Blog Archives

Quilt Tip: Ideas for the Quilt Backing

5/22/2023

I saw this blog post about options for Quilt Backs, and thought it gave some good options to consider. (PS- You can click any photo to see a larger image)

"Not sure why quilt backs have been on my mind lately, especially considering the fact that by the time I finish a quilt top, I really don't want to give the back much of a thought. And I'd say the larger the quilt, the more I struggle with a quilt back plan. I guess it just is what it is. But for what it's worth, I've gathered up some options."

Blog post from A Quilter's Table
https://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/2017/11/10-ways-to-make-quilt-back.html?m=1

USE A FABRIC PANEL. Whether it's purchasing a wide-back for a large quilt, or discovering an unexpected find in the ole stash that works perfectly with the smaller quilt top I've created, a whole-cloth is quick and satisfying. The time I used a panel from Jeni Baker's Nordika turned out really fun, showing off the quilting like it did.

MATCHED SEAM BACKING: Matched-seam backing is one of the newer techniques I've tried, and I'll work on perfecting it. Of course, you need to have an extra long length of fabric, depending on the design and all, but totally worth it now and then.

SEW TOGETHER FAT QUARTERS: Seriously, if I made a backing of stashed fat quarters for all my future quilts, I think I'd be set for life. Simple to sew together, and a great stash buster.

DESIGN FROM FRONT OF QUILT: Using a design repeated from the quilt front is probably my favorite way to create a quilt back.

USE AN ELEMENT FROM THE FRONT. A close second is using just an element from the front design.

USE A BORDER PRINT Something I've just done a couple of times, but with great effect is the use of border prints. I was so pleased how this turned out!

SUPER SIZE IT. Once I chose to super-size just one block from the 100 on the front.

COMBINATION. Of course, the combination of simple geometric elements is always a win-win.

IMPROV. And of course, sometimes an improvisational pieced back is just the trick. Oh yeah

2 SIDED QUILT. And lastly, it's great fun to back a quilt top with another quilt top. Won't do a bona fide two-sided quilt every time, but I loved doing it here. And for those of you who have stacks of quilt tops ready to quilt.... well why not?

Quilt Tip: Tips for Gifting a Quilt

5/15/2023

Before you give your quilt, make sure you have photos of the quilt. Take more photos than you think you’ll need and make sure they’re clear and accurately depict the colors of the quilt before you start wrapping:

Quilt folded nicely
The quilt front and back in its entirety
A “beauty shot” of it nicely thrown over a pretty chair
At least one picture with you and the recipient and the quilt, if you can. If you have to ship it to them, ask them if they will send you a photo of them with the quilt.
We’d add that it’s a good idea to get some close-up shots as well, of special details, a quilting design you want to remember, and whatever else you may want to refer back to in the future.

Another idea is to roll the quilt up and tie a pretty ribbon or twine around it. Or simply fold the quilt nicely and tuck a card into the fold.

A very cute gift wrapping is a cute pillow case. Actually, the pillow case makes an easy appreciated gift by itself!
This older video shows a clever and quick way to make a pillow case. It doesn't get much cuter or quicker than this! (PS- This video is from 13 years ago, so the pillowcase drive is over)

Another great idea is to make a Tote to put the quilt in. You can make it any size you need. If you don't have an easy tote pattern you already use, the video below shows how to make a quick tote using a charm pack (5 inch squares) to make it.

Quilts: Make a quilt from Selvage edges

5/8/2023

I have noticed that a few of our members have been making quilts from their fabric selvage edges. This video from Carol Thelen shows give tips on making them, as well as some suggested layouts.
If you would like to learn more, or prefer written instructions, here is a link to her blog post:
https://quilt-notes.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-selvage-quilt.html

Quilt Tip: Interfacing Roll to Make It Simpler

5/1/2023

This roll of interfacing can be handy to have as a tool in your sewing area, especially if you are being challenged with sewing on the bias. I thought I would share this video showing a couple of good uses for the 1 sided fusible roll.

Quilt Tip: Ideas for the Quilt Backing

Quilt Tip: Tips for Gifting a Quilt

Quilts: Make a quilt from Selvage edges

Quilt Tip: Interfacing Roll to Make It Simpler

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