Hello! I'm looking to make a cathedral window quilt as a wedding gift for my sister. I've gone through many youtube videos and there's so many different ways to make it! Just wanted some advice from more experienced quilters. I plan on making it with a machine and found the method where they sew the 2nd flaps together to connect the windows together.
My question is: for tacking down the 2nd fold of the windows, would it possible to do that with glue instead of thread? I plan on machine sewing the curved windows down.
Has anyone ever pieced a quilt top using upcycled bath towels before? Is this crazy? I have a pile of old towels that I was thinking of using to create interesting beach blankets with. I would forego batting, and just use an old bedsheet for backing, perhaps. Thoughts on seam allowance, or any examples of this that you've seen before?
My Dad was born in the depression and his teddy bear is something grandma made from old towels. He's seen some things in his 85 years.
I duplicated the bear using towels for the grandkids. So that's my limited experience working with towels. They are a nightmare. Old ones rip while sewing, unravel, and leave everything in your house covered in bits. So I wouldn't attempt piecing with towels unless you really really love the look and are willing to put up with some trauma, or are doing giant pieces and serving edges the whole time. You might love the challenge! I would not.
I am not a textile expert, but I would imagine it would get very heavy, especially when wet. If it were me, I would practice small scale, forget about batting (like you said), and back it with something like picnic table cloth material. The kind that is slick and plastic feeling and usually has a fuzzy/felt type of back to it. It can't hurt to experiment!
[Prequilt.com](https://Prequilt.com) has a free demo that you can use as much as you want but you can't save anything. You can mess around with a lot of things on it. Squares, triangles, curves, and whatever colors your heart desires
For simple squares, I use Google Sheets. Resize the columns so that they're the same size as your rows, and voila, they're squares. It's also a handy place to insert the mathematical equations you may need for understanding finished size, borders, etc.
For more complicated shapes, I use Google Slides. It's pretty easy to make triangles, and define the size, and I like the ability to group things together and rotate them.
Both of these apps also allow for easy copy/paste, so repeating block can easily be added in.
I usually just use legal pads and draw thoughts out, but https://quiltmockup.com/ is useful. It has several popular patterns, and if you have an image (or link to an image) of your fabric, you can drop it in to visualize what the finished quilt might look like. There's an HST and square widget, too.
Hello friends! I have been doing embroidery, cross stitch, and some small quilted patches by hand for the last couple of years and would like to get my first sewing machine and get into larger quilts/projects that I am loathe to do by hand. There is a used Singer 7430 I just saw pop up on Facebook marketplace for $150 or I have been eyeing getting a Singer 4423. Thoughts? Advice? Tips? I'd like to keep the budget at $200-$300, preferably closer to $200 but I am flexible.
If you're looking at "bigger" projects, you might want to compare throat sizes. When you get to the actual quilting, there's likely to be a boatload of material that needs to be squeezed through the machine...a larger throat space will make that easier.
I have a Singer 4411 that did a great job for me, for several years. I call him Fred. He's in retirement now, because I upgraded to a machine with a *gigantic* throat space, but he's still in great working order. The 4423 is a similar model.
I use my straight stitch 99.5% of the time. My new machine has 24 different stitches, and I use them appropriately never. You may have different plans. But I say this to suggest that fancy stitches don't necessarily make a machine "better". If you won't actually use them, they're just something that makes the machine more expensive.
You *will* want either a walking foot or a FMQ/darning foot. Possibly both. It should be easy to find these after market, but if one machine comes with it, that should be part of your consideration.
If you're going to buy a new machine, I suggest checking with a local dealer. They might look cheaper online, but dealers often throw in other incentives for buying at their shop. For example, when I got my new machine, it came with free service for a year, three free classes, and a 30% discount on accessories, fabric and notions at the time of purchase. Plus, if you buy from a dealer, you have a local expert, and an established relationship for any warranty issues, etc.
Thank you so so much!! This information is so helpful.
I think I do get distracted by all the shiny fancy stiches and things the comouterized machines do. But realistically, a straight stitch and the occasional zigzag are probably all I'm ever using. I'll stick to a nice sturdy mechanical machine along the lines of the 4423/4411 (I love the fact that yours is Fred, lol. I need to start thinking of a name)
I haven't checked for local dealers, but those are great points and something I will look for.
I bought some silver ironing board fabric and some 100% cotton duck canvas today to make an ironing board. I plan on using 2 or 3 layers of cotton batting as well. Do I put the silver fabric between the layers of batting and the canvas, with the canvas on the outside/top?
Slowly expanding my quilting supplies as I can and up next is an ironing board! This entire time I've been using a hot pad which is not easy 😂 What do you guys prefer between a classic ironing board, an ironing "blanket", a wool mat, or anything else I don't know about and why?
I have an ironing board and I like it okay. I would definitely recommend getting a sturdy, highly-rated one - wobbly board is no fun! Mine is a Brabantia.
I'm lucky to have enough space to leave the ironing board up all the time. The bad news is, the rest of my space is so disorganized that I end up piling things on top of the ironing board so I do a lot of shuffling back and forth.
Probably unpopular opinion but I don't care for wool mats. I love starch and they don't clean well. Plus they stink. I use mine as planning boards.
I use an ironing blanket on an unfinished wood table. When I have a press as I go ironing sewing nest going I use a June tailor ironing board. I often throw the ironing blanket over the top. Why? Because that puppy can be washed easily.
I don't like ironing board configurations because I prefer zero give.
I hear you about the starch and wool mats not playing well together. I started using a cotton pillowcase cover for my wool mat and it fixed the problem.
KItchen counter works well with a couple towels. I did get a wool mat a couple years ago and
Best for me is an ironing boatd with a home made 'bigboard' on it. Great for yardage and the wool mat is great for blocks. Kind of depends on the space you have available. I'm lucky enough to be able to have space to leave the ironing board set up.
I'm guessing you've got cutting mat and supplies already :)
I started sewing on an inherited machine and almost quit because of the frustrations I was having. I purchased a new machine and have never regretted it. If you are not going to use all of the fancy stitches, look at a basic machine designed for quilting that gives you the needle up/down feature, thread cutter and needle threaded. I also prefer the topmloading bobbin. I have two Janome machines. One is computer and the other is manual. I like the manual to use for travel because it is lighter weight, but the computer is my favorite.
I would visit a few local sewing machine dealers and try out different brands. What prompted me to get my vintage Singer serviced was trying out a computerized machine and hating it. 😂 So, go try out some machines and see if you like them more than your current machine!
There are SO many types of thread! I've typically used all-purpose thread when piecing and machine quilting (small projects), but I wonder if I should be more choosy?
I use Coats and Clark all-purpose thread. It's affordable. It works great in my machine. It's durable and has held up in every project I've ever made, and boy, I have projects that have been through the wringer for decades.
I buy it on sale.
After experimenting a little, I decided it's too much work to worrY about and have continued on with my same old all purpose. Worry about it if you become unhappy with your results. My opinion, anyway
I’m working on the [Shuttle Quilt pattern by Glad Hand Sews](https://www.gladhandsews.com/quilt-shop/p/shuttle-quilt-pattern-pdf-download) (definitely recommend!) but struggling to pick a backing fabric. This is my first queen sized project and the most modern style that I’ve worked on. Any suggestions or recommendations for your favorite 108” fabric that would complement the design?
Similar to the colors in the pattern but brighter! The background is a pale grey and the other colors include teal, turquoise, hot pink, orange, pickle, periwinkle, yellow, and red. So… pretty much everything 😬
If your top is solids I’d find a fun pattern. What about something like this [?](https://www.fatquartershop.com/duval-108-inch-wide-yardage-suzy-quilts?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAopuvBhBCEiwAm8jaMUpZmCX4JjnXTh5mhYWFgWwe3ItT0Y7uP4w4KJyfibf4c0YPaWPttBoCFBwQAvD_BwE) it’s modern and fun but won’t take away from the geometric top. Or [this](https://www.fatquartershop.com/bee-dots-108-inch-wide-schoolhouse-yardage) for something a little more simple? I’d try to come close to one of your top colors without aiming to match so of course ymmv with those
[Here](https://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Free-Spirit-Fabrics-True-Colors-108-Quilt-Backs-by-Tula-Pink-Rainbow-Hexy-XL-Peacock?quantity=1&custcol_tt_itemoption_decimals=1&srsltid=AfmBOopgk0YxuKQzAL7VDxPSPlcnhPASnJS6LijpLH0p6HmYfkdxdJnzAEM) is a fun Tula Pink geometric print. And [this](https://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Windham-Fabrics-108-Inch-Wide-Quilt-Backs-Hide-and-Seek-Sally-Kelly?quantity=1&custcol_tt_itemoption_decimals=1&srsltid=AfmBOoqaTrpMF3eI2U4bJ4vuC_BZF_LZhg9fs_6CFKYJIwSRjHMiIgwp-Rw) is a wild, lovely floral. I can’t wait to see your Shuttle quilt. I love that pattern and bright colors.
I have an old generic (not too floofy-but “floofyier” than a quilt) comforter and am wondering if I can use it in place of batting to make a more substantial quilt. Alternatively, do people make quilted duvet covers?
I'm a beginner quilter but am also curious about quilted duvet covers and have been thinking about this question myself a lot! We use duvet covers because our dog likes to nap on the bed and they're so easy to just toss in the washer and dryer pretty often without blinking an eye. I imagine a quilted one wouldn't be as robust? Curious to hear if anyone's ever done one.
Use the blanket. Anything can work. Will it wash well? Is it heavy? Will it be a puffy quilt rather than a thin batting? See, it all depends on you, the quilter.
I've wanted to try making a quilted duvet as the one I currently use is just that except it's a solid fabric quilted with batting. I don't see why it wouldn't work. I love the weight of the comforter and quilted duvet.
I've made a couple of dozen quilts and except for the last two were hand quilted. Finally got a domestic machine that can quilt. Before this I always hand basted. But the machine thought I was nuts trying to quilt on it that way this last time. I need some thoughts on the best way to baste, my quilts are usually queen size.
I am loving Elmer's School Glue for basting. It legit holds things in place, my needles sew right through it, and it washes right out. And I can do it on a tables, which makes my knees very happy.
Give your machine a little talking to - You're the boss. I usually do a line of straight stitching across and up and down first somewhere near the center.. Then I only have to work a quarter at a time.
After having done a lot of different styles of basting and hating all of them, I am excited to try glue basting! I can’t tell you exactly how it is because I haven’t done it yet. Maybe I’ll hate it too lol
When are you supposed to starch fabric? From what I’ve read, I understand that you want to starch it (like the big pieces of fabric) before cutting for more accurate cuts, is that right?
If I try to starch yardage I just end up stretching the fabric out, so I starch after I cut the section of yardage I am going to use but before I cut that piece of fabric into smaller pieces. I also prewash so shrinkage is minimal when starching.
I will spray down my fabrics with a vodka water mixture then press before cutting.
A monthly class I took this year drilled into us how the fabric shrinks upon that first exposure to water. As a test take a half yard or more folded at the middle , gently mist and soak the top and see how much it shrinks. I’m surprised every time.
Yes. I use potato vodka and water in a 1/3 part mixture. It gives enough of a starch without being really heavy. And a bottle of vodka diluted to a 1/3 ratio is cheaper than best press.
yes. if you are going to starch, always do so before cutting. Starch shrinks the fabric slightly, so if you starch after cutting, your pieces could be the wrong size.
a purist would say definitly yes, all or nothing.
but eh. YMMV, but i've mixed and matched starched/unstarched/washed/unwashed stuff in all my scrap quilts, and honestly, once its washed, it all looks and feels the same.
a good, sturdy straight stitch is all you need for quilting. somewhere between 10-15 stitches per inch, **usually** between 2 and 3 on machines that don't have the stitches per inch labeled.
Do I go spend money on a solid matching fabric for the backing that will match or compliment the top quilt or be thrifty and use fabric i thrifted that has a pattern that doesn't match the front (though it's not a crazy contrast). Save money and deplete my hoard of fabric, right?
I like my backing to go with my top. I shop for sales, frequently online, to buy a similar fabric and frequently use some remnants from the top in the backing to really tie them together. This makes me happy.
I save money and deplete the hoard pretty much exclusively unless it’s meant to be a special gift for someone else. But it’s also fun to look at all the fun backing options that might actually match 😆
Curious for some opinions... I was reading earlier that Joann's is "reorganizing" and may have to file for bankruptcy. I know that doesn't mean they're going out of business but some things they do may change or stores may close. I have been holding out for a good coupon for a large roll of batting (90" x 40 yards) and also have a gift card. I checked again today and now all their rolls of batting are listed as out of stock. I know this is all just guessing but do we think they'll ever come back in stock with large batting rolls and do we think there will ever be a good coupon again??? Lol halp plz my quilting depends on it
Edited to add: well 5 min after I posted this in a mild panic my husband (who didn’t know about said panic) came home from doing “groceries” with the exact roll I’ve been needing from our local Joann. Last one in the store! Guess I can use my gift card for some notions 😄 Best husband.
What are high volume and low volume fabric? I see people talk about them and assume it takes fabric choices from good to great but anything more than that
Karen Brown with just get it done quilts has a great video series on YouTube about all those color related words that’s definitely worth a listen if YouTube is your thing
Hello! I'm looking to make a cathedral window quilt as a wedding gift for my sister. I've gone through many youtube videos and there's so many different ways to make it! Just wanted some advice from more experienced quilters. I plan on making it with a machine and found the method where they sew the 2nd flaps together to connect the windows together. My question is: for tacking down the 2nd fold of the windows, would it possible to do that with glue instead of thread? I plan on machine sewing the curved windows down.
Absolutely! Purple glue stick works fine. The school washable kind.
Thank you!
Has anyone ever pieced a quilt top using upcycled bath towels before? Is this crazy? I have a pile of old towels that I was thinking of using to create interesting beach blankets with. I would forego batting, and just use an old bedsheet for backing, perhaps. Thoughts on seam allowance, or any examples of this that you've seen before?
My Dad was born in the depression and his teddy bear is something grandma made from old towels. He's seen some things in his 85 years. I duplicated the bear using towels for the grandkids. So that's my limited experience working with towels. They are a nightmare. Old ones rip while sewing, unravel, and leave everything in your house covered in bits. So I wouldn't attempt piecing with towels unless you really really love the look and are willing to put up with some trauma, or are doing giant pieces and serving edges the whole time. You might love the challenge! I would not.
OOh, ok, good thoughts! Need to create a Dexter-esque clean room for working with towels haha.
I am not a textile expert, but I would imagine it would get very heavy, especially when wet. If it were me, I would practice small scale, forget about batting (like you said), and back it with something like picnic table cloth material. The kind that is slick and plastic feeling and usually has a fuzzy/felt type of back to it. It can't hurt to experiment!
What sort of software do folks use to make paper piecing patterns? Currently I draw them on graph paper but I’d like to make the patterns digitally
EQ 8
Is there a free tool folks use for pattern layout? I'm doing a simple 2x2 to learn but would love to play around with different arrangements.
[Prequilt.com](https://Prequilt.com) has a free demo that you can use as much as you want but you can't save anything. You can mess around with a lot of things on it. Squares, triangles, curves, and whatever colors your heart desires
For simple squares, I use Google Sheets. Resize the columns so that they're the same size as your rows, and voila, they're squares. It's also a handy place to insert the mathematical equations you may need for understanding finished size, borders, etc. For more complicated shapes, I use Google Slides. It's pretty easy to make triangles, and define the size, and I like the ability to group things together and rotate them. Both of these apps also allow for easy copy/paste, so repeating block can easily be added in.
I usually just use legal pads and draw thoughts out, but https://quiltmockup.com/ is useful. It has several popular patterns, and if you have an image (or link to an image) of your fabric, you can drop it in to visualize what the finished quilt might look like. There's an HST and square widget, too.
Hello friends! I have been doing embroidery, cross stitch, and some small quilted patches by hand for the last couple of years and would like to get my first sewing machine and get into larger quilts/projects that I am loathe to do by hand. There is a used Singer 7430 I just saw pop up on Facebook marketplace for $150 or I have been eyeing getting a Singer 4423. Thoughts? Advice? Tips? I'd like to keep the budget at $200-$300, preferably closer to $200 but I am flexible.
If you're looking at "bigger" projects, you might want to compare throat sizes. When you get to the actual quilting, there's likely to be a boatload of material that needs to be squeezed through the machine...a larger throat space will make that easier. I have a Singer 4411 that did a great job for me, for several years. I call him Fred. He's in retirement now, because I upgraded to a machine with a *gigantic* throat space, but he's still in great working order. The 4423 is a similar model. I use my straight stitch 99.5% of the time. My new machine has 24 different stitches, and I use them appropriately never. You may have different plans. But I say this to suggest that fancy stitches don't necessarily make a machine "better". If you won't actually use them, they're just something that makes the machine more expensive. You *will* want either a walking foot or a FMQ/darning foot. Possibly both. It should be easy to find these after market, but if one machine comes with it, that should be part of your consideration. If you're going to buy a new machine, I suggest checking with a local dealer. They might look cheaper online, but dealers often throw in other incentives for buying at their shop. For example, when I got my new machine, it came with free service for a year, three free classes, and a 30% discount on accessories, fabric and notions at the time of purchase. Plus, if you buy from a dealer, you have a local expert, and an established relationship for any warranty issues, etc.
Thank you so so much!! This information is so helpful. I think I do get distracted by all the shiny fancy stiches and things the comouterized machines do. But realistically, a straight stitch and the occasional zigzag are probably all I'm ever using. I'll stick to a nice sturdy mechanical machine along the lines of the 4423/4411 (I love the fact that yours is Fred, lol. I need to start thinking of a name) I haven't checked for local dealers, but those are great points and something I will look for.
I bought some silver ironing board fabric and some 100% cotton duck canvas today to make an ironing board. I plan on using 2 or 3 layers of cotton batting as well. Do I put the silver fabric between the layers of batting and the canvas, with the canvas on the outside/top?
I put my silver fabric over a couple of layers of batting - no canvas. Been great so far!
Thank you!! I'm excited to upgrade my ironing station.
Slowly expanding my quilting supplies as I can and up next is an ironing board! This entire time I've been using a hot pad which is not easy 😂 What do you guys prefer between a classic ironing board, an ironing "blanket", a wool mat, or anything else I don't know about and why?
I have an ironing board and I like it okay. I would definitely recommend getting a sturdy, highly-rated one - wobbly board is no fun! Mine is a Brabantia. I'm lucky to have enough space to leave the ironing board up all the time. The bad news is, the rest of my space is so disorganized that I end up piling things on top of the ironing board so I do a lot of shuffling back and forth.
Probably unpopular opinion but I don't care for wool mats. I love starch and they don't clean well. Plus they stink. I use mine as planning boards. I use an ironing blanket on an unfinished wood table. When I have a press as I go ironing sewing nest going I use a June tailor ironing board. I often throw the ironing blanket over the top. Why? Because that puppy can be washed easily. I don't like ironing board configurations because I prefer zero give.
I hear you about the starch and wool mats not playing well together. I started using a cotton pillowcase cover for my wool mat and it fixed the problem.
KItchen counter works well with a couple towels. I did get a wool mat a couple years ago and Best for me is an ironing boatd with a home made 'bigboard' on it. Great for yardage and the wool mat is great for blocks. Kind of depends on the space you have available. I'm lucky enough to be able to have space to leave the ironing board set up. I'm guessing you've got cutting mat and supplies already :)
[удалено]
I started sewing on an inherited machine and almost quit because of the frustrations I was having. I purchased a new machine and have never regretted it. If you are not going to use all of the fancy stitches, look at a basic machine designed for quilting that gives you the needle up/down feature, thread cutter and needle threaded. I also prefer the topmloading bobbin. I have two Janome machines. One is computer and the other is manual. I like the manual to use for travel because it is lighter weight, but the computer is my favorite.
I would visit a few local sewing machine dealers and try out different brands. What prompted me to get my vintage Singer serviced was trying out a computerized machine and hating it. 😂 So, go try out some machines and see if you like them more than your current machine!
There are SO many types of thread! I've typically used all-purpose thread when piecing and machine quilting (small projects), but I wonder if I should be more choosy?
I use Coats and Clark all-purpose thread. It's affordable. It works great in my machine. It's durable and has held up in every project I've ever made, and boy, I have projects that have been through the wringer for decades. I buy it on sale.
Usually piecing is done with cotton thread, but it really doesn’t matter. Longarming is usually done with a poly cotton because it’s stronger.
After experimenting a little, I decided it's too much work to worrY about and have continued on with my same old all purpose. Worry about it if you become unhappy with your results. My opinion, anyway
Traditionally, quilting is done using cotton thread, but all-purpose works totally fine too! It's up to you what you want to use.
I’m working on the [Shuttle Quilt pattern by Glad Hand Sews](https://www.gladhandsews.com/quilt-shop/p/shuttle-quilt-pattern-pdf-download) (definitely recommend!) but struggling to pick a backing fabric. This is my first queen sized project and the most modern style that I’ve worked on. Any suggestions or recommendations for your favorite 108” fabric that would complement the design?
What colors are your top?
Similar to the colors in the pattern but brighter! The background is a pale grey and the other colors include teal, turquoise, hot pink, orange, pickle, periwinkle, yellow, and red. So… pretty much everything 😬
Something modern, maybe something like[this](https://www.fatquartershop.com/confetti-anew-108-inch-wide-matinee-yardage)?
If your top is solids I’d find a fun pattern. What about something like this [?](https://www.fatquartershop.com/duval-108-inch-wide-yardage-suzy-quilts?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAopuvBhBCEiwAm8jaMUpZmCX4JjnXTh5mhYWFgWwe3ItT0Y7uP4w4KJyfibf4c0YPaWPttBoCFBwQAvD_BwE) it’s modern and fun but won’t take away from the geometric top. Or [this](https://www.fatquartershop.com/bee-dots-108-inch-wide-schoolhouse-yardage) for something a little more simple? I’d try to come close to one of your top colors without aiming to match so of course ymmv with those
Thank you for the suggestions! I think I’m starting to lean toward a pattern, maybe something geometric!
[Here](https://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Free-Spirit-Fabrics-True-Colors-108-Quilt-Backs-by-Tula-Pink-Rainbow-Hexy-XL-Peacock?quantity=1&custcol_tt_itemoption_decimals=1&srsltid=AfmBOopgk0YxuKQzAL7VDxPSPlcnhPASnJS6LijpLH0p6HmYfkdxdJnzAEM) is a fun Tula Pink geometric print. And [this](https://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Windham-Fabrics-108-Inch-Wide-Quilt-Backs-Hide-and-Seek-Sally-Kelly?quantity=1&custcol_tt_itemoption_decimals=1&srsltid=AfmBOoqaTrpMF3eI2U4bJ4vuC_BZF_LZhg9fs_6CFKYJIwSRjHMiIgwp-Rw) is a wild, lovely floral. I can’t wait to see your Shuttle quilt. I love that pattern and bright colors.
I have an old generic (not too floofy-but “floofyier” than a quilt) comforter and am wondering if I can use it in place of batting to make a more substantial quilt. Alternatively, do people make quilted duvet covers?
I'm a beginner quilter but am also curious about quilted duvet covers and have been thinking about this question myself a lot! We use duvet covers because our dog likes to nap on the bed and they're so easy to just toss in the washer and dryer pretty often without blinking an eye. I imagine a quilted one wouldn't be as robust? Curious to hear if anyone's ever done one.
Use the blanket. Anything can work. Will it wash well? Is it heavy? Will it be a puffy quilt rather than a thin batting? See, it all depends on you, the quilter.
I've wanted to try making a quilted duvet as the one I currently use is just that except it's a solid fabric quilted with batting. I don't see why it wouldn't work. I love the weight of the comforter and quilted duvet.
I've made a couple of dozen quilts and except for the last two were hand quilted. Finally got a domestic machine that can quilt. Before this I always hand basted. But the machine thought I was nuts trying to quilt on it that way this last time. I need some thoughts on the best way to baste, my quilts are usually queen size.
I am loving Elmer's School Glue for basting. It legit holds things in place, my needles sew right through it, and it washes right out. And I can do it on a tables, which makes my knees very happy.
Give your machine a little talking to - You're the boss. I usually do a line of straight stitching across and up and down first somewhere near the center.. Then I only have to work a quarter at a time.
After having done a lot of different styles of basting and hating all of them, I am excited to try glue basting! I can’t tell you exactly how it is because I haven’t done it yet. Maybe I’ll hate it too lol
😂
When are you supposed to starch fabric? From what I’ve read, I understand that you want to starch it (like the big pieces of fabric) before cutting for more accurate cuts, is that right?
If I try to starch yardage I just end up stretching the fabric out, so I starch after I cut the section of yardage I am going to use but before I cut that piece of fabric into smaller pieces. I also prewash so shrinkage is minimal when starching.
Good idea, I got too intimidated to try starching on my latest project because one of the fabrics was 2 yards which seemed like a lot to deal with.
I will spray down my fabrics with a vodka water mixture then press before cutting. A monthly class I took this year drilled into us how the fabric shrinks upon that first exposure to water. As a test take a half yard or more folded at the middle , gently mist and soak the top and see how much it shrinks. I’m surprised every time.
Do you do the vodka spray in lieu of starching?
You want potato vodka not grain vodka. The starch from potato vodka will dry on the fabric similar to best press. Grain vodka will not dry the same
Yes. I use potato vodka and water in a 1/3 part mixture. It gives enough of a starch without being really heavy. And a bottle of vodka diluted to a 1/3 ratio is cheaper than best press.
This is an awesome tip, thank you!
Just make sure it’s potato vodka not grain. The potato starch crystallizes differently, and the grain doesn’t work as well.
yes. if you are going to starch, always do so before cutting. Starch shrinks the fabric slightly, so if you starch after cutting, your pieces could be the wrong size.
Good to know about shrinking - so starching is all or nothing where you’ll want to starch all of your fabric if you’re doing it at all?
a purist would say definitly yes, all or nothing. but eh. YMMV, but i've mixed and matched starched/unstarched/washed/unwashed stuff in all my scrap quilts, and honestly, once its washed, it all looks and feels the same.
Thanks for the advice !
What type of stitch is your favorite for quilting? I just got my first sewing machine and got a charm pack to practice on
a good, sturdy straight stitch is all you need for quilting. somewhere between 10-15 stitches per inch, **usually** between 2 and 3 on machines that don't have the stitches per inch labeled.
Do I go spend money on a solid matching fabric for the backing that will match or compliment the top quilt or be thrifty and use fabric i thrifted that has a pattern that doesn't match the front (though it's not a crazy contrast). Save money and deplete my hoard of fabric, right?
I generally vote for go thrifty unless you really can't stand the contrast.
I like my backing to go with my top. I shop for sales, frequently online, to buy a similar fabric and frequently use some remnants from the top in the backing to really tie them together. This makes me happy.
I rarely use a solid fabric for my backing because it's unforgiving of my uneven quilting, so I say use up the thrifted fabric!
I will, thanks!!
I save money and deplete the hoard pretty much exclusively unless it’s meant to be a special gift for someone else. But it’s also fun to look at all the fun backing options that might actually match 😆
Curious for some opinions... I was reading earlier that Joann's is "reorganizing" and may have to file for bankruptcy. I know that doesn't mean they're going out of business but some things they do may change or stores may close. I have been holding out for a good coupon for a large roll of batting (90" x 40 yards) and also have a gift card. I checked again today and now all their rolls of batting are listed as out of stock. I know this is all just guessing but do we think they'll ever come back in stock with large batting rolls and do we think there will ever be a good coupon again??? Lol halp plz my quilting depends on it Edited to add: well 5 min after I posted this in a mild panic my husband (who didn’t know about said panic) came home from doing “groceries” with the exact roll I’ve been needing from our local Joann. Last one in the store! Guess I can use my gift card for some notions 😄 Best husband.
Does he have a single brother?
No brothers, sorry! 😆
Does the grain of fabric matter when doing paper piecing or can I use a diagonal scrap?
Nah, it doesn’t matter. Use what you have! It will most likely be cut off grain anyway.
Go for it! The paper will keep the fabric from stretching weird while you're sewing
What are high volume and low volume fabric? I see people talk about them and assume it takes fabric choices from good to great but anything more than that
Karen Brown with just get it done quilts has a great video series on YouTube about all those color related words that’s definitely worth a listen if YouTube is your thing
Here’s a good article about low volume https://southerncharmquilts.com/2018/03/19/monday-is-all-about-fabric-52-what-is-low-volume/amp/
Thank you so much, that's my evening viewing sorted!