Cotton Fabric Binding a Rug

Am binding my grandson's rug using black and white checkered cotton to carry the checkered flag theme.  Have also kept the wide linen foundation for a little stability so did serge and trim the corners to reduce bulk.

The above photo shows the mitered corner and section already stitched down.  I did a running stitch 3 rows up from the bottom to catch the foundation to the cotton binding.  And then stitched the top which is turned over at the edge of the foundation.

Above shows the width of the foundation and the parts which have already been stitched down.  Before that top strip is stitched down it will have a sleeve sewn on in order to slide a dowel or yard stick thru for the rug to be hung on the wall.  Or, if used as a rug that can be pulled out.  Will show final finish one of these days soon.

The thread used for stitching is a very strong silamide thread purchased from Kris Miller of Spruce Ridge Studios.  It comes in different colors.

My son's Man Cave rug was bound using denim so it is possible to use a cotton fabric for binding a rug too.   

Just be sure the foundation has been zig zagged and stitched to protect from raveling.  Please do not ever just trim your edge and cover with binding without protecting that edge.  Otherwise it WILL eventually ravel.

Have a good evening.  Presently it is pleasant here with low humidity, nice breeze and think the A/C can be turned off tonight.  The weekend, however, will change.

Saundra

Cotton Binding a Rug Part 2

Now all bound, the little circle mat graces my harvest table.  It is in good company with favorite INSIDE birdhouses.  They were made in Cape May using re-purposed treasures rescued from shutters, old electric and door knobs of the Chalfonte Hotel where Rugs By the Sea rug camp is held each year.  If you are interested in learning more about that camp write Norma by clicking HERE.

In the previous post I recommended bleeding out the dye from the cotton binding.  Once dry I cut a length around the circumference of the rug and I always like to add about 2" for the heck of it.  I'd rather cut away an inch for the trash than end up an inch short. 

If you look closely in the photo below you can see the thread which is on one side and can be pulled to gather around the curved corner or a circle chair pad.  If you feel both sides one side feels a little sharper or ridged and that is the side which would have that gathering thread.  Sometimes it takes several attempts to find the pesky thread and sometimes I've hit it on the first try.  If one end doesn't work the play with the other end.

I start the gathering even before attaching to the mat and later manipulate it in the spots where the gather is needed.

I used black Perle cotton to attach the binding tape around the perimeter near the last row of hooking.  In the photo below you can see that as I near the rounded corner it will require gathering on the inside so that it will lay flat.  Also, I started the end on a straight and not the curve.

 As you work around the hooked piece you need to work the gathering to the proper areas inside the mat/rug. 

Here is a picture of two rounded, gathered and stitched corners.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Saundra