In this month’s NQC LIVE, Heather Thomas answered your questions on everything from pre-washing fabric to layering and basting a quilt. She also discussed ways to fix thread problems such as breakage and ‘eye-lashing’, and ways to both prevent and fix fabric puckering that can happen during quilting. Heather shared her ideas on ways to embellish art quilts, including her new favorite medium to work with – metal.
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Regarding what you have said about cutting borders slightly shorter…Do you sew the border on with the pieced quilt on top or with the border on top? Thank you. I have enjoyed re-watching each of these monthly events. You have shared so much valuable information .
Looking to start quilting
I signed up for the news letter but I can’t find where I should click to win the iron?
Can I use the right sides and the wrong sides of fabric to the colors come together?
Great time for something new to help with projects.
I am a beginner so there I an use any help I can get
I am entering the Smart Iron give away
Have always admired this iron on so many of the video tutorials and even did some research on it. Would love to own one and winning it would be even better!
I really need this iron. I am 83 years young and irons get so heavy for me to lift. This would certainly solve my problem with no lifting involved. They are a little too expensive to buy when one is living on Social Security. Thank you for this opportunity.
What iron do you use? I had an a eliso but it died
Hi, Doris. I use a Black and Decker Iron. It was a fairly inexpensive iron that I purchased at a big box store, but has lasted me over ten years! When buying an iron, the one thing I recommend (and have to have myself) is that it allows you to turn the steam function on and off rather than one that just automatically steams at a certain heat setting.
Enjoyed listening to questions and answers
Very educational material for quilters
How do u tell the difference from the front or back of batik material
Hi, Marie. Essentially there is no right or wrong side when it comes to batiks. Both look the same, which is why some love to work with it. However, when you first buy your fabric from the bolt- it should have a selvage edge on it which can sometimes include brand name or other written information. The side that allows you to be able to read that information can be considered the “right” side.
Love this question discussion keep it coming
Where would I find a tutorial on padding a quilt. I am a beginner on quilting.
Hi, Willie. We would be happy to assist you; we just need some more information. Do you mean adding batting and layering a quilt?
Hi, Willie. When using variegated (a mix of values of one color) thread I use a medium value of the color in my bobbin. When using multi-colored thread, I use a tone (dull, grayed out version) of one of the colors of the multi-colored thread in my bobbin, preferably one that matches my backing fabric color well. I choose a tone because it will meld into the other colors more easily.
My iron is so heavy! Arthritis and fibromyalgia kick up and I have to rest between sets. Would love to have a new one.
That’s not just the best anersw. It’s the bestest answer!
Thank you, I always enjoy listening to Heather.
Very useful thank you
how do you put a sleve on the back of a wall hanging? is it sewed into the binding.
Hi, Debra. Here is a great video about how to make a quilt sleeve: http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/how-to-make-a-quilt-sleeve-003799/
Don”t have one but tried my girlfriends. it was sure nice. I would like to have win one . Thanks.
Really enjoy these. Great information.
i haven’t found a good iron yet! Maybe this one would be KEEPER.
How long will Nylon thread last on a quilt
Hi, Betty. How long the thread last is going to depend on how and where the quilt is being used, stored and washed. Nylon holds up well to washing, however it can yellow if it gets too hot in a dryer. Nylon thread can also melt, though most dryers don’t tend to get that hot. As for storing your quilt- nylon is very resistant to aging and mildew, however prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause it to start breaking down or deteriorating.
I would love a new iron as mine leaks.
Love, love, love this iron..dropped it and too expensive to fix it. Would love a new one, hopefully you can fix this for me!
Great show–learned a lot
the video is very helpful
oops missed the live event..rats
What is the best way to get started doing free motion quilting?
Hi, Debra. Hi,
We have many great video tutorials to get you started in free motion quilting! Here are several:
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/free-motion-quilting-003548/
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/free-motion-quilting-using-circles-and-squares-008261/
https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/class/fabulous-free-motion-quilting/
Hope this helps!
Is it safe to use temporary spray to use on my fabric plus batting plus backing
Hi, Hazel. Absolutely! Some people choose to use temporary basting spray as a way to hold all of their layers together when quilting.
Thanks for the answer
A new iron is a pressing matter for me.
Would love thus iron, I do a lot of quilting
Need a new iron so bad. Mine is now spitting and sputtering!
No matter how hard I try I can’t get points to line up perfectly.
What is the best method to print pictures and use for a photo quilt?
Hi, Ann. Here is a great video on printing pictures on fabric for adding to your next quilt: http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/photo-printing-on-fabric-011718/
Want that iron !!
I enjoyed the question and answer for amy husband and I are a missionaries in Brazil and have been for 35 years. We live high in the mountains and it does get very cold in the winter and the homes will only have a fireplace for heat. I’ve been teaching the ladies quilting and quilts are being put to good use.
Wonderful hints for young quilters. Would love to win this fantastic iron. I teach Brazilians how to quilt because in the mountains where we are missionaries it gets very cold and the houses have only a fireplace to heat their homes. God bless you and keep up the good work.
I am finding the questions and answers very helpful
What is your opinion in using quilt basting spray to hold your quilt layers together
Hi, Dolores. Basting spray can be a blessing and a curse. When used properly (a light application) it’s a great product. However, if over used, it can cause the needle to become sticky which will make your machine skip stitches and eventually build up inside your machines bobbin mechanism requiring professional cleaning. If you choose to use it, keep cotton balls with rubbing alcohol on them handy to periodically wipe down your needle with. Also, you will need to wash the finished quilt to remove the product once finished.
Thanks what a helpful show.
just joined you sewing club..cant wait to watch some videos
Would love to have Oliso for quilting
Love the live feed–thank you for doing this.. 🙂
That’s a bit unfair. I’m not trying to pick them apart because I’m jealous – I’m an open admirer of what they do. I just think it’s interesting that their press hasn’t been as good as their TV. And if there’s a deliberate strategy at play, as I suspect there is, then it’s even more inigersttne. Isn’t it?
Old iron no longer produce enough steam and it leaks. Would be elated to win a new iron. Thank you!
This looks like a fabulous iron. Would love to have the opportunity to own one.
First time on NQC live! Would love to win the iron!
love this as far as my computer picked up.
the picture was there but no movement and no sound…strangely my cell phone picked it up just when the guys decided they were starving…of course…are you going to have a repeat like the last one that I caught? anyway, Looking forwards to the next NC Live
Hi, Winifrid. Sorry you missed this LIVE event-you’ll have to catch the next one! Here is a replay of our recent LIVE event: http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/article/nqc-live-june-2016/
Thank you I learned a lot.
Enjoying the live chat. Hope I luck out on the iron too.
Would love to own this iron!
I’m a fairly new quilter but also love to paint, especially birds and animals and wondered about combining the two. Would any mediums I add to my paints damage the quilts?
Hi, Ann. I prefer to use the single hole throat plate. It just makes a nicer stitch when free motioning, but you do risk breaking more needles when you’re first learning. So, take is slow then speed up once you’ve got good coordination between the speed of your machine and the movement of your hands.
Love to win his iron.
First time on this
the embroidery sites are selling quilting designs have you tried this?
I have not personally tried this. However, it makes sense that an embroidery company would do this as they have probably found that many people who do some kind of embroidery may also quilt or sew. If you do try out a design, let us know!
Enjoying the questions and answers. I am 79 years young and enjoy quilting but have gotten to the point I can no longer handle making large quilts so make small ones or table runners. My old iron is about 30 years old and could use a new one.
First time watcher!
First time here
Sorry I missed it
If you dont mind, exactly where do you host your weblog? I am shinpopg for a very good host and your weblog seams to be fast and up almost all the time
Love this, thank you
First time watching
Have not yet tried to machine quilt. Where can I get instructions for machine quilting.
Hi, Nellie. We have an entire video category dedicated just to machine quilting where you will find inspiration and answers to some of the questions you may have: http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/videos/quilting/
A 7/8 seam allowance is normal for sewing clothing
I have seen these promoted on various shows and would love to own one!
I have recently bought a new machine bernina 707QE and am having trouble with it I am an experienced sewer and quilter which machine would you recommend
Hi, Valerie. Did you buy the machine from a dealer? If so, have you taken ALL of the FREE classes that come with the machine? If not, go take them. You have purchased a complex machine that will take some time to get used to learning. If you purchased it from someone who is not a dealer then I suggest that you go through the manual, section by section, and become friends with it, really get to know it and what it’s capable of, and learn how you can manipulate it for your needs.
Watching for the first time.
These hints are good thanks
What is the best method to square quilt before quilting it?
Dry iron or steam?
This is my first time here. I’d love to have tips on squaring up a quilt…
Love to watch Heather’s videos. She always explains things so it is easy to understand.
Great video. Excellent answers.
Newbie hope to win.
This would be great to win. Enjoyed the interview.
This iron looks amazing!
Great questions
I am wondering how to know what color of thread to quilt with… sometimes there isn’t a dominate color, so its not obvious to me….
I’m a newbee
Love the show tonight.
I would love a new iron!!!!
I am new here, what a lot of good questions,and what a great iron to win.
Hi Heather, Love all your talent and thanks for sharing with all of us. My question is have you ever used fleece for backing on a quilt and is it easy to use and quilt and what needle/thread would you use to do it. Thanks….Claudia
Could use this iron, I am learning to quilt and this would help. Thanks
Great program
Great video! Thank you , thank you, thank you.
Do you ever use invisible thread to quilt your top?
This comment is for the person who asked about when to use 1/2 inch or 7/8 inch seam allowance. Perhaps the 7/8 inch she was referring to would be the 7/8 inch that you add to the large square base when making half square triangles. Other than that always add 1/2 inch for seams when piecing.
So true! My Janome Horizon v2 1500 will not sew Clark Thread. It really likes Auril.
This arcitle is a home run, pure and simple!
excited to be a member and have these Q&A sessions… always learning something!
This was an awesome experience. Hope you will consider doing this again in the future.
If time allows, would you please again explain a scant 1/4” seam
Brand new quilter here – When talking about FMQ everybody says to be careful not to cross over your stitches… Why is that? How important is it not to cross your previous stitches?
What is the cause of “eyelashes” on the back of quilt during free motion quilting?
I Am Going To have to return again whenever my course load lets up – nolheeentss I am getting your Rss feed so i can go through your web blog offline. Cheers.
looking forward to this. good luck.
want to watch video take of live, after it shows missed the live presentation
Would like to watch taped video
Love listening new quilter learning
what is the best type of matting
Would you use a starching agent to stiffen pieces for intricate quilt designs?
Enjoying the webinar
It’s spooky how clever some ppl are. Thnsak!
What is a “scant 1/4 inch” and why would it be used in piecing?
The 7/8″ increase would be for cutting the square diagonally for triangles.
What are your favorite embellishments for an art quilt to make it sing?
When free motion quilting is it better to use a single hole needle plate vs wide zig zag plate? Thank you 🙂
Hi, Lois. Either needle plate will work but the single whole will give you the nicest stitch and will keep the needle from becoming bent. That being said, make sure that you change out the plate before you do anything other than a straight stitch. I’ve forgotten to and broken a needle and thrown my machine out of timing.
What is your feeling about using glue (Elmers purple washable) to hold intersecting seams together as you sew.
I AM A BEGINNER I GOT AN ACCUQUILT GO CUTTER WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR ME?
Vertical quilting question. Do you start out by stitching in the ditch or where so it looks even and how far apart? How long a stitch? And tension?
I’ve heard such great things about these irons and want one badly. Would love to win.
Do you find that strip widths vary when using a stripology ruler, shape cut plus ruler or June Taylor rulers? I often use more than one of these rulers in a project and have ended up with some strip widths smaller than required. Kathy
How do I bind a quilt that has a pieced corner stone blocks in the last border. This was a challenge mystery quilt and it’s not truly square that was passed to others after I made the center square.
Do you recommend to always wash friction before you quilt?
Usually I see instructions to increase by 1/2 inch when cutting your blocks to allow for the 1/4″ seam. However I have recently seen 7/8″ instructions. When do you use 7/8
I have silk scarves from Israel. How would I go about using them to make a quilt?
Do you press with steam as you piece? I feel I press too much and am distorting my pieces somewhat.
What’s an easy way to put rat tail on the edges of my quilt? Any hints?
Reverse applique. Any hints to make this a little easier.
What would you recommend to secure your quilt when sandwiched safety pins, hand base, or tack gun?
Love this
I like to frame my small art quilts. Should I frame them behind glass? What should I do to protect them if I don’t frame them?
I Have taken an interest in paper preicing and would like to know more about it
Would love a new iron!
Please explain, each fabric first do not wah fabric. Steam or steam when pressing seams, starch, no starch, little confused, new quilter here
thank you for the email telling me about this I really wanted to see what everyone was talking about when they partisapate in these
I would love this iron, just can’t afford it. Thank you for the chance to win it.
Looking forward to viewing your webinar!!
I looking forward to see the event.
First time here.
I have an old Oliso iron and it’s wearing out. No longer steams at the press of a button. Would love to have a new one.