Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Tools Tuesday . . . . .


So here's my first review of an item that was in my tools drawer that I had not used and didn't know how to use!

Piping Hot Binding - Accent binding with piping by Susan K Cleveland.

It's more like a kit, you get this book, a piping ruler and some cording.


It was stumbling across this book while I was working on Leap Year that gave me the idea to frame my blocks which enabled me to use more fabric and make my project bigger!  Isn't life funny sometimes?


So the first thing you do is sew the cording inside the piping strip.



Then using this ruler, you run the covered cording down that canal in the ruler to trim it.



You can trim strips 1/2" or 1/4" inches wide.

This is my test block, I used the strip with piping on the right side and just a folded and pressed flange on the left side.  


I didn't see much difference in looks, not enough to go to the trouble of making the piping.

In the book Susan says, " the Groovin' Piping Trimming Tool is used to trim piping seam allowances to a consistent width.  When piping is sewn, it is impossible to maintain a consistent seam allowance.   Trimming seam allowances using a traditional acrylic ruler is a time consuming chore but the Groovin' Piping Trimming Tool makes this task quick and accurate"

I agree with this assessment, if you want to go to the trouble to make piping, this ruler works great.  I'm just not sure how often I'll make piping.

The book itself is great, it provides wonderful step by step directions for binding, piping and making a backing.    I'm keeping this little piping/binding kit, back in the drawer it goes.  If I ever decide to make piping, I'll want that ruler to trim it!

I'm giving this book and ruler a rating of 3 cupcakes out of 5!


8 comments:

  1. That's the same piping tool that I've used in the past. I have to say that it makes it very easy. I like the look of piping but it is a time consuming extra step that I'll save for those special projects - and probably not for quilts.

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  2. Thanks for the review. I wondered about that product. I guess it would give a more 3D effect than the folded flange?

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  3. Hi Thelma!
    The only time I have made piping was to go around throw pillows..(had a heck of a time)...I wonder how it might work for this??
    Interesting....
    P

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  4. While I do not make the piping I have done several borders and some blocks with a very very thin strip for a "look " kinda like piping and I love the look on some projects.
    I cut a strip 1 inch wide press it in half. I then lay it into the seams like you would the piping... can add a very effective pop with less then half the work of the cording...

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  5. Like you Thelma, I loved the effect of piping on a quilt, just not the many steps to get it there. I bought the kit but passed it on. I just love your quilt additon for the month. That is one sharp looking quilt. I gave a RWB quilt to my son this year for his 40th birthday that occurs right at the 4th of July. He's still our firecracker! Stephani in TX (Tomazec@aol.com)

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  6. I've seen this at the Sewing Expo in Pullalup, WA, but didn't know if I really needed it. Thank you for your assessment and I can see why I might want to add it for some interesting details to my quilt blocks. XOXO

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  7. I've seen piping in some antique quilts and I really like the effect; particularly next to the binding. It sure is a lot of extra work. Thanks for the review of the tool.

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  8. I would add piping to a table topper or pillow. Not so much on quilt. MAYBE a baby quilt but that's as big as I would good. Thanks for the tool review!

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