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Member since 4/16/04
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Posted on: 8/31/06 8:03 PM ET
Has anyone used this Kenmore binder foot?
Binder foot

I'm buying the feet I want for my Kenmore and might give this one a try if anyone has had some experience with it. I'd like to use it for FOE and applying binding to jackets. Thanks.
-- Edited on 8/31/06 8:06 PM --
  
Member since 4/22/04
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Posted on: 8/31/06 10:19 PM ET
In reply to Cathy Loves Fabric
Yes, I have that foot and it works nicely, just as in the picture. I was surprised how nice it was the first time I used it.
I now have a Universal binder that I use on my serger that takes different sizes of binding even very wide. This foot is also being made for sewing machines now. I believe Janome has it. Other companies like Pfaff and Viking are going to this type too. It is a plastic wide foot that adjusts and is different from the metal Kenmore foot.
  
Member since 8/14/05
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Posted on: 8/31/06 10:27 PM ET
In reply to Betakin
OH my - I was so glad to see this thread start...what a surprise. I bought the binder foot and I am ashamed to say I had a heck of a time with it. I never have used a binder foot before, so I know it was user error.

Could you tell me exactly how you held the material and the biastape? Does it really feed without any help right through those comparatively small slots it has for the bias tape? I tried once and got so frustrated.

Also - do you put the biastape in before putting the binder foot on? I sure couldn't see any other way.

HELP!
Michele:)
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
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Posted on: 9/2/06 2:17 AM ET
In reply to Betakin
Kylnne2, I couldn't find the Universal binder anywhere so I just ordered the metal one from Sears. Thanks for the info.

Muffet, when I get mine next week, I'll give it a try and write back.
  
Member since 4/22/04
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Posted on: 9/2/06 2:52 AM ET
In reply to Mufffet
Muffett, did you get the instructions that came in the box with the foot? It has pictures of how to use the binder for both ready made binding and self made. You cut the tape on the diagnal then feed it through the appropriate hole in the foot with the binder off the machine. After you put the foot on the machine pull the fabric to exend out of the binder a few inches behind the foot. You insert the edge of the cloth into the opening of the guide.
There are some websites on line that show how to use different feet for machines and sergers in little videos. You just click on the type of foot and the video comes up. A Pfaff site in the UK has the videos (sewingmachinesales UK??) sorry, I have forgotten the name of the site ..and Pfaff USA I believe shows pictures and might have some instructions. Most binders no matter the brand work about the same way.
  
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Posted on: 9/2/06 3:36 PM ET
In reply to Betakin
Thanks Kylnne, sigh....yes, I got the instructions, and I even have the Sears "Sew It Up" book, and all that...but it still gave me rather puckered results...I think that I pulled the binding thinking that it couldn't possibly work like it said it would...hahhaha. SO - stupid me. I am going to try it again and just do what it says next time. <:)

It is great to know that you use it and it works...that gives me hope. As far as other pressure feet - I am good with them...though over the past 40 years of sewing I have never used more than the zig-zag, straight stitch, zipper foot, buttinhole foot, darning foot and cording foot. I tried the hemmer feet on my Pfaff and my Jem, and they worked well if you practice, but that's about it.

------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 7/11/05
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Posted on: 9/2/06 11:03 PM ET
Nancy's Notions sells a universal binder foot. I ordered one not long ago. Glad this thread started since I haven't a clue how to use it.
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Member since 4/11/02
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Posted on: 9/2/06 11:23 PM ET
Cathy,

I don't think these binder feet work for FOE. They are for double fold bias binding, and FOE is applied single-fold ... plus you have to stretch it slightly as you apply it.

Binder feet for sewing machines are a bit tricky to get used to at first, but they do work to apply binding very well. It's harder to go around a sharp corner (it can be done but it's been a looooong time since I tried it) ... you might want to consider rounding off corners to make it easier to apply the binding.
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Member since 4/22/04
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Posted on: 9/3/06 0:12 AM ET
In reply to Debbie Cook
The metal Kenmore binder can do tape and double fold and single fold. There is a little screw that adjusts for the width of the tape starting at 10 mm. for double fold and for the self made that is single folded by the binder it adjusts to about 25 mm. The pictured instructions are included with the binder.
The Universal binder for my serger and the same type of binder now made for sewing machines, uses bias of many widths custom or purchased including much wider widths and is excellent for using it on sweatshirt necklines, couture seam edges and narrow and very wide trim.
  
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Posted on: 9/3/06 3:24 AM ET
Hum, I look on Nancy's Notion's just to see what the Universal binder looks like Tlmck3.

Debbie, I thought I'd give it a try to see if I could get a little neater application and it seems I read somewhere that it could be used with FOE. Oh well, I can't remember were, but it seems Kylnne has covered the technical aspects. It it doesn't work for FOE, it's ok, I'm really not out anything.


  
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