In this month’s NQC LIVE, Heather Thomas discussed how to make landscape quilts proportional and how to sew fun, creative embellishments onto a quilt. Heather also answered questions about thread breakage while quilting, how to position and maneuver a large quilt while quilting, and how to work with and care for vintage fabrics.
Thoroughly enjoyed seeing Heather Thomas in an informal setting with plenty of smiles that light up her face. Her tutorials are sometimes very serious.
Crumb quilt using up cut off pieces of old quilts as well.
Crumb quilt is more or less a scrappy quilt. Different shapes and patterns using up your stash.
How much do you lengthen your stitch when machine quilting? I usually set on 3. Do you stick to 2 1/2 inch binding? Last question, if entering your quilt in a contest, do you always hand stitch your binding? Which is the preference for judging?
Hi, Mona. I personally lengthen mine to 3 when I machine quilt as I tend to do a lot of straight line quilting or stitch in the ditch and I find this helps me. If you are doing free motion quilting however, you will not be setting your stitch length at all, so you should practice and see what length of stitch you like the look of and then try to keep your stitches consistent. I also prefer a 1 1/2″ to 2″ binding, as I want my finished binding to be as close to 1/4″ as I can. And yes, if you plan to enter a quilt into a contest I would recommend hand stitching the binding as that will give you the cleanest look. You can also search out whatever contest/show you are wanting to enter your quilt in and see what specifications they may have.
What kind of quilt you make if you are first time make maker a jelly roll or a block one?
Hi, Dolores. As a beginner, I believe you could tackle either one! It would come down to whether you want to cut fabric to sew blocks or whether you want to use a pre-cut fabric strip like the jelly roll. If you can’t decide between the two you can always combine blocks and jelly rolls together into a fun quilt.
If making quilt with sashing of the full rainbow of bright colored batiks, what would you use for the accent color for contrast interest?
Hi, Mary. Black is probably your best bet. You could also use a crisp white are true gray.
I have inherited some hand piecing work from my mom. They were probably pieced during the 1920s or 30s. I’m thinking of making borders from new fabric (with an older, heirloom look), but I am a little concerned about incorporating old and new, because of strength, durability, etc. What do you think?
Hi, Brenda. Depending on what condition the fabrics are in now, they should be ok to sew together with newer fabric. Adding the newer fabrics as borders may also help add stability to the older pieces. As far as durability goes, I probably wouldn’t use the older fabrics on anything other than a wall hanging though, as repeated use may just break down the fabric.
how often do you replace your rulers? with frequent cutting, does this alter the accurate edge of the ruler for measurements.
Hi, Joyce. I do not tend to replace my rulers unless then have broken, chipped or I have accidentally cut into the edge of one. You should be able to tell if there are any cuts or indentations along the edge of your rulers by either running your finger along the edge or by placing the edge of the ruler along another straight edge. Currently I am still using one of the first quilting rulers I ever bought almost ten years ago and I have had no issues with it.
1/4 inch seam vs. scant 1/4 in… I am making a double Irish Chain and have been told to do a scant 1/4 because when block is pressed (i.e.) to the dark that that will equal a true 1/4 inch..I don’t understand this..Could you please explalin
Hi, Susan. I have to admit that I do not understand what they mean by ‘when the block is pressed it will be 1/4″ ‘. This only usually happens if you ‘stretch’ the block when pressing. When it comes to piecing you want to try and always stitch with as accurate of a 1/4″ seam allowance as you can. They only time I would use a scant 1/4″ (less that 1/4″) or a chunky 1/4″ (more than 1/4″) is if I am trying to fit several blocks together or rows of blocks together and I need to make sure my seams align. If you find that you are always needing to make these kinds of adjustments you may want to go back and test stitch and measure to ensure you are stitching an accurate 1/4″ seam.
Do you have a lesson on Bargello please? I am from New Zealand
Here are several videos that cover the Bargello technique: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/bargello-quilt-pattern-table-runner-009191/
[https://www.bing.com/th?id=OVP.V478c1de615956e7fc76c161f146b128b&pid=Api]<https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/bargello-quilt-pattern-table-runner-009191/>
Make An Easy Bargello Quilt Pattern Table Runner | NQC<https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/bargello-quilt-pattern-table-runner-009191/>
http://www.nationalquilterscircle.com
Using strips sets makes the construction of a bargello quilt pattern much easier, and the same technique can also be used for other quilt designs as well. Strip…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjyjNCNFa_0 [https://www.bing.com/th?id=OVP.V9bb1a44923f32be6c096e2c548506f37&pid=Api]<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjyjNCNFa_0>
Making a Bargello Quilt with Patti Carey<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjyjNCNFa_0>
http://www.youtube.com
Patty Carey teaches you how to make a Bargello quilt using Northcott Fabric collection Serenity by Cheri Strole. Printable pattern is available on the Northc.
Hope this helps!
Looking for ideas for quilt designs using free motion on a mid arm quilting machine.
Here is a great video about choosing and practicing some quilting designs: https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/machine-quilting-designs-and-ideas-003768/
What are some key things that judges look for in a machine quilted quilt. A general quilt?
Hi, Gayla. I have never judged or entered my quilting into a show or contest, so I do not know off hand what they look for. I would recommend searching whatever show or contest you plan to enter your quilt in and see if they have any kind of judges guidelines. Here are also other blogs that have covered some quilting guidelines: https://nonniequiltingdreams.wordpress.com/tag/quilt-show-judging-criteria/
Posts about QUILT SHOW JUDGING CRITERIA on <https://nonniequiltingdreams.wordpress.com/tag/quilt-show-judging-criteria/>
nonniequiltingdreams.wordpress.com
Posts about QUILT SHOW JUDGING CRITERIA written by nonniequiltingdreams
http://www.friestyle.com/i-am-asked-all-the-time-what-do-quilt-judges-look-for/
[http://www.professionalquilter.com/weblog/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/What-do-judges-look-for-.jpg]<http://www.friestyle.com/i-am-asked-all-the-time-what-do-quilt-judges-look-for/>
I am asked all the time – What do quilt judges look for …<http://www.friestyle.com/i-am-asked-all-the-time-what-do-quilt-judges-look-for/>
http://www.friestyle.com
I am off to Houston on Tuesday and thought I would share a little bit about judging quilts. I shop lifted this article, with their blessing, from –
https://piecesofpye.com/articles/preparing-a-quilt-for-judging/
[https://secure.gravatar.com/blavatar/faf1c053f1a698882d18def30373d666?s=200&ts=1473508460]<https://piecesofpye.com/articles/preparing-a-quilt-for-judging/>
Preparing a Quilt for Judging | Pieces of Pye<https://piecesofpye.com/articles/preparing-a-quilt-for-judging/>
piecesofpye.com
Over the last few years, several questions have been put to me as the QuiltWest exhibition draws near. Questions such as: Why does one quilt win a prize and not.
Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for the time she and you took to do this online Q & A. It was very helpful. I would like to know how to spell the fabric wash…is it retain? I could not find on the internet search engine.
Hi, Denise. It is spelled Retayne and is available at most quilt stores or google it. I’m sure Amazon has it-they have everything!
Ni am having trouble viewing hte premium video on NQC. They start, play a few seconds and cut off and toss me on the site. I tried watching the cheese cloth video 6 times and finally gave up. What is the problem?
Hi, Dianne. We are sorry to hear you are having trouble viewing our videos. We have tested our videos successfully. In order to view the Premium content, you need to make sure that you are logged into your Premium Membership account. We highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox or Safari as your internet browser. Recent versions of Internet Explorer will work, as well. You will need Adobe Flash Player in order to view the videos. Please let us know if you continue to have trouble with accessing the video content and we will perform additional troubleshooting with you by contacting us at 1-855-706-3538.
Do you still teach the year long color class you developed?
a crumbs quilt is made with small scraps of fabric which are chain sewn onto a strip scrap. then these are cut apart forming 2 piec scraps and the process repeats. eventually, the scrap blocks are squared up to the desired size
Would you suggest soaking fat quarters in soapy water and then drying them on a rack? Would this help with shrinkage and bleeding?
Prepared for dying fabric, is it necessary or can you use another kind of fabric for dying or painting
a crumb quilt is when you use small “scraps” and you sew them into strips instead of doing the scraps crazy quilt style
The crumb quilt, from what I understand, is one that is done with very small pieces of scraps.
I spread my small pieces of fabrics between two layers of Dissolve and stitch heavily, then soak.
A crumb quilt is using all the little left overs of fabric to make fabric for the quilt
I believe a Crumb Quilt is a Bonnie Hunter type quilt.
do you ever use sheets or something other than batting (beyond muslin) for batting?
I want to start a “crumb quilt” do you have any tips and tricks??
Hi there! We’ve answered your question but the ladies aren’t sure what a “crumb quilt” is – could you explain further so we could give some relevant tips? Thanks!
SRK
What type of batting do you recommend for a table cloth ?
Do you have suggestions on using batiks? If using yardage, is prewashing recommended? What do you do if using precuts?
THANK YOU💜
How do I mend a very old quit where one part of a block has deteriorated? Do I find an older piece of fabric to blend in and appliqué it over torn PC? Secondly I’ve read several ways to wash older quilts that are frail or worn, what do you recommended? Thanks!
I hand quilt all my quilts, I have been seeing that just about every quilt is heavy quilted. Does all quilts need that much quilting?
Do you recommend washing pre-cuts? If not, is it better to just buy yardage and cut to sizes needed?
I was just given two pieces of beautiful silk fabric about 24 inches long and maybe 14 inches wide. Do you ever put silk into a quilt? and Is it difficult to sew with or do you use a special needle and thread for it….thank you again……Claudia
I’ve been playing with paper piecing. I trim and press after sewing each piece, but I’m having a problem with wrinkles. I’ve tried steam, without steam, misting…any suggestions?
Do you quilt a design on your quilt before or after you put the boarders on ?
What type of fabric should I have in my stash which will be useful for most quilt projects ?
How to you deal with making mistakes on your quilt. I have gotten discouraged and wanted to give up.
Why do so many quilters frown on tying a quilt vs other ways of quilting as by hand or long arm etc…
We’d like to make some baby quilts for the local hospital for preemies. Any special tips for making these small quilts?
How do you line up the points in a pattern so there even
Is it necessary or important to square up a quilt top?
Are these videos and past available for viewing later?
Yes, they’re all available on the NQC YouTube page. This live Q&A will be uploaded to YouTube as soon as we’re done streaming this evening!
SRK
Where can I find acid free boxes and tissue paper for storing quilts?
Do you recommend using spray quilt adhesives to adhere batting to a quilt top and back?
What the best way to choose your fabric colors for quilts
I know a group of seasoned hand-quilters but I just started machine quitting. I was taught to always wash/shrink my fabric before using it particularly quilting cotton. What is your take on the subject? And does the cotton batting shrink?
Is there a clear plastic that you can use on a quilt to make eye glass lens? that will hold up during washing? Any suggestions?
Do you suggest sewing the edge of the quilt with a large basting stitch before you start quilting it or not? I have heard some do to help stop the edge of the quilt top from distorting. Thanks…..Claudia
I am using fleece to back a quilt. It bunches up. What is the best way todo it smoothly?
Embellishments: when applying heavier, non-stitchable goodies to an art quilt, would you use a glue? If not, what are some options?
Do you recommend using black batting instead of white when the quilt top & backing are very dark or black?
I would like to know why I can’t ever cut my squares straight? I use a square ruler, a rotary, and a cutting mat and never get them right.
How do you feel about machine quilting with invisible thread? Thanks.
How does one go about blocking a quilt
thank you for your answer and explanation. My quilt was 90×90 and I will try the cardboard grid.
I love to quilt. This will be most helpful.
Where is the correct area to start machine quilting your quilt?
Do you still teach the year long color class you developed?
Looking foreword to live chat
Our group just finished a denim quilt top from jeans that were donated for charity. It is 60 x 48. It is all squares of 3 1/2 and some are 5 1/2. We were thinking of putting flannel on the back and avoid batting since it is rather heavy. We are thinking of tying it to hold the two layers together. Since we have never done that before, what should we use for tying it, yarn, embroidery thread, what do you suggest. Thank you and lots of hugs to you….Claudia
Thanks
Love to be able to watch
Do you use a 1/4 inch seam when sewing your binding to your quilt?
I found your videos on embellishments and mini art quilts here on National Quilters Circle quite by accident recently, (I’m a traditional ‘bed quilt’ maker) and my 8 year old daughter just loves watching you create a different type of quilt art. Where can we see more of your work? She has started trying to experiment with techniques you’ve shown but there’s nothing else I can find like it online. We’ve just spent about a week watching your videos here and I don’t even know where to begin with encouraging her interest in this. You do things with fabric that would never have occurred to me and it’s just amazing. Do you still teach here in Colorado, or even online?
Hi, Jill. No, I’m no longer teaching except for the classes I’m doing for nationalquilterscircle.com. I would suggest that you purchase my first book; Fabric Embellishing, the basics & beyond. If none of your local stores carries it, try Amazon. They had it last time I checked. The book has instructions for making your own Fabric Embellishing Book using the more than 50 different techniques it included. Most of all, encourage your daughter to have fun with each technique and discover ways to make each technique her own.
Thanks so much! She’s well past the construction paper and glitter stage and loves watching videos and trying to do her own mixed media type things, now we’ve found something that combines what we both love to do.