my older sisters, but I sort of inherited it.  I LOVED that blanket.

Prairie points are such a fun cheerful design; whether as a binding, accent, or all by themselves.

Here is a tutorial for making a 13 point x 44" wide garland. 

To get started, you will need

13- 3" squares for prairie points

1/2" double fold binding tape

basic sewing supplies

1.  Take one of your squares...

and press, wrong sides together, in half diagonally.

2.  Fold in half again along the long edge and press.

3.  Make a prairie point train.  One point biting the backside of the point to its right.  Overlap the two fabrics by 1/2".  Pin.

4.  Stitch the prairie points together, approximately 1/4" from the edge.  This step isn't absolutely necessary, but I did it so my points wouldn't shift when stitching them into the binding strip.

5.  Insert the strip of points into the binding strip.  Find the center of your binding strip.  Place the center of the middle point in the center of the binding strip.  Pin at about every other point and stitch (backstitch at the ends).

And voila, you done!  

You will have approx. 9 1/2" binding strip on either of the prairie points...

to tie a knot for hanging.

Now, go hang your petite decoration and adore!

race day!!!

It's race day, people!! I'm excited and a bit terrified all at the same time...an interesting emotion. :)

New Fabric!!

I was busy cleaning the dishes when my son walked in with a package.  Of course, I had to stop IMMEDIATELY and rip it open (the wonderful thing about getting new fabric is that it's like Christmas...but any time of year!).  Inside were these Kona beauties.  

I try not to buy fabric unless I kinda-maybe-sorta have a project in mind for it (I have sworn to never become a hoarder and I really don't have that much space anyway).  I have known for a while that I wanted some Charcoal and Ash, I just couldn't decide what to use it for.  Now I know, so there was no delay in purchasing them.  They are so much more beautiful in person...and the Chartreuse, Aqua, School Bus, and Corn Yellow.  Oh my goodness, this might just be my favorite group of solids EVER!

I purchased these from Sew Fresh Fabrics on Etsy.  It is my go-to for all my Kona.  This shop recently underwent some changes.  Peg still runs it while Becca has started her own shop, Sew Me A Song.  I have always enjoyed excellent purchasing experiences from these ladies.  They are great to work with and have speedy-fast shipping.

I have a couple simple, cheerful quilts planned for these fabrics!