Machine Binding & Clover Wonder Clips // Try It Tuesday

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Have you heard of Clover Wonder Clips? I love these simple little clips, which are pretty widely available now. I have sent them to multiple friends and family members who like to sew over the last year--they are really cool!d15b2d3b 04de 44c8 afa4 f444c6bd3318 Try It Tuesday #3: Basting Brights (Safety Pins)Try It Tuesday Stats:

Name: Clover USA Wonder ClipsSize/Count: 1'' long, 3/8'' wide; sold in packs of 10 and 50
Price: Retail for $32.95/set of 50, currently on Amazon for $9.99/set of 50 (sometimes the price drops lower)
Manufacturer: Clover USA  has a Pinterest page dedicated to Wonder Clips if you want to see other examples of how they are usedSource: Amazon: Clover Wonder Clips, 50 Per Pack
Note: They also come in Jumbo!
I use the wonder clips instead of pins when working with vinyl or laminated fabrics, or other fabrics that I don't really want to put pins into. The clips open wide to hold together multiple layers of interfacing, batting, thick fabrics, etc., -- they are especially popular with people who sew bags. They stay put, they hold the fabric together well, and come with 1/4'' and 1/2'' markings, which are especially helpful when sewing on binding.  I like that they are easy to see when I drop them, and I don't have to worry about anyone stepping on them (and having a pin go through their foot. Ouch).
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I have been using Wonder Clips with projects for a year and a half, and for some reason, I didn't realize how useful they are for binding quilts by machine until this weekend. It's like magic! In the past I have used pins and they just don't hold the fabric exactly where I want it. These do!  (Um, can you tell I'm excited? I bound two quilts by machine last weekend I was so happy). When you pair wonder clips with an edgestitch foot (I use a #10 foot on my Bernina) and sew slowly,  it comes out beautifully (and I'm out of practice).
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This is the machine binding method I  use (with the addition of the Wonder Clips!), and I also link to a few other tutorials around the web. If you haven't tried binding quilts by machine, pick up/borrow some Wonder Clips and it will change your life.Machine_Binding_Tutorial_SwimBikeQuiltNote: I know this sounds like an advertisement, but it isn't. I bought my Wonder Clips and haven't had any contact with the company--I do receive a (very) small percentage of the price from my Amazon affiliate link above if you purchase them through the link, but these overly enthusiastic opinions are my own.And here is the finished quilt, which I posted about yesterday and am donating as part of 100 Quilts for Kids, but I love it. So here it is again. All sorts of love going on today, I guess.Low_Definition_2_SwimBikeQuiltFollow on Bloglovin