Pfaff Quilt Binder Attachment Review

[@ScrapFabricLove]

So what do you think is this tool the same as a bias binder attachment or is there something different about it?

[@karenmalouin4611]

Thank you for this video……I purchased the tool and have never been able to get it to work as easily as they say it will. I will most likely continue to do my bindings as I always have

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Such a shame isn’t it? It looked like it could be good!

[@marisevorster1711]

I just LOVE my Pfaff quilt binder. Starch the binding strips and sew much slower than usual.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

So happy to hear it works for you. I haven’t been able to get it to work for me unfortunately. Probably just not patient enough!

[@karenfulkersin1902]

My machine is older and does not have a way to attach the binding unit. My service tech suggested a specific presser foot. I use the bi-level foot on my Pfaff to sew binding on my quilts. Start by sewing binding to the back with my 1/4” foot then fold to front and switch out my presser foot to the bi-level to sew the front. Turns out beautiful every time. I do hope you master the binding tool though, pretty binding can be time consuming.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I do like my old method which sounds similar to what you do but without a special foot. I was just looking for a short cut…but of course so far this hasn’t been quicker!

[@ingquisitive]

I think I would not trade the frustration of hand sewing for the frustration of this tool. If you plan to keep it, I hope you get the hang of it.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! It definitely isn’t smooth sailing!

[@wilycat5290]

Thanks once again for trying something new and sharing the outcome. I wouldn't spend the money on this tool....too much of a learning curve and it still might not be the answer to easier binding. Thank you for the video 😊👍💕

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Probably a good conclusion 😂 I did feel a little silly after I bought it and saw those bias binding tools out there for so much cheaper!

[@FredaM]

Recently I’ve had luck sewing the traditional 2.5” binding to the front and folding it to the back and sewing in the ditch on the front catching the back nicely. I tried it on some table runners and a baby quilt and recently on a bigger quilt all using my walking foot. It gets better with practice. Thanks for the video.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Cool! Do you pin it or clip it to stop the back from moving when you are sewing like that? I would be afraid I would have the same issue with not catching it as I do with this fiddly tool 😂

[@FredaM]

I clip it but I have seen people glue it to the back and press it before sewing. It gets better with practice and less missed spots in the back. I always enjoy your videos. Best wishes!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Fab! I might try it!

[@lindakQOV]

Thanks for giving us the view of a true user! It looks like with a bit more practice it will be a good tool for you.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!!

[@julie1807]

Wow did the person in the link make it look easy. I’m left wondering how long her actual learning curve was. A possible telling comment was her quote “don’t let perfect get in the way of good” (or something like that). You could practice using the attachment on larger quilts avoiding the corners and focus on getting the straight edges to look how they want them (leave the fabric needed for the corners and go back and stitch them without the attachment). Thanks for giving a realistic view of the attachment.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

That’s a good idea. Maybe I could handle just hand sewing corners…🤔

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

Great idea!!

[@sadiejosiemom]

I'm sure there's a learning curve like there is to everything. I think I prefer the other 2-step method of sewing to the back and then to the front. Though I did recently purchase the re-released Simplicity gadge that folds and irons binding fabric of all sizes and I think the double fold is an option. I might try that on coasters or placemats. It doesn't attach to the sewing machine or anything - just folds and presses it. It comes with several different sizes of those Clover type binding tools. I haven't tried it yet. I mostly got it to make the single fold 2.5" or so binding.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Cool. I have seen various gadgets for ironing but not tried any yet. I have to admit when I am feeling a bit tired I just bind the regular way that I am used to! I have two boxes of strips for different methods 😂

[@annepomeroydixon4123]

Kristen, I bought this tool too. Finally gave up. Folded my three inch fabric in half and then folded each side in. Used clips and it came out better than using the tool. I don’t think it’s a total loss. Will use the foot and use bias tape makers next time I bind a quilt. Modern quilt studio has two wonderful videos on binding. This is the way I plan to bind my next quilt L

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks for the tip - might look that up. I’ve given up on this tool since filming that video. What a swizzle!

[@efghaus]

I think the same way as you. If I'm going to buy the tool, I want it to work!The first time without a million hours of practice. I have singer and the binding foot attachment and couldn't get it to work either.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Blah! If only they would make these things better eh? 😂. At least it isn’t just me!

[@CraftMavenDeb]

I have the same machine as you and wanted to get this attachment when I bought it but my dealer told me to save my money and get something else that works better. Can you tell me about the table you have your 720 set into? I think I want to do that. The curved bed has always bugged me.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Someone else just said their dealer said the same thing! I clearly should have asked someone first! 😂. The table is a horn quilter’s delight. You just get the insert cut for whatever machine you have. I have a video about the table but it had a Bernina machine in it at the time. Same table - different insert.

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

Yes, my mom had one back in the 1970’s, she just called it a binder attachment. Check out the channel FiddleyBits, post from 9 yrs ago titled “Antique/Vintage Sewing Machine Attachments”, it’s a 2 parter. Don’t beat yourself up, that woman in the Pfaff video probably has 5 yrs experience, and they probably did countless takes for her to get such a good example. Practice is the key to it, I think. You did great, you will get better, too. Having said that, I would not have the patience to even try to learn!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!! I’ll give it a few more tries and if it’s still the same I’ll go back to my tried and true method!

[@anniegreen1313]

I got one of these binding tools for my Janome a few years ago and was never able to get it to work correctly. After all the fiddling with it and correcting the parts where it didn't catch the edge, etc., it was just faster to do it the regular way 😆

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Sounds like what I’m going through! I only try it on quilts I don’t care that much about cause it is so hit and miss!

[@roseswalls3468]

I really hope you can get enough practice in till it works good. It makes me glad I enjoy the hand sewing part of the binding. BTW, the quilting is really lovely. I loved it when you first showed it sample by sample. But I like it even more now.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! I wish I had the patience to hand sew my binding! Good for you!

[@johilpert9149]

Thanks for trying this it sounds like it will be more work than help unless you get just the right tips and tricks. I have older attachments from Singer black heads but have not tried to use them. I haven't checked but perhaps there is a video out there using the older attachments like I have that may shed some light on this newer Pfaff tool. Also did I miss your video review if your Pfaff machine. I have the Pfaff 2140/2170 and besides some features not working and have been deemed unfixable I truly cherish it. My biggest prejudice concerning Pfaff as a company is I was told they revamped their business and no longer support my machine. So am reluctant to look at new a Pfaff. Would live your opinion on your machine.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I never thought of looking for videos about other tools - that is a good idea! No you haven’t missed the review of my current machine - I just haven’t done it yet! Still on the list…

[@helentucker2060]

I think this would frustrate me to no end!!!! But if you were doing a scalloped shape edge it might be totally amazing. Or even rounded corners I think it would be amazing. Good luck. They do say practice makes perfect but honestly I will continue the way I have been doing it!!! 😆😆 Thank you for being so honest with your quilting experiences!!❤

[@ScrapFabricLove]

A curved edge quilt for this is a good idea actually! Hadn’t thought of that!

[@eageag7747]

I'm new to quilting and have zero interest in hand sewing! haha! I used your QAYG quilted blocks and added backing by row. For my binding, I cut 3" strips, ironed in half WST, sewed to the FRONT of the quilt and tested my seam allowance so that when I folded the folded edge around to the back it was just past my stitch line. The SA ended up being more than 1/4"...maybe even 5/8". I finished sewing it and used the method to sew the beginning and end together by overlapping by the width. Super tidy. Then I carefully and thoroughly pressed the whole edge flat and then again folded over. Used wonder clips with the edge of the clip in the ditch on the front so I could see that when I SID on front, it would catch the back. Pinning would have worked too. I only had one corner and about 2" to fix at the end. I can't recommend this enough! It looks beautiful. I don't like seeing the stitches on the front personally but I'm not an expert.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Sounds awesome! I’ve never tried binding in the way you describe I’d love to see a photo!

[@chrislittebrant5235]

Hi Kristen, clover has a set of bias tape measures cheap.. and their good too. Amazon also has some, those are what I bought and they were like five dollars. Of course that was way before the price of everything skyrocketed to unreasonable rates. And they work fine too. I’ve been busy sewing and missed a few videos, so I’ll be checking them out. Always good to see you. I am totally awestruck over all your makes! Take Care, 🥰👍 Chris Raleigh NC

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I knew there would be a cheaper alternative 😂. We live and learn! Thanks for watching!

[@cherylanon5791]

I have a similar quilt binder tool for my Janome CoverPro....35 mm which has an 8mm resulting binding. I didn't buy it ($279 USD plus taxes) but it came with the CoverPro which I bought barely used from someone who was confused on how to thread it. I would probably not purchase it if I had to pay the $279 plus. It works best for applying binding to a 2 layer flannel baby blanket, with rounded corners (no mitering!). Perhaps you could use bias binding and rounded corners?

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Interesting. Thanks

[@tracykaiser5322]

Would love to hear an update on your experience with your new Pfaff machine. I am comparing various machines to upgrade.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

It’s on my list! Still feel like I haven’t used all the features yet 😂

[@nerdmom_quilts]

I have this tool for my Bernina. It also is fiddly and I glue baste my corners. I am now trying glue basting my entire binding instead.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I’ve heard of folk doing that - I haven’t tried it though. Hope it works for you!

[@dakin7612]

I have a set of binding tools. Mine are a variety of sizes and look like the part of your tool that feeds the binding onto the quilt. I think mine go from 1/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches. Your tool has the foot with a guide and the part that curves back and forth before the binding part, but the binding part looks exactly like my tools and they were about $10.00 for a set of 6.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I knew it! I definitely spent too much! I don’t use that tool anymore either. Oh well , we live and learn.

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

HI Kristen😀 - Your finger nails are pretty. I love lavender. That gadget for binding looks very intimidating.🤣🤣 I usually watch videos for things over and over so I get what you mean. It doesn't really soak in how to do it until I've done myself, Hands-On ...about a 100 times 😉well that's just me. I must say I'm very proud of you for even trying to use this binding gizmo. And I think you're doing a really good job with it❣ I see what you mean at that corner where it didn't flip it over all the way but like they say if you can't see it from 50 ft away on a galloping horse it is not a mistake. And I agree with that, especially in this instance. Nobody is going to notice that... all you need to do is take a couple of hand stitches to it...and yeah...be done👍 I wonder how the corners would turn out if you put a little bit of stabilizer (2"x 2" sewn in there where you put your batting).. in on the corners to make it stiffer. I think that's why it's not attaching properly when you get to the corner... you don't really have enough rigidity. Hope that makes sense. ... my mother told me since childhood, that I could break an anvil.😂 I assure you I could not have done a better job than what you are doing! I think you're doing great. And the more you practice the better you will get. I love the two blocks your using for this demo. VERY pretty!!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks for the encouragement! And for the suggestion. I totally agree most folk wouldn’t notice the mistakes but might not be worth using the tool if I can’t make it do a better job than my previous method 😂! I’ll try a few more times and see!

[@dakin7612]

Those darn pros go around making everything look easy.

[@nancie4727]

Since the long stretches seem to be working, simply go with butted corners instead of mitered. The advantage is no fiddling, and no joins. But you would have to turn under the edge of the binding on the very last corner.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks! I might experiment with that.

[@cherylanon5791]

Here's where you might be needing some help on those corners, as well as the underside being "blind"-- watch what this lady does at about 13:10, she pulls a LOT more of the binding through than you are doing, and then she finger presses (or use a wooden tool) this serves to preserve the proper folds in the strip, before you even attempt the miter. Hope this helps!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Thanks!

[@RussiaIsARiddle778]

Thank you for the video, but this looks too complicated for me. On my hands this year from when I was a child doing in Borderie, so I enjoy that part. I do the opposite and seven on the front stage on the back. Cheers! ❤

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Yes I’ve given up on this tool!

[@cherylanon5791]

The biggest issue I consider is that there is not 2 layers of fabric at the very edge of the quilt....there is only 1 layer (wish I could draw a picture here). However, there is another binder, for high shank machines, there's a video here on U-tube...you feed in a folded strip, with raw edges facing the ceiling, fold towards floor. Attachment only folds under the top raw edges (for a folded finish) but the bottom is left "raw". This style binder, used with folded strips, results in 2 layers of fabric at the very edge of quilt, most similar to stitch to back & flip to front.

[@cherylanon5791]

I found the video-- kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIWsgmqIp5yGgKs

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I’ve never seen that. Sounds interesting.

[@Matty06001]

Oof, I’m a hand sew the back of the binding girl, but that’s the control freak in me. I’m not feeling this is time saving.

[@amycole8974]

Here in Canada the cost has sky rocketed to a $299.00 that's Canadian Dollars. I bought mine about 3 years ago and paid 249.00 Cd. dollars. Once in a while I will have a guilt trip and get the binder out and give it a try on a quilt practice piece. This last practice I made the decision that it it a useless piece of equipment I don't need, so I'm putting it on Market Place for $200.00. The reason it's so expensive, is, and this is what I was told at my local quilt shop, that it's professional, well I will tell you that it is not a professional piece of equipment at all. I worked in a factory after leaving school, in Nottingham making bras. We were not allowed to use pins or glue, and we had binding guides that whipped around the garments in seconds. If we had to spend all day turning corners, we wouldn't have made enough for bus fair to get home. I am a professional sewing, so my advise is, no do not buy. LOL

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Gosh that is expensive! I definitely don’t have think mine was worth the money at all. I don’t use it anymore but I haven’t sold it either. Not sure who would want it!

[@RussiaIsARiddle778]

It’s on sale in the US for $159 right now.

[@jojomontgomery7119]

My Pfaff dealer wouldn't even sell me this last year when I asked. She said it didn't work well.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I love how honest your dealer is! She sounds awesome. Good to know it’s not just me who can’t get it to work too 😂

[@delwyngraham4033]

Cool idea if it would work ok😀 I like to handsew so probably stick to thanks again for video

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I wish I loved hand sewing! Good for you!

[@dakin7612]

If you can figure it out it really would be a time saver, but I don't think I could ever get there.

[@cherylanon5791]

It's been said, it takes 10,000 hours to master something....this is probably the case with this tool!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Yes but do I want to devote 10,000 hours to this …😂 probably not!

[@TheQuiltingLunchLady]

I think sewing to the back and then going around on the front with your machine would be more than adequate. This gadget is one of those that sounds great, but implementing is sort of sucky! I hope you get it working, but, me, I would skip it!

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I just loved the idea of being able to do it quicker, but if I don’t get the hang of it soon I will definitely give it up!

[@TheQuiltingLunchLady]

@@ScrapFabricLove I do get it though!! Getting the binding done quicker would be awesome, because you want to show off the quilt asap. But Rome wasn’t built in a day!! Hope it gets easier for you and works for you!!

[@annrosie1803]

Is it really worth the hassle? Not for me.

[@Matty06001]

If you’re gonna buy the tool it should be easier… Sing it, Sister! No, that’s the perfect attitude to have, because we all know these companies could design moon rockets if they would just let the designers do their thing and not cut corners and not rush things out! Simple user interfaces are the key to doing anything easily and correctly. And goodness, this ain’t it! Thank you for plowing through this but, man, I don’t think so.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Yeah I have since given up on this tool 🤣

[@FredaM]

It seems cumbersome to use! Very bulky.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Yes , it is fairly clumsy!

[@dntanderson]

If you can’t pronounce the name PFAFF … how can we trust anything you say about it ?

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Just sharing my experience - never asked anyone to trust me. I don’t have anything against Pfaff or any other brand.

[@giovannacasadio9600]

I don't think it is worth 100 pounds 🤔 to fiddly

[@ScrapFabricLove]

Yes if I had known it would be so hard to learn I wouldn’t have spent the money! Now I have I suppose I feel I need to master it…eventually 😂

[@laurastratton8614]

Looks like too much work for the price.

[@ScrapFabricLove]

I’m starting to think the same 😂

[@laurastratton8614]

@@ScrapFabricLove but thanks for sharing it with us