In this month’s NQC LIVE, Heather Thomas answered your questions on how to deal with fullness when quilting, how to enlarge blocks and how to get started machine quilting. She also talked about how to start building a fabric stash as well as how to find inspiration to start a new project.
Comments
when I give a quilt as a gift, they ask do I need to dry clean it or wash it? I always prewash all my material….so is it safe to say you can wash it?
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Im a beginner and like to learn all about sewing and quilting
I loved your presentation, learned a lot from it. My quilting has gotten better since I started to view this videos. Thank You.
f If I have enough backing in my quilt can I fold it over to the front I sew it to form the binding or should I cut it off and bind the quilt in the regular way.
Hi, Audrey. This is actually up to you. One thing we would caution you about if you decide to use the backing fabric as a binding, is that if you plan on using this quilt a lot the binding could wear out much faster than if you used a regular double french binding. Bindings tend to get a lot of wear and tear when quilts are used, so adding a double french binding (meaning more layers of fabric) will help it last longer.
I am new to quilting and I am not sure when to square my quilt. Do I square after each piecing or after all is sewn together?
Hi, Ann. I believe this will depend on how big your blocks are and how much they are pieced. If they are larger block made up of only a couple pieces and you are sewing an accurate 1/4″ seam allowance you shouldn’t have to be squaring up each block. However, if you are doing an intricately pieced block or one made from several pieces your chances of needing to square up that block may increase. I would say to simply square up when necessary, but if you find that you are needing to square every block you may want to go back and check that you are accurately piecing from the beginning.
How should I store my quilts to prevent those fold lines?
Hi, Leona. Here is a great video tip on how to fold your quilts in a way that minimizes fold lines: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/how-to-fold-a-quilt-to-prevent-damage-011719/
Enjoyed your common sense answers. Also enjoyed your extra tips when you respond to a question.
I am doing a quilt which has various coloured blocks, black sashing and the back has a pattern down centre and is black, I was wondering what colour to do the quilting in was thinking of doing stitch in the ditch
Hi, Mary. Unfortunately, the color of fabric in the ditch is going to change constantly. Plus, the ditch is a hard place to stay in because of all of the seams moving in opposing directions. My suggestion would be to quilt the black with black and the colored sections with a tone of the color you see most. Tones are dulled down versions of the pure color. Select a thread then unwind it and dribble it over the colored sections and see if it sort of melds into all of them well. If it doesn’t, either choose a duller version of that color or a different color.
Really great info
Should you use spray starch or not when piecing your quilt
Hi, Theresa. I usually only use a spray starch when doing turned edge applique. However, if you have a lot of pieces that are cut with a bias edge you can use starch to stiffen them before cutting and stitching. For just general piecing, I do not use starch.
Every machine had a stitch length control do I need to set it or…?. The bottom thread and top thread must be the same color and thread?
Thank you
I want to make a fall quilt, but can I mix flannel with cotton In a pieced quilt?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to join your live video.
Just happen to open email at the right time and joined the presentation…great and I would love to get notice for the next one.
Thank you, Jan
Fantastic q & a. Learned lots. Thanks a lot.
How would you finish a hexagon table runner? Sew & flip or binding?
I like 3 fabrics in my quilts, what can you suggest on number of yards for queen size and best ideas on quilt designs with 3 fabrics?
(newer quilter)
Do you make your starch or just buy an already made product?
When you explained washing a quilt and not spinning it..then how do you dry it?
I have cut out a hexagon pattern that I want to make. I have not been quilting long, so working on material that is cut against the grain I am worried about sewing together. Is there any easy way to make sure that I do not stretch out.
I saw a product advertised for a spray grip that is sprayed on the bottom of rulers to help keep fabrics from slipping. I don’t remember the product’s name and wondered if you would have a recommendation for helping to keep rulers from moving.
Just made a quilt that the pattern said to press seams open. Then it says to stitch in ditch. Do I stitch just next to the ditch? Wouldn’t stitching right in ditch stress the thread where pieces are put together?
Sorry, I want to know if it is ok to put fusible wonder under on my applique that has already been cut out? I need to apply these to my quilt.
Should all quilts have the capacity to do free motion? I can’t seem to get the hang of it on my Husgavara.
What is the best size pin to use for hand appliqué?
A friend has asked me to make a T-shirt quilt for her son from all his t-shirts. I have been quilting for over 30 years but have never made a t-shirt quilt. I know I need to stabilize the shirts, and see if she wants sashing or just sew them square to square. My question is how do I give her a price? I have no idea how long it will take, and how much work is involved in quilting this type of quilt!
How do you attach your binding? back to front or front to back? Machine or hand stitch. How do you ensure you catch the back side with your stitching?
Do you have any advice on how to “test the water” in national quilt competitions or contests? I’ve been quilting for about 20 years, am beginning to design, and would like to enter some competitions, but don’t know where to begin.
I have applicators that do not have the iron on wonder under. Can I still apply the wonder under to iron on my material?
when quilting a quilt that has an appliqué, like initials, do you think you should quilt through the appliqué or quilt around it?
What’s the best way to attach a quilt label and what info should be on it?
I USE BLACK TO MAKE COLORS POP. IS THERE ANOTHER COLOR THAT DOES THE SAME THING. I DONT LIKE WHITE. I DONT EVEN OWN ANY WHITE
For a wall hanging, do you put weights in the bottom corners and if so what do you use? Great video, thanks!
I live in New Zealand and I have blocked on my tile floor using painters tape. Figure the tiles are square.
How do you recommend blocking a quilt?
Is there a formula for choosing binding?
New to quilting.
Love to combine machine embroidery with quilting.