Machine Binding With Decorative Stitch?

I would really appreciate any help or advice anyone can give on how to get acceptable mitre corners on the front of a machine bound quilt when using decorative stitches.
(Mine look so bad that even a galloping horse would notice them!)
I think I am going to have to go back and frog the just corners and then re-stitch them by hand, not sure what else to do.

I usually do my binding by machine stitching to the front and then hand finishing on the back.
The thought of hand stitching 35'+ of binding on the king size quilt I am making for a Christmas gift had me deciding to use the machine to totally bind the monster.
Now I am not sure it was such a good idea!

So peoples, those of you that regularily machine bind ... please tell what is you secret to success?

Thanks

I regularly machine bind, stitching it first to the back and then wrapping it around and stitching down the front. I use a straight stitch though, nothing decorative. I used a zigzag stitch when I first started and it was messy so I didn't do that again. What stitch did you use? Can you post a picture? Could you add a trim or ric rac over the binding to hide it? Or applique something if the problem is only at the corners?

Susan

I did a baby quilt all by machine. I cut a 3" binding and folded it in half - did not press it because I did not want a crease. I used a generous 1/4" seam and sewed it to the back. Did the mitered corners like Liz Porter demonstrates. Using a stitch in the ditch presser foot and adjusted the needle slightly to the right stitched the binding to the front. I did not measure but I would guess it was like a 1/32 or 1/16th seam allowance. I was surprised at how easy it was. I used a busy print on the back and with the binding being 3" (1 1/2" after folding) I was able to avoid catching the binding on the back with the stitching on the front. It looked just like another line on quilting on the back side of the quilt.

Hope this makes sense.

I have done the decorative stitching before and it's hard to keep it even and from bunching up.

If you are using a simple stitch like the blanket stitch, sew some on an extra piece of fabric and count how many times the needle pierces the fabric and where. You might then be able to adjust by making the stitch a little smaller in one area. I've used the pin stitch in heirloom, and you have to count to turn a corner. It's nervewracking, but possible.

People who do shadow work or applique on fine garments do use decorative stitches. You might find a site for shadow or applique embroidery for heirloom and see if any of their stitch guides help. I have an old book that tells you how to adjust.

If you glue bast your binding down then you turn it when you reach the corners and it comes out looking really nice.

I have used a zig zag before and due to its design, you can have the needle in the fabric and turn and it will still go back in and look right, as opposed to a straight stitch.

I played around with the corners that I ripped out and I found my problem.
I was folding the fabric the wrong way!
Instead of folding the next side under the side I was sewing, I was folding the side I was sewing under the next side and that was why I couldn't get a decent join, just way too much fabric.
Lesson learned!
Thanks to all who replied, there is so much wonderful knowledge on this forum.
There were some great tips and suggestions, and I hope they will also help another person that has the same problem in the future.

Oh I love doing my binding this way - The trick is to actually take your deco stitch UP into the mitered corner and let it make (I love my #40 starburst looking) but I let it slowly make one up in the mitered corner then slowly (don't force the needle too much), and get it to run back down the sides of the binding. It always turns out really nice for me?

Good luck and hope you have this all figured out now!

:-Debbie

I like using the wave-y looking stitch on the bindings I machine sew. I use those red clips and iron the binding to the front after it is sewn to the back. When I get to a corner it is already to sew onto since I pre-formed it with the iron.

I also use a decorative stitch on all my quilts, I press my corners before I start to make sure they stay down and I also clip the inside close to the stitching so it is not so bulky. I stop when I get to the corner and then start all new stitching on the next side, do you have a picture for use to see?

If you match your thread to your binding, that helps hide any flaws.

I don't use a decorative stitch on the corners, just on the straight of way. The corners get stitched down by hand.

I machine bind most of my baby quilts. The secret is in measuring accurately when you fold over the binding to the back. I sew folded (but not pressed) 2.5" binding on the front, then turn it to the back. I measure carefully (9 cm. on the gauge) & pin every 2". When all pinned, I gently press the binding. I do not use a decorative stitch, but use a straight stitch, sewing on the front of the quilt. If the measuring has been accurate, you will evenly catch the edge of the binding. I always hand tack down the corners to reinforce them. JCY