Friday 25th April, 2025
... CHECKING OFF THE LIST ...
I’m a big list maker and tonight (I started this on Monday), I’m sitting with a very long list of things I wanted to get finished before I headed off on my little road trip north … and somehow there doesn’t appear to be many things crossed off – yet! Maybe I’ll make a ‘dash’ to the finish line, whenever that is! Maybe, and this seems more likely, I’ll take some sewing from the list away with me, cut out ready to stitch up.
Speaking of a ‘dash to the finish line’ – there’s only two more Big Book of Feet Challenge posts to go after this one!! Can’t get too excited yet, as there are still a few things to chat about before I take a little break from writing blog posts.
I had a ‘significant’ size project to make on my L890 Combination overlocker/coverstitch machine this week, and there was a lot of cutting and preparation before I even turned on the machine, and it was worth every bit of time it took.
There were lots of thread, feet and stitch changes to make, and somehow … I managed to sew too many seams wrong sides together, (should have read more carefully!) and therefore gave myself a HUGE dose of unpicking to do – 26 rows of overlocking with decorative threads, full width of the fabric – that’s 40” of fabric with 10 stitches per inch multiplied by 26 … 10,400 stitches! Looking on the positive side, how cool is this pile of threads? Way too good to throw out!
The ‘project’ was the ‘Bloom and Grow’ Quilt by Amanda Murphy. I enjoyed making it and loved all the thread finishes and different techniques used – I really do love this machine and this quilt is a like a series of lessons on getting the most from the machine. Do look into it if you have an L890 – patterns are available from most Bernina Dealers.
I finished it on Saturday night and then it was time to ‘reset’ the Sewcation area to stitch up samples for the blog … L890 was cleaned out first, and then swapped out for the B790PRO.
... Did You Know? ...
Binders for Sewing Machine and Coverstitch Machines
Binders are fabulous accessories for both your Bernina sewing machine or Bernina/Bernette Coverstitch machines. The Big Book of Feet covers the sewing machine ones, and the Big Book of Serging and Big Book of Serger Quilting has the instructions and different binding techniques for the coverstitch machines.
Fabric Grain for ALL Binders: It is important to read through and practice the techniques and pay special attention to the grain of your fabric when cutting your strips to bind curved edges. A true bias grain is essential to eliminate folds and twists in your binding. All the binders work with either straight or bias grain strips, or even herringbone tapes and ribbons. It is fun to experiment with different finishes, and refines your techniques as well.
Over the years, I have taught quite a few projects using the binders, as well as making many items of clothing and home decor items with trims using the binders. Many years ago, my hand embroidery was stored in a Block Roll, and I bound the edges with self made bias binding. The little child’s pinafore and panties were trimmed with self made bias, the Yarn Box (inspired by an item in a Martha Stewart magazine – I’m a big fan!) and the Seam Bunting were a fun ideas, both bound with straight grain binding. The Bernina Bunting, which hangs in the Studio, was bound with 25mm Herringbone Cotton Tape.
Want to start with something easy?
Here is a link to a very easy scarf to make on either your sewing or coverstitch machine with the binders. It is from a few years ago now, and I have worked with Wendy (mentioned in the article) many years ago, and still have lots of Bernina fun with Joy, the Queensland/Northern Territory Area Manager for Bernina Australia. Just a note though, we now have different Binders for the Bernina and Bernette Coverstitch machines, however the construction is still the same. Enjoy making this for the cooler weather ahead.
... It’s all in the Details ...
Binder Attachments #87 and #88 with Binder Foot #95/95C
Binder Attachment #87 is designed for applying prefolded bias tape or ribbons/tapes to edges of fabric. As it is folded around the edge, it is secured on both the front and the back in one operation. Bias tape is readily available in different widths, however I usually cut and make my own using a Clover Bias Maker. In recent times, the most wonderful selection of bias tapes have become available – see your local Quilt Store who just may have stocked these great ranges. Looks at these 25mm wide ones available in several Quilt Stores I’ve been in.
Binder #87 comes in three different widths – 13mm, 20mm and 25mm. Final binding widths are 6mm, 9.5mm and 12mm. I also have labels underneath each of my Bernina Binders stating the size of Bias Maker I can use with it.
I choose to use Clover Bias Makers – 12mm, 18mm and 25mm to make my bias first. Even though two are slightly narrower than the binder, it is easy enough to manipulate the strip into place, and simply changing my needle position helps as well. For each of my Clover Bias Makers, I have labels noting the size of the strip that needs to be cut.
I will often zigzag the raw edges or overlock them prior to binding, depending on how thick is it.
Binder Attachment #88 is designed for applying unfolded bias tape to edges of fabric. The strip is folded by the attachment as it wraps it around the edges to be bound. I also have labels underneath each of my Bernina Binders stating the size of strips to cut.
Binder #88 comes in three different widths – 28mm, 32mm and 38mm. Final binding widths are 7mm, 8mm and 11mm.
Hmmm … seems I’m missing one in my collection – the 28mm size Binder #88!! The perfect one for tiny, little people’s clothes and lovely little bound edges on sleeves, frills and so many other things! Lucky it’s 20% off at the moment – more about that at the end of the post … might buy myself an early Mother’s Day Gift !
Both binders have an arm that pivots to make it easier to ‘load’ the strips into the mouth of the binder, and enable removing fabric temporarily when mitreing corners. They are secured to the bed of the machine by a screw, and several adjustments can be made to ensure the binder is in the correct position for securing the binding to the edge.
Foot #95/95C. – Both Bernina Binder Attachments require the use of these feet. They are similar to Foot #1 but the right toe of Foot #95C is slightly narrower, and Foot #95 has a small trimmed out area, which allows the binder arm to fit exactly as needed around the feed dog. *See Footnote
Options available for the foot – It’s available in a regular version suitable for 5.5mm stitch width models and a ‘C’ version designed for models with a stitch width maximum of 9mm.
The Binders had 5 different techniques to stitch out, using both types of binder.
... This Week’s Foot Highlights or Challenges ...
‘Binder Attachment #87’ – I possibly use these Binders more than my #88 Binders, and I do have three different sizes in #87. They can be used for both straight and Bias strips, and also tapes and ribbons as it only folds it once around the fabric. My black edge sample had premade 25mm bias binding applied with 25mm Binder , and the quilted fabric was bound with maroon coloured 25mm Grosgrain ribbon. It is essential to ensure that the ribbon is fed straight into the binder so that no tucks or twists occur.
‘Binder Attachment #88’ – I have two different sizes in this Binder. The black check is fabric I’d cut for little straps on a summer nightie I’m making – stitched like a dream! Binder size 32mm – strips were cut 1 ¼”. The labels I put on underneath are handy – don’t need to refer to anything else! I do however prestarch all my fabrics before cutting the bias strips to ensure they run smoothly through the binder. The black edge on the quilted fabric was 38mm wide Grosgrain ribbon and I used the 38mm Binder, and it was stitched as a test – straight grain and folded by the attachment before being folded again around the edge. Grosgrain ribbon is really too thick for this type of application, but it could work with a finer ribbon like organza, or satin.
‘Mitred Corners’ – a technique I use often on small quilted items like placemats and such. It does take a little practise to ‘nail’ the corners, however I’ve found that finger pressing the folded strip well, as it is pulled out of the binder when swinging away, certainly helps to get a nice crisp corner.
‘Bias Bound Neckline’ – a well used technique in the Studio over the years, as bias bound edges wear extremely well, and are a soft finish for small children’s clothing.
‘Straps, Laces, and Ties’ – an easy technique and perfect for making drawstrings to match clothing, ties for drawstring bags and ends of bunting of course!
Summary: There’s lots of hints and tips in the Big Book of Feet on these fabulous attachments , and I know that with some time and patience you will also come to LOVE these attachments as much as I do. They are hardworkers when asked to ‘step up to the plate’, perform well when you follow the directions and are a great addition to your machine to give a ‘next level finish’ to your home sewn garment.
Accurate cutting is a must, both in size and grainline as mentioned before.
... A Little Something Extra ...
Great Resources from Bernina
There’s been quite a few eBooks that I’ve recommended throughout the last year or more, and this week it is the Just SEW it ‘Binding Techniques’ for you to check out and download. Below is the link to the eBook, two links for Accessory Spotlight Leaflets, and links for two We All Sew articles, one on Ribbon Binding with Binder #87 (which I use when making lots of bunting) and the other on Mitred Corners with Binder #88. I hope you find them all a good reference for your Binder Attachments.
... A Little Reminder ...
Simply Joyful Mother’s Day Sale!
Visit your preferred Bernina Store until the 18th May to discover the wonderful range of machines and accessories on sale … and there’s 20% OFF BERNINA & bernette Accessories* which includes the Bernina’s Accessory of the Month April 2025, Reverse Pattern Foot with Clear Sole #34C.
*Excludes all other brands, luggage bags, needles, bobbins, bobbin cases and spare parts. While stocks last.
‘Foot’note: Older versions of the Binders did not have a swing out arm. These can still be used on our newer machines, however Foot #94 should be used with them. I still have mine in two sizes 22/26mm and 26/30mm – both for unfolded strips. They are no longer available for purchase. I store all my binders in zipper cases to protect them from any damage.
Chat again next Friday - just two more to go!!!!
