One of the things that makes a “quilt” a “quilt” is the fact that it has 3 layers – the top, batting on the inside, and a backing. Most quilts have tops that are pieced and include quilt blocks or applique. Of course, many quilters love to create whole cloth quilts that will showcase their beautiful quilting stitches. But, if you are creating quilts using blocks, there are some things you want to be sure of as you layer and baste your quilt in preparation for adding quilting stitches. I’ll admit to being a bit obsessive about some of these – mostly because over the years I have been quilting, I have discovered that when I pay attention to these details, adding quilting is easier and I’m happier with my finished quilt. There really are just a few: seam allowance in quilting Notice how one end of the seam allowance is facing one direction, and the other end is facing a different direction Check your seam allowances to be sure that there are no “crossovers.” I’m not sure what other quilters call them, but as you look along the seam allowance, you may notice that at one end the seam allowance is facing one direction, and at the other end, it faces a different direction. This causes extra bulk and will affect the flow of your quilting stitches. Yes, even machine quilting! Smooth out the wrinkles on all of the layers – the top, batting and backing. Otherwise, you may quilt wrinkles and puckers into your quilt top or back. Make sure your batting and backing extend beyond the quilt top. As you quilt – whether it is hand quilting or machine quilting – the backing tends to shrink. Maybe some physics guy has figured out why that, but my experience is that if all of the layers are the same size before you begin quilting, the backing will end up smaller and may cause a problem when you add the binding. Cut the selvedge off the backing before you layer and baste your quilt. The selvedge is not flexible and will distort the backing fabric. Know whether you will be machine quilting or hand quilting before you layer and baste. If you are hand quilting, you will want to pin baste or thread baste your quilt. For machine quilting, you can add the option of spray basting, which is much quicker and ensures that the layers stay as they are basted.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 05:10:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015