randomdude 0 #1 January 10, 2005 Here's a forehead-slapper- I'm trying to apply edge binding with a tape folder to a rectangular hole in a surface...and I'm having the damnedest time getting it to work. Am I brain-dead or is this actually difficult. No, it isn't for a parachute application. Also I am having troubles making nice neat corners when I turn them...hints? Thanks in advance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #2 January 10, 2005 I'm not sure what a tape folder is, but is it possible to split the tape at the corners so that it lays neatly, or maybe fold a pleat under?Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #3 January 10, 2005 Forget the tape applicator. Hot-knife the necessary length of tape you need to cover the raw edge, allowing for a bit of over-lap. Fold the tape in half, lengthwise, by creasing the tape with your finger as you move along. Put the creased tape over the raw edge of your material while it is under the raised presser foot. Line everything up the way you want it and lower the presser foot. At the corners, use a pick to form neat creases and here, you'll have to 'hand wheel' the next stitches while maintaining a neat corner. It's 'tricky' and takes patience. Try practicing on some scrap material first till you get the hang of it. Hope, this helps. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 4 #4 January 10, 2005 I rarely used a tape folder, as I found them to be a pain for most uses. Your use strikes me as one such. Fold by hand instead, and you may find a small flat-blade screwdriver handy to help poke the tape into position when you go around corners. If you must use the folder, then you are on your own. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterrig 1 #5 January 10, 2005 I agree! The really 'good' ones, cost about $400.00! The 'cheap' ones screw-up too easily and don't work on more than 2-layers of Cordura/Para-pack. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randomdude 0 #6 January 10, 2005 Mine was only about $60 and works pretty well for what I do with it-it's just huge. I make backpacks, mostly, so for fabrication they work ok. Good advice here. Aside from what is in Poynter's PM, are there any hints for edging 90 degree corners like on a pocket flap? Thanks again Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 0 #7 January 10, 2005 This is tough to describe but I'll give it a shot. This is basically how and will take practice to be consistant.. Sew all the way to the corner the needle should be started on it's way down, then manually rotate it back up so the thread is "loose". Take a small screwdriver under the fabric and inside of the tape. As you turn the piece also pull it "kinda" backwards while holding the tape in place with the screwdriver. Let the foot down. ( this part will take a fair amount of frustrating practice but persevere) The top part is a lot easier and will fall in place much of the time but if not, put it in place with the screwdriver as well. Turn the flywheel till the needle touches the tape. If it's in place, then continue sewing. When you're finished look underneath to see how you did and adjust accordingly. Simply cutting the tape off is workable but if you want a quality looking piece of work, then even the cheap folders will help you get the job done. The expensive ones are great but unless you're mass producing a product, it's not very thrifty. good luck.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KevinMcGuire 0 #8 January 10, 2005 Actually this practice is very easy using a binder. I will take some pics of how to do it and I'll post them in a little while Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KevinMcGuire 0 #9 January 10, 2005 Oops just remembered that I dont have the cable to down load the pics. Sorry I will send the original poster a PM Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randomdude 0 #10 January 10, 2005 Eagerly awaiting those pics Thanks for helping me out on this one, everybody. I usually use a welted piece of cordura or webbing for pocket flaps depending on what I am doing..but couldn't get around it this time. thanks! edit: All squared away on this one, and Mr. McGuire for sure has his shit in one sock-thanks. Having the pics in this thread would still be nice to help guide people through- Thanks again Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KevinMcGuire 0 #11 January 10, 2005 I wont be able to get the pics up for a few weeks. thats when I get home. If any one is interested in the pics then remind me in a few weeks. Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 0 #12 January 10, 2005 QuoteOops just remembered that I dont have the cable to down load the pics. Sorry I will send the original poster a PM Kevin Fantastic! I was hoping you'd see this.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randomdude 0 #13 January 14, 2005 Just wanted to thank all parties involved for helping me correct my recto-cranial inversion. I know this is asking quite a lot but a "How to use a tape folder to do nifty stuff on edging" tutorial would be better than Christmas. I can understand if this would be an email only thing. Just floating a balloon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 561 #14 January 14, 2005 QuoteThis is tough to describe but I'll give it a shot. This is basically how and will take practice to be consistant.. Sew all the way to the corner the needle should be started on it's way down, then manually rotate it back up so the thread is "loose". Take a small screwdriver under the fabric and inside of the tape. As you turn the piece also pull it "kinda" backwards while holding the tape in place with the screwdriver. Let the foot down. ( this part will take a fair amount of frustrating practice but persevere) The top part is a lot easier and will fall in place much of the time but if not, put it in place with the screwdriver as well. Turn the flywheel till the needle touches the tape. If it's in place, then continue sewing. When you're finished look underneath to see how you did and adjust accordingly. Simply cutting the tape off is workable but if you want a quality looking piece of work, then even the cheap folders will help you get the job done. The expensive ones are great but unless you're mass producing a product, it's not very thrifty. good luck. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The trick to folding the bottom edge involves holding your screwdriver at a 45 degree angle while turning the fabric. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KevinMcGuire 0 #16 January 24, 2005 Sorry for the late up-load of the pics. My connection has been down. I will post the pics in the morning. Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randomdude 0 #17 January 25, 2005 thanks :) looking forward to them Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
