As a quilter, I have several projects on the table at one time. With rainy weather this week I decided to get some quilts "sandwiched" and ready for quilting. Thanks to my creative girls (who are always thinking) we have put together a little tutorial for you. Let's gather our supplies and get stitchin'.
Supplies:
quilt backing material
quilt batting
quilt top
iron and ironing board
tape or pins
quilt adhesive spray (optional)
pins or needle and thread
a surface large enough for your quilt
a table or the floor works very well
 |
| ironing the backing |
After gathering my supplies, I iron the backing material. If the material is to be machine quilted and the material is limp or lacking body I may starch it for weight; this would aide me in guiding the quilt as I maneuver around the machine.
 |
| ironing the top |
Equalling important is ironing the top. I iron my tops' underside to ensure the seem allowances are laying correctly (one direction/to the dark side); this will aide the needle any time I quilt in the ditch.
 |
| quilt back, tape, pins |
Now I lay the quilt back (right side down) on the table (floor if the quilt is too large). Using tape I tape the edges of the material in place. Be sure to smooth the material out but do not stretch the material out of shape. If I were using a carpeted surface or such, I could use pins to secure the material.
 |
| batting laying over the quilt back |
Here we lay the quilt's batting over the backing fabric. I often use spray adhesive to temporarily secure the batting while I baste; this is optional. To use adhesive, fold one half of the batting back, spray the backing fabric and place the batting back on the backing. Smooth and press down with your hands being sure to remove any lumps or wrinkles. Repeat with the other side.
 |
| quilt top laying over the batting and backing |
Once the wrinkles are smoothed out of the batting, lay the quilt top (right side up) on the batting. You may use spray adhesive here to temporarily secure the top as you baste..I do, using the same method as mentioned above. Again, be sure to smooth out any wrinkles or creases before you move on..if it is creased or wrinkled here..it will be creased or wrinkled in the quilting process.
 |
| decide the basting method, stitch or pin |
Decision time...for me, the method of quilting determines the method of basting I will use. Example, hand quilting in a hoop or small frame works best with thread basting because the pins do not allow the hoop to hold the fabric. If I am machine quilting then small safety pins are what I use. This quilt is planned to be machine quilted with some possible hand work..so I am pinning. Note: I always like to stitch baste the very edges of every quilt to help hold.
 |
| pins every 2-3", basting along edge |
Here you see the pins placed every 2-3" along the entire quilt. I simply remove the pins in the area I am working on. There is thread basting along the outer edge..I snip this as I go when quilting the edge.
 |
| ready to quilt |
One all your pins or stitches are in and you feel the material is secure enough not to shift when quilting, remove the tape holding it to the work area (or pins if that is the case). I trim my quilts about an inch or two from the edge of the top..this gives me room if I need it..and it is always better to have extra and square it up later.
This quilt is ready to go to the machine or the frame. I do not mark my quilts before quilting unless the design is intense. If you were to use a detailed pattern or if you prefer a line to follow, be sure to mark your quilt top before you start basting it.
We hope you find this tutorial helpful and informative. I welcome any questions you may have..please leave them in the comment box and I will reply as soon as possible. Have a blessed day!
simplychele and the farmgirl photographers
* a simple quilt can be made using a few yards of your favorite material for a top and back, layer as above, and quilt by stitching in lines, loops or a cute design of your own
2 comments:
Um, I think one day I'll begin with quilting potholders or something small. Haha! The tutorial was informative. Great job, girls, helping out with the tutorial! "How" does one decide whether to machine stitch or hand stitch?
I am amazed out how much prep work goes into this. It reminds me of painting; you tape, patch, gather supplies, move furniture, lay covering where needed...the actual painting is the easiest part.
~Andrea L.
Nicole will say it is alot like painting when it comes to prep work. As for how to decide, it can be a matter of personal preference or funtionality. For example, if the quilt needs strength, machine quilting is said to be stronger and more durable than hand quilting (example, many washings could cause wear on a hand quilt). Many peoply prefer machine because it is faster and possibly more versitle for beginners.
I started on potholders, pillows, and wall hangings..gradually increasing size and difficulty. Kits or preprinted fabric is a great starting place.
And thanks, we are so glad to hear the tutorial was helpful!
Post a Comment