Using a Holder for Your Binding

Learn about the Dear Elizabeth Thread Dispenser from Lemonwood and how it can make binding your quilts so much easier (and less tangled!).

If you’ve ever draped your quilt binding over your shoulder, only to have it twist, tangle, or—let’s be honest—get caught on your shirt button… this little tool is going to be your new best friend.

In the video, I’ll show you how I use mine while sewing quilt binding to keep everything smooth, tidy, and feeding right where it should.

What Is the Dear Elizabeth Thread Dispenser?

The Dear Elizabeth is a tabletop thread holder designed to help thread, twine, yarn—or in this case, quilt binding—unwind smoothly while you sew. It’s beautifully made (the wooden finish looks gorgeous sitting next to your machine) and it spins freely as you pull.

That smooth rotation is the magic—it keeps your binding or thread feeding evenly without tangles or catching under your presser foot.

How I Used It for My Quilt Binding

I rolled up my finished binding strip and placed it right onto the Dear Elizabeth spindle. Then I added a small clip to keep the end secure—this helps it from unraveling before you start sewing.

As I stitched the binding to my quilt, the dispenser spun smoothly beside me, letting the binding unwind evenly. No tangles. No catching under the foot. No chasing binding across the room.

I used the handle to hang it from the sewing machine table. I use the Sew Steady table.

It fed straight into the machine, just like thread on a spool—simple and hands-free.

I think that I have the design on the wrong side! It is supposed to be seen and not on the bottom. Now that I’m done with the quilt, I can switch it.

Why You’ll Love It for Quilt Binding

• No more shoulder toss – your binding stays neatly wound instead of becoming part of your outfit.
• Smooth feed – keeps your binding from twisting or bunching while sewing.
• Saves time – no stopping mid-seam to untangle.
• Beautiful and functional – it looks lovely on your sewing table!
• Multi-purpose – use it for thread cones, yarn, or twine too.

Look how fabulous the design is:

More Quilting and Binding Resources:

Learn more about the Sew Steady table – it’s wonderful!

No binding options – there are other things that can be done to finish that edge.

Use the binding foot for adding your binding– it’s wonderful

How to sew a flange binding.

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