When I make binding I don't like to bother rolling it or rolling it on something. I just put a plastic bin on the floor at the end of my ironing board and drop the binding into it as I iron it in half. At the end I leave the end hanging over the edge of the bin so I can grab it when I'm ready to use it. Works great. Just a matter of preference. No way is wrong.
I have days that I dont feel like sewing. On those days I make my own kits. Grab a pattern, cut the fabric and store it in a plastic zipper bag with the pattern until you’re ready to sew it together. Sometimes I make binding and borders too. We all have those days where we want to sew but dont feel like cutting as well.
With leftover cotton batting: if they’re about 5” wide, I’ll cut them so they fit in my swiffer floor duster. It picks up dust and debris on my hard floors really well. Then I’ll throw them in my fire starter bag to use in my fire pit.
When my leftover pieces are a usable size as is, I attach a note to the batting piece with its dimensions. If the piece is an odd shape, I make a rough sketch and write the length of each edge.
These are some great tips! I use an empty Parmesan cheese container for used rotary blades and needles. It’s just the right size, and you can drop the needles right into the holes on the top. Thanks!
Great tips! Instead of using leaders and enders, Karen Brown of "Just Get It Done" quilts on RUclips sews what she calls "Bonus Blocks" when sewing her projects (like you explained in the video). That way, you get two sets of quilt blocks done instead of just one. Great idea!
Thank you for so many great tips. I've enjoyed reading all of the creative tips everyone has shared. I don't have as many scraps as most quilters do. I have saved the plastic containers lettuce comes in to put scraps in, after washing them out of course. I separate them by color and Christmas fabric has it's own container. I've just filled one of these containers to beyond capacity.
I am an inexperienced quilter busy with my second quilt. Two of four that I intend doing in my lifetime. I started sewing during Covid because, as a nurse, I found that it was good for my mental health. My first quilt took two years and my current quilt I am busy now 13 months and I’ll take another month. I am 67 years old and just retired. I hand piece irregular blocks and I hand quilt my personalised quilts using photos, stories and clothing. Every single comment here is an extremely valuable tip to me, because I am learning, even though I don’t machine sew, though I’ve never tried. Thank you very much for this video and a big thank you for all those quilter for their comments.
What do I do with leftover blocks? hmmmmm. Generally, nomatter what they look like, as long as they are not specifuc to an age like a baby, generally I frame them in black strips of varying widths till they are all the same size. I fit long skinny ones and large sixteeninch ones together and everyone likes them. It works with all kinds of blocks, any dark fabric strip will work. Somehow it just brings them all together.
I use for leaders and enders the triangles from my project to add some to the back of my quilt, it helps tame the scraps. Thanks for your videos, they are so wonderful and full of great information.
This was an enjoyable post. Thank you. I’ve used the shelf liner on my foot peddle. I cut mine the. Size of the foot and put it on the liner. No glue is necessary. It really doesn’t move
My iron gets dirty a lot. The fastest, safest, and easiest way to clean it is the Mr. Clean white sponge pads, it gets everything off so quickly and completely. I use it all the time.
@@annablock8037 i’ve been using it for many years and it hasn’t harmed my irons at all. Perhaps it would harm some irons, but I use the cheap irons from Walmart.
Lori Holt does two projects at once too. She’s very organized abt it. She cuts up all her leftovers into certain sizes she uses a lot. Then she plans out a second quilt and uses those pieces as her leaders and Enders.
Thank you for the great tips! I like to use orphan blocks to make project bags with the clear vinyl and zipper. The block looks pretty through the vinyl when empty and gives the bag a little stability when filled.
I always use blocks for another project as my leaders/enders. Works great for me! Another thing I do is cut all my leftovers into 2.5 strips or blocks, depending on the size. Anything smaller, I go ahead and toss out. Then, if I don’t have another quilt project cut and ready to use as leaders/enders, I can use the squares to make 9 patch blocks for a scrappy 9 patch I’ve been working on for quite awhile. I love, love, love 9 patch quilts!
I've learned to keep a journal of my quilting activity with start date, measurements, swatch of fabriç and and identify the fabric with a number, letter or a colored diagram.
If you take one of the paper towel holders from dollar tree and wipe the bottom of it down, you could put the toilet paper with the binding on that and it’ll just sit in the floor by you or on the table next to you while you’re sewing it on the one I like the best was when they took a standalone toilet paper holder up and put the toilet paper on it and put it right beside them on the floor and of course the toilet paper holder is up higher off the floor, of course and just they just want to tell you didn’t have to ever change it. And just get it done is the one that uses the leader making a square for another Quilt project.
I love those ideas with the toilet paper holder and the paper towel holder!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Some of have said Bonnie Hunter also does that with the leaders and enders. I am going to try to put that process in place for myself!!!
Winding bias tape on toilet paper rolls is an epic idea! I’ve been collecting the empty rolls for Christmas Crackers, so I already have lots. I’ll start immediately, and figure out how to store the bias tape on the rolls also. 😘
I use ribbed silicone mats from automotive department at Walmart, they come in several sizes… one for my foot pedal which stays put and a small one on my cabinet for my cloth thread catcher/pin cushion, otherwise I am continually picking it up from the floor. I do blocks for future project as my Leaders/enders and when sewn, they go back in my project bag until I am ready to begin that project, not so daunting to begin that one then…
I do not sewing room. So for clean up I use drop cloth that helps keep the area clean and my pedal from moving. When finishing just shake out in the trash, ahh easy clean up!
Before a retreat, I make my own kits by cutting all my required pieces for my project, label them properly and then I used the foodsaver vacuum sealer to seal them neatly. That way my pieces stay organized, clean and wrinkle free and ready to be put in my suitcase. Don’t forget the pattern. To avoid chaos during retreat, I copy the instruction pages to be included on the sealed bags with the word written not for sale to avoid copyrighted issues.
Bias tape on toilet roll is the best tip. No matter how careful I am mine would invariably end up caught in the wheel of my chair😏. Thanks for sharing that one🇭🇲😀
I don't use more than 5 Color Catchers, but I now use use Synthrapol. I have never had a bleed (and I do much high contrast with whites, navies, blacks and reds).
I keep a small square of batting by my machine and put my threads on that. They stick to the batting and when it's full you can throw it away and start over, or put it in a thrift store pillow case along with all other fabric scraps. When the pillowcase is full sew up the top and you have a pet bed. Nothing is wasted at all.
Great tips. I always find new ideas from your channel and reader's comments. Successful quilting doesn't need to be expensive. I usually keep my seam ripper in the machine drop down area but a place at the ens of the machine is great. I do use the retractable badge holder for small scissors, especially when hand stitching binding . They used to escape into the quilt folds or down the side of the couch. No more runaway scissors
I use the dollar tree ribbed shelf liner on the floor for my sewing machine peddle. Great ideas. I got a hook for my machine for my scissors from your last video and am hooked. ❤
I have hard wood floors, so I have my foot peddle for the sewing machine velcro-ed to the floor. 2 strips on each side of the peddle .It works fantastic. I have the"soft side" on the floor so when I have to pick it up ,I can vacuum right over the strip without getting threads caught in the "hook" side of the velcro.
I think the leaders/enders dual project idea is great but I’ve been concerned about getting confused about what I’m doing. I think it would require a plan, organization and a simple pattern. I have a bunch of Civil War reproduction fabrics left over from stuff-and not just “scraps,” either-and I want to make a double four-patch with them. That’s a simple block that makes a lovely quilt. My plan is to organize that fabric and use it for the leader-enders idea. Maybe next year? 😆😆😆 Always behind, right??!!
I love the Stash ‘n Store silicone holders. I place a chopstick in the cube-shaped one from last year’s FQS Jolly Box. A spool of thread and its corresponding bobbin can be slid onto the chopstick so that they are handy. I also keep my scissors and small seam ripper in the holes. When you place the plastic scissor or ripper cover in a hole, it’s easy to put your scissors or ripper back into that cover without snapping it in. That way it’s easy to grab the tool when you need it, and the cover stays in the silicone.
It's very handy, keeping bindings on toilet paper rolls. I've been doing this for a couple of years already. Safe, easy, clean way to store bindings 'til ready to use.
When using the pool noodle to hang your quilt, get one of those Dollar Tree handles that are about 5’,6’ and run through the pool noodle so it’ll stay straight rather than SAG if you’re doing it for a white quilt
Use the same group of fabrics for test blocks. Then all the orphan blocks coordinate.
I would like to try this!!! Thanks for sharing!!
I keep a lint roller on my sewing table to 'roll' myself off and get the lint and threads off.
Lol! I have several in my quilt room!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
When I make binding I don't like to bother rolling it or rolling it on something. I just put a plastic bin on the floor at the end of my ironing board and drop the binding into it as I iron it in half. At the end I leave the end hanging over the edge of the bin so I can grab it when I'm ready to use it. Works great. Just a matter of preference. No way is wrong.
I do this as well! Easy and it works!
I like your method! You are right! No way is wrong!
I have days that I dont feel like sewing. On those days I make my own kits. Grab a pattern, cut the fabric and store it in a plastic zipper bag with the pattern until you’re ready to sew it together. Sometimes I make binding and borders too. We all have those days where we want to sew but dont feel like cutting as well.
Thanks so much for sharing!!!!
With leftover cotton batting: if they’re about 5” wide, I’ll cut them so they fit in my swiffer floor duster. It picks up dust and debris on my hard floors really well. Then I’ll throw them in my fire starter bag to use in my fire pit.
I love your idea of using as a floor duster!!!
I wash all my quilts with cold water and 2cups of salt. Dissolve the water then add quilt that sets the colors and cheaper than buying color catchers.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!!! It does sound cheaper!
You can also use a vinyl tablecloth for your design board. It has a flannel backing that is great for sticking your blocks on.
Those work pretty good too! Those are used at many quilt retreats!
I always put left over batting in original bag so if you need to sew pieces together I have the same kind of batting
When my leftover pieces are a usable size as is, I attach a note to the batting piece with its dimensions. If the piece is an odd shape, I make a rough sketch and write the length of each edge.
Great tip!! Thanks for sharing!!!
These are some great tips! I use an empty Parmesan cheese container for used rotary blades and needles. It’s just the right size, and you can drop the needles right into the holes on the top. Thanks!
Wow!!! Another great tip!!!
Great tips! Instead of using leaders and enders, Karen Brown of "Just Get It Done" quilts on RUclips sews what she calls "Bonus Blocks" when sewing her projects (like you explained in the video). That way, you get two sets of quilt blocks done instead of just one. Great idea!
Yes and I am going to try that with what I showed you!
Thank you for so many great tips. I've enjoyed reading all of the creative tips everyone has shared. I don't have as many scraps as most quilters do. I have saved the plastic containers lettuce comes in to put scraps in, after washing them out of course. I separate them by color and Christmas fabric has it's own container. I've just filled one of these containers to beyond capacity.
Great way to store your scraps! Thanks for sharing!!
I am an inexperienced quilter busy with my second quilt. Two of four that I intend doing in my lifetime. I started sewing during Covid because, as a nurse, I found that it was good for my mental health. My first quilt took two years and my current quilt I am busy now 13 months and I’ll take another month. I am 67 years old and just retired. I hand piece irregular blocks and I hand quilt my personalised quilts using photos, stories and clothing. Every single comment here is an extremely valuable tip to me, because I am learning, even though I don’t machine sew, though I’ve never tried. Thank you very much for this video and a big thank you for all those quilter for their comments.
Hazel, Thank you for sharing your quilt journey!!!! I'm glad you are finding my videos helpful!!
What do I do with leftover blocks? hmmmmm. Generally, nomatter what they look like, as long as they are not specifuc to an age like a baby, generally I frame them in black strips of varying widths till they are all the same size. I fit long skinny ones and large sixteeninch ones together and everyone likes them. It works with all kinds of blocks, any dark fabric strip will work. Somehow it just brings them all together.
Great idea!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!! I would love to see one!!!!
I use for leaders and enders the triangles from my project to add some to the back of my quilt, it helps tame the scraps. Thanks for your videos, they are so wonderful and full of great information.
Thank you so much!
I use leftover prescription pill containers to dispose of my “sharps”. The wider ones work for my used rotary cutter blades.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!!!
This was an enjoyable post. Thank you. I’ve used the shelf liner on my foot peddle. I cut mine the. Size of the foot and put it on the liner. No glue is necessary. It really doesn’t move
Thanks for sharing and I'm so glad you enjoyed this video!
My iron gets dirty a lot. The fastest, safest, and easiest way to clean it is the Mr. Clean white sponge pads, it gets everything off so quickly and completely. I use it all the time.
Remember that the Mr Clean or any generic brand is a micro size sandpaper.
@@annablock8037 i’ve been using it for many years and it hasn’t harmed my irons at all. Perhaps it would harm some irons, but I use the cheap irons from Walmart.
Thanks for sharing!
Lori Holt does two projects at once too. She’s very organized abt it. She cuts up all her leftovers into certain sizes she uses a lot. Then she plans out a second quilt and uses those pieces as her leaders and Enders.
Lori Holt is awesome!! She is a fantastic artist!!!
Thank you for the great tips! I like to use orphan blocks to make project bags with the clear vinyl and zipper. The block looks pretty through the vinyl when empty and gives the bag a little stability when filled.
That's a great idea!
I always use blocks for another project as my leaders/enders. Works great for me! Another thing I do is cut all my leftovers into 2.5 strips or blocks, depending on the size. Anything smaller, I go ahead and toss out. Then, if I don’t have another quilt project cut and ready to use as leaders/enders, I can use the squares to make 9 patch blocks for a scrappy 9 patch I’ve been working on for quite awhile. I love, love, love 9 patch quilts!
Great process you have going!!! I need to start doing that!!!
I get flannel sheets at the thrift stores.
Great idea!!!
I've learned to keep a journal of my quilting activity with start date, measurements, swatch of fabriç and and identify the fabric with a number, letter or a colored diagram.
Great idea!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Brenda from Conquering Mt. Scrapmore uses leaders and enders, making beautiful blocks with them.
Thanks for sharing! She makes some really neat quilts!!!
If you take one of the paper towel holders from dollar tree and wipe the bottom of it down, you could put the toilet paper with the binding on that and it’ll just sit in the floor by you or on the table next to you while you’re sewing it on the one I like the best was when they took a standalone toilet paper holder up and put the toilet paper on it and put it right beside them on the floor and of course the toilet paper holder is up higher off the floor, of course and just they just want to tell you didn’t have to ever change it. And just get it done is the one that uses the leader making a square for another Quilt project.
I love those ideas with the toilet paper holder and the paper towel holder!!! Thanks for sharing!!! Some of have said Bonnie Hunter also does that with the leaders and enders. I am going to try to put that process in place for myself!!!
Bonnie Hunter does the sewing with leaders and Enders also.
Thanks! I got her mixed up with Pat Sloan!!! So sorry!
Winding bias tape on toilet paper rolls is an epic idea! I’ve been collecting the empty rolls for Christmas Crackers, so I already have lots. I’ll start immediately, and figure out how to store the bias tape on the rolls also. 😘
I will be trying it very soon! I have three quilts that need the binding!!!
I use ribbed silicone mats from automotive department at Walmart, they come in several sizes… one for my foot pedal which stays put and a small one on my cabinet for my cloth thread catcher/pin cushion, otherwise I am continually picking it up from the floor. I do blocks for future project as my Leaders/enders and when sewn, they go back in my project bag until I am ready to begin that project, not so daunting to begin that one then…
Great tips! I will look for the ribbed silicone mats from Wal-mart!!! Thanks for sharing!
I do not sewing room. So for clean up I use drop cloth that helps keep the area clean and my pedal from moving. When finishing just shake out in the trash, ahh easy clean up!
That's a great idea!
Before a retreat, I make my own kits by cutting all my required pieces for my project, label them properly and then I used the foodsaver vacuum sealer to seal them neatly. That way my pieces stay organized, clean and wrinkle free and ready to be put in my suitcase. Don’t forget the pattern. To avoid chaos during retreat, I copy the instruction pages to be included on the sealed bags with the word written not for sale to avoid copyrighted issues.
That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing!!!
Bias tape on toilet roll is the best tip. No matter how careful I am mine would invariably end up caught in the wheel of my chair😏. Thanks for sharing that one🇭🇲😀
You are most welcome!!!
I like to wash my quilts before I gift them. This way I insure that there are no bleeds and it is already soft and cuddly and all set to be used.
Me too.
I do the same. Also get to check the seams and get any of the last threads you missed.
Great tip!!!
I do the same, to make sure no colors have bled. I also love that it’s crinkled up a bit after washing and drying it.
I use Crayola Ultra Washable markers to draw lines for HSTs and to mark cross hatch lines for quilting. I wash all my quilts when I'm done.
I will have to try this!!! Thanks for sharing!
I don't use more than 5 Color Catchers, but I now use use Synthrapol. I have never had a bleed (and I do much high contrast with whites, navies, blacks and reds).
I need to do the same! Thanks for sharing!!!
Do you use Sythrapol in the washing machine or in a bath tub?
@@cassuviel6177 I use in washing machine
When you cut your trips for the binding, press each strip in half before you join them together. No more wrestling with yards and yards of binding
I like this one! Thank you!!!
Great tips thanks. I made a very large irish chain quilt out of leaders and enders.they grow fast. Patterns by Bonny Hunter.
I really need to do this!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!!
Orphan blocks go in my backing-not in a line but just here and there so size doesn’t matter
Great plan! Thanks for sharing!!
I keep a small square of batting by my machine and put my threads on that. They stick to the batting and when it's full you can throw it away and start over, or put it in a thrift store pillow case along with all other fabric scraps. When the pillowcase is full sew up the top and you have a pet bed. Nothing is wasted at all.
I am going to try this one!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
I use a lot of your tips and the ones in comments. I so enjoy all your videos. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
Great tips. I always find new ideas from your channel and reader's comments. Successful quilting doesn't need to be expensive. I usually keep my seam ripper in the machine drop down area but a place at the ens of the machine is great. I do use the retractable badge holder for small scissors, especially when hand stitching binding . They used to escape into the quilt folds or down the side of the couch. No more runaway scissors
Thanks for sharing!
I use the dollar tree ribbed shelf liner on the floor for my sewing machine peddle. Great ideas. I got a hook for my machine for my scissors from your last video and am hooked. ❤
I'm so glad you like the hook! I have tried the ribbed shelf paper but it eventually starts sliding around....Guess I should dust more!!!
I have hard wood floors, so I have my foot peddle for the sewing machine velcro-ed to the floor. 2 strips on each side of the peddle .It works fantastic. I have the"soft side" on the floor so when I have to pick it up ,I can vacuum right over the strip without getting threads caught in the "hook" side of the velcro.
Does the adhesive mess up your floors? I like this idea! Thanks for sharing!
I think the leaders/enders dual project idea is great but I’ve been concerned about getting confused about what I’m doing. I think it would require a plan, organization and a simple pattern. I have a bunch of Civil War reproduction fabrics left over from stuff-and not just “scraps,” either-and I want to make a double four-patch with them. That’s a simple block that makes a lovely quilt. My plan is to organize that fabric and use it for the leader-enders idea. Maybe next year? 😆😆😆 Always behind, right??!!
It's okay! We all understand!!!
I love the Stash ‘n Store silicone holders. I place a chopstick in the cube-shaped one from last year’s FQS Jolly Box. A spool of thread and its corresponding bobbin can be slid onto the chopstick so that they are handy. I also keep my scissors and small seam ripper in the holes. When you place the plastic scissor or ripper cover in a hole, it’s easy to put your scissors or ripper back into that cover without snapping it in. That way it’s easy to grab the tool when you need it, and the cover stays in the silicone.
What a cool idea with the chopstick!!! Love it!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Try clear picture frame bumpers instead of using a silicone mat for your foot pedal. They are slightly sticky and have great grip
I love this tip!!!! I'm going to try it!!!!! Thanks so much!!!
I use an empty spice jar for my old needles and pins
Great idea!!! I have thought of using the empty plastic spice containers for that!
Pat Sloan does the bonus blocks instead of leaders and enders
Thanks for the info! I wasn't sure!
Love the toilet paper roll idea! I will be using that.
I hope to try it soon!!!!
It's very handy, keeping bindings on toilet paper rolls. I've been doing this for a couple of years already. Safe, easy, clean way to store bindings 'til ready to use.
@@karenr.sternberg1920 My husband gave me a scrap pice of PVC pipe. I plan to try it the next time I bind a quit. Hopefully today or tomorrow.
These are such great tips!
Glad you think so!
tip from a newbie quilter... Tip #1 ..enjoy the process ... Tip #2 "Perfection" is best left in the dictionary (see Tip#1)...
Great advice!!! "Things don't have to be perfect to be wonderful"!!!!
Great tips! We are always thinking😊
Yes indeed!
Toilet paper roll idea is awesome and sew economical
I slip the roll of binding under my "sew steady" table, around a leg. It unwinds as quilt moves under the needle.
Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you!
When using the pool noodle to hang your quilt, get one of those Dollar Tree handles that are about 5’,6’ and run through the pool noodle so it’ll stay straight rather than SAG if you’re doing it for a white quilt
I am not sure what the Dollar Tree handles are? They are 5-6 feet in length?
I roll up the bias tape and put it on a standing thread cone holder but now I will roll it onto the toilet roll first!
Excellent!!!
Lori Holt uses leaders and enders for another project too
Thanks for sharing!
The little container with the threads in it,instead of throwing the threads away, put them out for the birds to make their bird nests.
Good idea!
I use the rubber shelving under my foot
The kind that comes on a roll? Like shelf paper?
Just connected…I use orphan blocks on the quilt back as a label with quilt info on it-event, date, made by
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
🎉slow sewing when pieceing
Thanks for sharing!
Keep a lint roller close
Those are a must in my quilt room!!!
I used a flannel sheet and my blocks don't stick to it. It looks nice be doesn't work great. I guess you just need to find one that works.
Someone said you have to wash new flannel first, before fabrics will stick to it. So bf you give up, try that. 🌷
Good to know!