System and method for quilting binding guide

The binding guide is provided by a substantially rigid translucent non-regular hexagon body, having first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth peripheral edges. The first, second and third peripheral edges define a generally rectangular section of the translucent body. The fourth, fifth and sixth peripheral edge sections define a generally obtuse pointed section of the translucent body. At least one isosceles triangular ruling for establishing a binding margin is aligned to the third peripheral edge, as is at least one binding width guideline proximate to the third peripheral edge. At least one set of aligned apertures is disposed within the translucent body to uniformly fold the binding margin. And associated method of use is also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of quilting, and more specifically to a quilting binding guide—specifically a single device that serves to aid the user in establishing a consistent and properly sized binding to be stitched around the outside of a quilt.

BACKGROUND

Quilting requires precision sewing to fit all the various pieces of a pattern together. Once stitched together, these various pieces collectively provide the core of a quilt which is typically finished by providing a margin of fabric that is stitched about the peripheral edge to provide a finished edge covering all end seams. This finished margin is commonly referred to as the binding edge, or more simply—the binding.

As with the quilt pattern itself, the binding is typically fabricated from multiple pieces of smaller fabric, sewn together in such a fashion to be smooth and lie flat without bunching where the necessary seams occur.

Various options have been developed to aid in the development and attachment of this binding. For example, U.S. Patent Publication 2020/0298432 to Volk and U.S. Pat. No. 10,695,925 to Volk each provide a variation on Quilt Binding Cutting Guide which provides assistance for the final cutting and alignment of the binding, but each fails to assist with the actual creation of the binding itself.

Various guides for cutting quilt fabric are also known, such as U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,470 to Hilton for Template for Cutting Quilting Fabrics, but Hilton is intended to help cut pieces of fabric that are used for the pattern within the quilt and provide no assistance with respect to the formation of the binding.

Quilting rulers are also known, such as U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,073 to Neethery which provides a Quilting Template and Ruler, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,724 to Tandy for a Quilting Ruler—but again these rulers and guides are perhaps helpful for measuring piece of fabric used for quilting, but they fall short of actually helping to assist with consistently and reliably thrilling the binding margin that is smooth and un-bunched with respect to the seams.

In addition, the binding must be uniform wrapping evenly around from the front to the back of the quilt, so forming the fabric material into a uniform fabric element with a consistent width is challenging.

Moreover, as quilting is a process requiring the cutting and assembly of multiple pieces of fabric—including for the formation of the binding, it is a process that typically requires a plurality of different tools—that often include physically distinct guides and rulers for the measurement of some elements and cutters for the trimming and cutting of fabric.

Keeping track of tools can be a challenge if the quilting project involves large amounts of fabric which may inadvertently cover a tool, or if the quilting project is being worked on in an environment where extra space is limited.

Hence there is a need for a method and system that is capable of overcoming one or more of the above identified challenges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Our invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing novel systems and methods for a singular device that advantageously provides alignment references, cutting guides and folding guides for the creation of a quilt binding margin such that the seams of the fabric pieces comprising the binding margin lie flat without bunching when the guide is used to uniformly and consistently fold the fabric to provide the binding margin with a consistent width.

In particular and by way of example only, according to one embodiment of the present invention, provided is a binding guide including: a substantially rigid translucent body, having first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth peripheral edges, the first and third peripheral edges being parallel to each other and extending normally from the second peripheral edge, the first peripheral edge being longer than the third peripheral edge; the fourth peripheral edge extending at a first angle from a first distal end of the third peripheral edge generally towards a first plane defined by the first peripheral edge, the sixth peripheral edge extending at a second angle from a second distal end of the first peripheral edge towards a second plane parallel to the first plane, the second plane defined by the third peripheral edge, the fifth peripheral edge joining the fourth peripheral edge and the sixth peripheral edge, at least one isosceles triangular ruling for establishing a binding margin, the least one isosceles triangular ruling aligned to the third peripheral edge; and at least one binding width guideline proximate to the third peripheral edge.

In yet another embodiment, provided is a binding guide including: a substantially rigid translucent non-regular hexagon body, having first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth peripheral edges, the first, second and third peripheral edges defining a generally rectangular section of the translucent body, the fourth, fifth and sixth peripheral edge sections defining a generally obtuse pointed section of the translucent body; and at least one isosceles triangular ruling for establishing a binding margin, the least one isosceles triangular ruling aligned to the third peripheral edge; and at least one binding width guideline proximate to the third peripheral edge.

And for yet another embodiment, provided is a binding guide including: a substantially rigid translucent non-regular hexagon body, having first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth peripheral edges, the first and third peripheral edges being parallel to each other and extending normally from the second peripheral edge, the first peripheral edge being longer than the third peripheral edge; the fourth peripheral edge extending at a first obtuse angle away from the third peripheral edge; the sixth peripheral edge extending at a second away from the first peripheral edge; the fifth peripheral edge extending at a third obtuse angle away from the fourth peripheral edge and connecting to the sixth peripheral edge at a fourth obtuse angle; at least one isosceles triangular ruling for establishing a binding margin, the least one isosceles triangular ruling aligned to the third peripheral edge; and at least one binding width guideline proximate to the third peripheral edge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before proceeding with the detailed description, it is to be appreciated that the present teaching is by way of example only, not by limitation. The concepts herein are not limited to use or application with a specific system or method for a quilt binding guide. Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for the convenience of explanation shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood and appreciated that the principles herein may be applied equally in other types of systems and methods involving a binding guide system for easily and advantageously facilitating the fabrication of a binding with flat seams and consistent width.

Turning now toFIG.1, there is shown a binding guide100in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, the binding guide100is presented as a substantially ridged translucent body102. For at least one embodiment, the translucent body102is substantially transparent, save for various markings and indicia that are provided thereon and described further below. In addition, for at least one embodiment, the translucent body102is provided by polycarbonate, plastic or other suitable material. Further, for at least one embodiment the translucent body102is between 1/16″ (0.0625″) and ¼″ (0.25″) thick, and for at least one embodiment is about ⅛″ (0.125″) thick.

As shown inFIG.1, for at least one embodiment, this body102is defined by a first peripheral edge104, a second peripheral edge106, a third peripheral edge108, a fourth peripheral edge110, a fifth peripheral edge112, and a sixth peripheral edge114.

The first peripheral edge104and the third peripheral edge108are substantially parallel to each other and extend normally from opposing ends of the second peripheral edge106. The first peripheral edge104is also longer than the third peripheral edge108.

The fourth peripheral edge110extends away from a first distal end116of the third peripheral edge108at a first angle118generally towards a first plane120defined by the first peripheral edge104. For at least one embodiment this first angle118is appreciated to be an obtuse angle. Further, for at least one embodiment this first angle is appreciated to be about 135° (one hundred and thirty-five degrees).

The sixth peripheral edge114extends at a second angle122from a second distal end124of the first peripheral edge104towards a second plane126defined by the third peripheral edge108. The second plane126is parallel to the first plane120, and with respect to the plane view ofFIG.1, the first plane120and second plane are normal to the second peripheral edge106.

A fifth peripheral112edge joins the distal ends of the fourth peripheral edge110and the sixth peripheral edge114. Further, for at least one embodiment, the length D5of the fifth peripheral edge112is about the same as the length D6of the sixth peripheral edge114.

Moreover, the fourth peripheral edge110extends at a first obtuse angle118away from the third peripheral edge108. The sixth peripheral edge114extends at a second obtuse angle122away from the first peripheral edge104. The fifth peripheral edge112extends at a third obtuse angle128away from the fourth peripheral edge110and connects to the sixth peripheral edge114at a fourth obtuse angle130.

For at least one embodiment, it may be further appreciated that the second peripheral edge106has a first length D2. The fourth peripheral edge110has a length selected so as to extend to within ⅚thof the first length D2towards the first plane120.

More simply stated, the body102of the binding guide100is a non-regular hexagon body. A non-regular hexagon is understood and appreciated to be a geometric figure where all of the sides and angles do not have the same measure. Indeed, it may be appreciated with respect toFIG.1that the first peripheral edge104, the second peripheral edge106and the third peripheral edge108define a generally rectangular section132of the translucent body102. In contrast, the fourth peripheral edge110, the fifth peripheral edge112and the sixth peripheral edge defining a generally obtuse pointed section134of the translucent body102.

Each of these six peripheral edges is positioned relative to the others so as to provide an advantageous set of marking and cutting guides—e.g. the outer surface of these peripheral edges—against which the user may deploy a marker, pencil, or cutter, such as a rotary cutter for the advantageous marking/cutting/trimming of fabric pieces which are used to fabricate a desired binding margin. Because each peripheral edge may be used for the precise guidance of a marker or cutter, it will be understood and appreciated that each peripheral edge is generally intended to be continuous.

However, the presence of one or more small incisions/indents/trim slots/or the like may be incorporated into one or more of the noted peripheral edges without significant departure from the teachings herein, and are not considered to interrupt or otherwise segment or subdivide the peripheral edge they are disposed upon. In other words, although for at least one embodiment each peripheral edge is a continuous edge element, for at least one alternative embodiment one or more of the peripheral edges may have minor indents or the like which do not substantially alter or frustrate the intended teachings of the binding guide100. For such embodiments their presence may be ignored and the peripheral edge considered as a continuous element with respect to the measurement and cutter guide features established by the binding guide100.

The width of the binding margin provided by the binding guide100is of course intended to be consistent along the entire length of the binding margin. To facilitate this, the binding guide100provides at least one isosceles triangular ruling136, e.g., first isosceles triangular ruling138, for establishing at least one binding margin. As may be appreciated with respect toFIG.1, for at least one embodiment the at least one isosceles triangular ruling, e.g., first isosceles triangular ruling138, is aligned to the third peripheral edge108.

To provide enhanced flexibility and options for the quilter, for at least one embodiment, the binding guide100may provide at least one second isosceles triangular ruling140to provide a binding margin of a different size from that provided by the first isosceles triangular ruling106.

In varying embodiments, the size of the binding margin guides may be established under the Metric System or the Imperial System, also referred to as the English or British System. For ease of illustration and discussion, in the embodiments shown and described herein, the binding guide100is shown to provide measurements and guides for the Imperial System. More specifically, for the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the binding guide is shown to provide a first isosceles triangular ruling138for a 2½″ (2.5″) binding margin and a second isosceles triangular ruling140for a 2¼″ (2.25″) binding margin. These sizes for binding margins are quite common in the quilting arts, but it will be fully understood and appreciated that alternative sizes may be provided without departure from the teachings herein.

For each of the isosceles triangular rulings, the binding guide100also provides a corresponding binding width guideline. More specifically, for the first isosceles triangular ruling138there is a corresponding first binding width guideline142, appropriately disposed with respect to a baseline. For the embodiment shown, the first binding width guideline142is shown and disposed with respect to the first peripheral edge104to establish the proper margin width. Moreover, the first binding width guideline142for the embodiment as shown establishes a binding width of 2½″ (2.5″).

For the embodiment shown, a second binding width guideline144is also shown corresponding to the second isosceles triangle ruling140, the second binding width guideline144also shown and disposed with respect to the first peripheral edge104to establish the proper margin width. Moreover, the second binding width guideline144for the embodiment as shown establishes a binding width of 2¼″ (2.25″).

As the first and second binding width guidelines142and144are disposed with respect to the first peripheral edge, for the embodiment of the binding guide100as shown, binding width guidelines142and144are proximate to the third peripheral edge108and thus also proximate to their respective first and second isosceles triangular rulings138and140. As is shown, the binding guide100may include indicia146to help a user quickly and easily identify the respective pairings of the isosceles triangular rulings and binding width guidelines for the desired binding margin to be prepared.

As may also be appreciated inFIG.1, the binding guide100also includes at least one set of rectangular apertures148aligned parallel to each other and disposed within the translucent body102. As illustrated the ends of the rectangular apertures may be rounded such that they may be defined or described as rectangular ovals—the rounded ends potentially aiding in smooth passage of fabric therethrough. Further still, for at least one embodiment at least one leading edge of at least one aperture may be rounded or beveled so as to advantageously facilitate the smooth passage of fabric therethrough. As will be further appreciated with respect to the description below, the aligned set of rectangular apertures148is a folding guide, advantageously assisting the user to fold the assembled fabric strip into the intended binding margin with a consistent width. It is to be appreciated that to assist as a folding guide, each aperture of the aligned set of rectangular apertures148is substantially the same.

As the exemplary embodiment of binding guide100has been illustrated to provide a binding margin with a width of 2½″ (2.5″) or 2¼″ (2.25″), the binding guide100provides a first set of rectangular apertures150for a 2½″ (2.5″) binding margin, and a second set of rectangular aperture152for a 2¼″ (2.25″) binding margin.

The use of two aligned and precisely spaced apertures has been determined most advantageous over simply one aperture as it aids the user in maintaining alignment of the fold with greater precision and ease than is typically accomplished with a single aperture. The use of two aligned and precisely spaced apertures also has been determined to provide sufficient friction to aid in the folding process, but not an undue amount of friction as may be imparted with three or more apertures. The use of two apertures—an even number—also ensures that the folded fabric enters and exits along the same side of the binding guide100which further advantageously facilitates the fabric folding process and may optionally permit the binding guide100to present the folded fabric to an iron or heated press to further set the fold.

As measurements between elements of the quilt are typically important to the quilter, for at least one embodiment the binding guide100provides a first set of equally spaced rulings154running parallel to the first peripheral edge104. Further still, for yet one embodiment the binding guide100provides a second set of equally spaced rulings156running perpendicular to the first peripheral edge104.

For yet another embodiment, a portion of the binding guide100may include at least one magnification lens158formed in at least a portion of the translucent body104. Further still, other optional embodiments of the binding guide100may include a texture or grippers160disposed on the underside of the body102to assist with it being placed by hand, and or to provide an improved friction hold upon the fabric during use of the binding guide100. The binding guide100may further provide a hole for easy storage by hanging.

With respect to the above description, at least one embodiment of the binding guide100may be summarized as a substantially rigid translucent body102, having first104, second106, third108, fourth110, fifth112and sixth114peripheral edges. The first104and third108peripheral edges are parallel to each other and extend normally from the second peripheral edge106, the first peripheral edge104being longer than the third peripheral edge108. The fourth peripheral edge110extends at a first angle118from a first distal end116of the third peripheral edge108generally towards a first plane120defined by the first peripheral edge104. The sixth peripheral edge114extends at a second angle122from a second distal end124of the first peripheral edge104towards a second plane126parallel to the first plane120, the second plane126defined by the third peripheral edge108. The fifth peripheral edge112joins the fourth peripheral edge110and the sixth peripheral edge114. At least one isosceles triangular ruling136for establishing a binding margin, is aligned to the third peripheral edge108and at least one binding width guideline140is provided proximate to and parallel to the third peripheral edge108. At least one set of aligned parallel rectangular apertures144are disposed within the translucent body and structured and arranged to advantageously assist with the folding of the binding margin.

Further still, at least one embodiment of the binding guide100may be summarized as a substantially rigid translucent non-regular hexagon body102, having first104, second106third108, fourth110, fifth112and sixth114peripheral edges. The first104, second106and third108peripheral edges define a generally rectangular section132of the translucent body102. The fourth110, fifth112and sixth114peripheral edge sections define a generally obtuse pointed section134of the translucent body102. At least one isosceles triangular ruling136for establishing a binding margin, is aligned to the third peripheral edge108and at least one binding width guideline140is provided proximate to and parallel to the third peripheral edge108. At least one set of aligned parallel rectangular apertures144are disposed within the translucent body and structured and arranged to advantageously assist with the folding of the binding margin.

Moreover, for at least one embodiment, the binding guide100provides an advantageous unitary quilting tool that is structured and arranged to advantageously assist the user to:

A) cut fabric elements to the proper width to establish a binding margin of a consistent size;

B) trim the fabric elements to provide a sewing margin that facilitates their joining with seams that lie flat and do not bunch with extra fabric when folded;

C) fold the sewn strip of fabric to a consistent binding margin;

D) size the ends of the binding margin appropriately for final seaming when sewn to the quilt core; and additionally/optionally provides

E) one or more sets of equally spaced rulings as a typical quilting ruler.

These advantageous elements are provided in one tool thus simplifying and reducing the overall number of tools that the quilter must have and rely upon for the preparation and fabrication of the binding margin.

These features and advantages as described above and with respect toFIG.1, may be further appreciated with respect toFIGS.2-8and with the following description providing an overview of at least one method for use of the binding guide100.

Turning now toFIG.2, a piece of fabric200has been folded widthwise upon itself and the binding guide100is disposed upon the folded fabric200. The upper edge of the fabric200is aligned to the selected binding width guideline, which inFIG.2is shown to be the first binding width guideline140. A cutter202is then manipulated by a user along the first peripheral edge104to trim the folded fabric200to the selected margin width, e.g., 2½″ (2.5″).

InFIG.3, the binding guide100has been repositioned on the trimmed fabric300such that the generally obtuse pointed section132is disposed over the loose ends of the fabric300.

As shown inFIGS.4A,4B and4C, at each showing essentially the generally obtuse pointed section134of the binding guide100as disposed upon the fabric200, the cutter202is now manipulated by the user along the fourth peripheral edge110to trim off a first piece of fabric400, then along the fifth peripheral edge112to trim off a second piece of fabric402, and finally along the sixth peripheral edge114to trim off a third piece of fabric404.

This yields trim shaped fabric500disposed below the binding guide100, shown inFIG.5Awithout the binding guide100. As the fabric is, or was, folded, it is understood and appreciated that the cutting process may actually be applied to more than one layer of fabric at a time, and as such the first, second and third pieces of fabric may be multiple pieces of fabric trimmed at substantially the same time.

It will be appreciated, that the slope of the fourth peripheral edge110is about 45°. As such, as is shown inFIGS.5B and5C, when one trimmed end of trim shaped fabric500A is disposed upon another trim shaped fabric500B at about 90°, the trimmed end permits easy alignment with no overlap past the side edge502, and the aligned outer edges504substantially align. The binding guide100may be disposed upon the aligned ends such that the fourth peripheral edge110may be used to provide a sewing guide line506along overlapped ends. For at least embodiment this sewing guide line is applied ¼″ (0.25″) in from the aligned outer edge504

Trim shaped fabric500A and trim shaped fabric500B are then sewn along the sewing guide line506, shown as stitching508. The now attached fabrics500A and500B are then folded open so as align as a continuous strip of fabric510as shown inFIG.5D. Starting from an end, a few inches of the strip of fabric510are folded over a longitudinal middle line600to provide folded end602as shown inFIG.6. As is also shown inFIG.6, the folded end602may comprise a trim shaped end.

As shown inFIG.7this folded end602of the strip of fabric510is then fed through the appropriate set of rectangular apertures148, which for the exemplary binding margin of 2¼″ (2.5″) is first set of rectangular apertures150. The thickness and resiliency of the material from which the binding guide100is fabricated may help achieve a firm crease as the strip of fabric510is worked through the first set of rectangular apertures150for its entire length. This resulting folded strip is now the unattached binding margin700.

As the unattached binding margin700is pulled out from under the binding guide100the user may optionally apply an iron to the fabric to further set the folded seam of the unattached binding margin700.

As shown inFIG.8, with the binding margin700now substantially prepared, the user may dispose the binding guide100across one end of the binding margin700at a right angle—as facilitated by the first set of rulings154, and the end is trimmed off, leaving a new square end800to the binding margin700. This square end800may be used as the starting end802.

As shown inFIG.9, this starting end802is now unfolded. As this exemplary binding margin is 2¼″ (2.5)″ the first isosceles triangle ruling138is aligned to the square end of the now opened starting end802, and the third peripheral edge108is used to mark the sewing line (shown as heavy dashed line900) for the final seam of the binding margin700. As is shown inFIG.9, it will be understood and appreciated that each isosceles triangle ruling136has been sized to advantageously accommodate the width of the marking device, e.g., a pencil, such that marked line900provides a true guide upon which the final seam will be stitched to result in a flat and precisely aligned row of stitches for a properly sized binding margin700about the quilt.

The binding margin700is now ready for attachment to the quilt1000, as shown inFIG.10. To facilitate with the final seaming, the binding margin700is disposed upon the quilt and stitching is commenced approximately 10″ to 12″ inches in from the starting end802, which is intentionally left free (no stitching shown in dotted oval1002) to permit the final seam to be sewn. As shown inFIG.10, the binding margin700is sewn around the quilt1000as desired, with the binding margin700being brought round to overlap the starting end802by several inches. For at least one embodiment this overlap is about 10″ to 12″ for ease of manipulation.

It may be noted that for the corners of the quilt1000, the binding margin is simply turned 90° flattened, and sewing continued for the attachment of the binding margin700to the new side of the quilt1000.

As shown inFIG.10, the overlapping end1004is then folded back over the binding guide100, and specifically the first peripheral edge104which is aligned with the starting end802of the binding margin700—indicated by large arrow1006. As the exemplary binding margin is 2¼″ (2.5″) the first binding width guideline142is used by the user to identify the proper margin of overlap to be cut by scissors1008along dotted line1010, to provide overlap margin1012, with finishing end1014.

As shown inFIG.11, the previously unattached starting end802is now unfolded so as to expose the marked line900. The finishing end1014is likewise opened and placed under the unfolded starting end802at 90°, and the respective starting end802and finishing end1014are pinned in alignment. The final seam is then sewn along marked like900—sewing the ends of the binding margin700together, but not to the quilt1000shown in the background, and the excess trimmed off at about ¼″ to the outside of the sewn line, the trim line shown as dotted line1100

The binding margin700is now a complete and continuous band of fabric. The unsewn starting end802and finishing end1014are now folded about the edge of the quilt1000and the final attachment seam is sewn.

FIG.12is presented to show the resulting binding margin700as attached to the quilt1000, and more specifically how the binding guide100and the process of cutting and trimming the original fabric to provide the trim shaped fabric pieces500A and500B, and their subsequent sewing to one another results in a flat seem1200which conceals the actual stitching of the union on the underside of the binding margin700.

Changes may be made in the above methods, systems and structures without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description and/or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Indeed many other embodiments are feasible and possible, as will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art. The claims that follow are not limited by or to the embodiments discussed herein, but are limited solely by their terms and the Doctrine of Equivalents.