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Discussion: machine quilting
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doublefluffs |
machine quilting
Feb 2 2008, 7:20 PM EST
I can happily cut, stitch and complete my quilt top. After that, downhill like a rock. The rule is allow 3" all the way around the quilt top for your batting and backing. Okay, got that. Then the pinning. I personally use the little gun that shots the plastic ties into your other hand,. but it is extremely difficult for me to get the sandwich it self totally flat and ripple free. Then when I do actually accomplish this, (usually on a wall hanging only size) the real fun begins. I machine quilt. So I try to figure where to start? Dead center, and go what way... and since I have a little experienced with free hand motion as yet, I try to stitch pretty much to the "in the ditch". Mine is more like the side of the curb and the trash can. But I continue. and then the dreading binding. I am working on that and will be taking a class on binding in the next weeks. that will include Scullups and such. when I finish my project which does look well in the over contex, I pick up the magazine and the machine quilting that made the quilt stand out to the point I had to make it, the two weren't even close. I will take any and all thoughts on A where to actually start your quilting, B and tips that anyone might have on keeping your sandwich smooth and tight for pinning by what ever method you could share. Red flag went up so .. anyhelp?
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pinning quilt
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Anet47 |
1. RE: machine quilting
Feb 3 2008, 1:54 PM EST
I don't machine quilt, yet. I use either a quilt frame or a large/or medium hoop. I hate basting but alas I either have to baste or safety pin the heck out of it. I used to masking tape the backing to the carpet on the floor then lay out the batting and the top, pin or baste, etc on the floor. Not since arthritis kicked in and a knee replacement have I been able to do that. So, now I some times go to my church and in a room where there are at least two of those folding tables pushed together I lay out my "sandwich" either taping or binder clamping to the edges of the table making sure everything is squared and having extra 3 to 4 inches showing on the backing and some extra 2 to 3 inches on the batting and the top centered. If I have time I baste if I don't I pin the heck out of it. When I begin to quilt I fold or roll up the edges till I am some where in the middle , if I am using a hoop,and begin to quilt working from the center out double checking to make sure the backing is smooth each time I move the hoop. If I am using a floor frame I can start on one side and work across the quilt. Double checking the smoothness on the under side. I rarely come out perfectly square but sometimes I get close. When finished with the quilting or tying I square up and bind it. If all else fails check out John Flynn's website for his sewing machine quilt frame It works very well and not too expensive . I am going to try mine out very soon. 2 out of 2 found this valuable. Do you? |
institches |
2. RE: machine quilting
Feb 18 2008, 1:17 PM EST
I like Anet47's response, it is exactly what I do too. But for some who want a little confidence builder, I have used Quilting spray. It is a forgiving light spray adhesive and keeps the material together. It is not something I do alone, I spray sometimes in conjunction with pinning. One word of warning, the spray has a pretty strong odor, so make sure your work area is well venilated. There are also some fairly new products available- iron on batting! Stretch your backing fabric, layer like you would normally and iron away according to manufacturer's directions. The iron- on is more expensive, but it is very helpful for those, like you, who are more comfortable with piecing than quilting. I hope this helps! Good luck you- Kari
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KarenQuiltsTexas |
3. RE: machine quilting
Feb 22 2008, 3:38 PM EST
Basting - sigh... yep, it's not nice, but it has to be done. And if it's done well, it can save you a lot of grief when you get to doing your quilitng (ditto with hand quilting too!)First - get help... it goes a lot faster with another set of hands or two, or three or...more! Second - Get an 8 foot folding table (the kind used at schools or churches)... or slide two together end to end. Find a Quilt shop or church where you can do this if you don't have the tables... make it an event or a potluck! TAPE the backing on each side with blue painters tape - under a little tension... not stretched taut, just tight. If the tables aren't long enough... then get some rubber clamps and clamp the quilt back down on each end. This is critical... if you don't fasten the backing down, you will get wrinkles! It is the base for everything else. Start in the center. Measure the centers of your batting and top layer, at the edges with safety pins, and line up the layers as you smooth them on top. Third - I recommend using a good quality curved safety pins throw away any that don't go in smoothly - don't put 'em back in the box! A size F crochet hook, or a Clipit tool makes the process go very quickly. I learned early that the tacking tools can leave some holes...especially in finely woven fabrics like batiks! You only learn this after you wash your quilt the first time...bummer! And finally. IT takes PRACTICE (the basting AND especially the machine quilting) After about 30 or 40 quilts (most baby sized), I feel like I'm just now getting pretty good... not an award winning quilter... just good enough that my things look good to me! Find someplace that can use charity quilts, and use them for practice. And read the magazines, but realize that what you see in them represents the very best of the best... something to aspire to! And, did I say get some help!? :-) Karen 7 out of 7 found this valuable. Do you? |
