Properly storing quilt binding ensures it remains neat, wrinkle-free, and readily accessible for your next quilting project. The best methods involve keeping it organized, protected, and often rolled to prevent creasing.
Quilt binding, whether pre-made or cut from fabric, benefits from thoughtful storage to maintain its pristine condition and save you time. By implementing effective storage strategies, you can prevent tangles, creases, and misplaced strips, making your quilting process smoother and more enjoyable.
Popular Quilt Binding Storage Methods
There are several effective ways to store quilt binding, each suited for different lengths and preferences.
1. Rolling Techniques
Rolling is a highly recommended method as it prevents sharp creases that can occur with folding, especially for long strips of binding.
- Standard Roll: Tightly roll your binding onto itself, creating a compact cylinder. This is excellent for any length and keeps the binding neat.
- Figure 8 Roll: This technique is particularly handy for storage. By creating two interconnected loops, you get a flat, compact bundle that minimizes twisting and is easy to handle. This method also allows for versatile storage options; you can often slip one of the loops over a hanger, making it convenient to store with related items like the quilt backing and top, keeping the whole set together and ready for quilting.
- Benefits: Prevents deep creases, compact, easy to unroll, and can be hung for easy access.
2. Spools and Bobbins
For very long, continuous lengths of binding, similar to how bias tape is often sold, using a spool or a large bobbin can be ideal.
- Advantages: Keeps binding neatly wound, prevents tangles, and is easy to dispense.
- Best for: Large quantities or for binding that you want to keep in one continuous piece for a long time.
3. Fabric Clips and Hangers
For shorter, individual lengths or pre-cut sets, fabric clips or small hangers can be effective.
- Clip Strips: Fold or roll your binding and secure it with a fabric clip or clothespin. These can then be hung on a hanger or a small hook.
- Project-Specific Bundles: If you have binding prepared for a specific quilt project, gather it into a small bundle, perhaps rolled in a figure 8, and use a hanger to keep it with the corresponding quilt top and backing.
4. Clear Storage Bags or Bins
Once binding is rolled or spooled, storing it in clear, labeled containers is key for organization and protection.
- Zippered Bags: Use clear, resealable plastic bags for individual sets of binding. This protects them from dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Fabric Bins/Drawers: Larger bins or drawers are great for organizing multiple bags or rolls of binding. Consider dividers to keep different projects or colors separate.
- Labeling: Always label your bags or containers with information like the quilt project name, binding length, fabric type, or color.
Tips for Optimal Binding Storage
To ensure your quilt binding remains in perfect condition and is easy to find, consider these practical tips:
- Protect from Dust and Light: Store binding in enclosed containers, drawers, or closets to prevent dust accumulation and fading from direct sunlight.
- Organize by Project: Keep binding specifically prepared for a quilt project bundled with the project's other components (quilt top, backing, batting) to ensure everything is together when you're ready to baste and quilt.
- Categorize by Color/Type: For general binding stock, organize by color family or fabric type (e.g., solids, prints, flannel) to quickly locate what you need.
- Maintain Humidity: Store fabric in an environment with stable humidity to prevent mildew or excessive drying, which can affect fabric integrity. A guide for fabric storage can offer more insights into maintaining ideal conditions.
- Keep a Binding Inventory: For serious quilters, maintaining a simple list or digital spreadsheet of your binding stash can help you know what you have and prevent over-purchasing.
Comparison of Popular Binding Storage Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figure 8 Roll | Prevents creases, compact, can be hung, easy to unroll. | Can be bulky for very short pieces. | Most binding lengths, especially when storing with projects. |
| Standard Roll | Compact, easy to store in drawers. | Can be less stable than a figure 8 roll. | Any binding length, general stash storage. |
| Spool/Bobbin | Excellent for continuous, very long lengths, prevents tangles. | Requires specific spools, not ideal for short pieces. | Large quantities of continuous binding. |
| Clear Storage Bags | Protects from dust/dirt, easy to see contents, stackable. | Binding needs to be folded or rolled before bagging. | Organized storage of multiple rolls or folded pieces. |
By adopting one or a combination of these methods, you can keep your quilt binding neat, accessible, and ready for your next creative endeavor.
