FMQ makes quilt too stiff??
#1
Okay, I've been practicing FMQ, and generally like it. But I'm noticing that my resulting quilt is much "stiffer".
The quilt seems to lose its flowiness. Do you know what I mean? Is this just the nature of FMQ'd quilts? Should I be doing something different?
Thanks.
-- Jillaine
The quilt seems to lose its flowiness. Do you know what I mean? Is this just the nature of FMQ'd quilts? Should I be doing something different?
Thanks.
-- Jillaine
#3
I am NOT a pro at this but are you quilting close together? If I want to stiffen say the side of a bag, I FMQ close and tight. If I want it to "drape" (best description) I FMQ larger and with more non-quilted space.
I will be watching this thread as I'm curious too!!
I will be watching this thread as I'm curious too!!
#5
I have found that when using Warm & Natural batting my quilts were heavier if I FMQ'd them too much. (Imade a sampler quilt for my RV and it is too heavy to use on top of us, due to the batting and lots ofquilting in every block.
I have switched to Bamboo batting (I get on sale at JoAnn's) which is really soft and appears to be fluffier and softer after FMQ. I also like Hobb's wool--softer and fluffier as well. Trick is less FMQ makes for a softer quilt!.
I have switched to Bamboo batting (I get on sale at JoAnn's) which is really soft and appears to be fluffier and softer after FMQ. I also like Hobb's wool--softer and fluffier as well. Trick is less FMQ makes for a softer quilt!.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Switch to a finer thread. Stiffness depends in part on how much quilting there is, but also on how heavy the thread is. The finer the thread, the more heavily quilted a piece can be without getting stiff.
What batting are you using? Battings with scrim, such as Warm and Natural, will have a stiffer drape than many other battings.
What batting are you using? Battings with scrim, such as Warm and Natural, will have a stiffer drape than many other battings.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Hamburg,Western New York State
Posts: 4,856
I think that possibly your are doing your quilting very close together which will stiffen the finished product. Try to 'loosen' up your design. Meandering versus stippling. Remember that the quilting is the frosting on the cake and you should be able to enjoy the cake(quilt). For myself, I can get carried away and the am unhappy with the results.
#9
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,134
I can only speak about my quilts.
My quilts are pretty densely (mostly LA) quilted - my preference.
Majority Warm & Natural batting.
I wash all my quilts.
They are used.
And they are just the most comfortable, soft, flexible, snuggle-y creations.
I love sleeping under them - not because I made it, but because of the feel of the quilt.
Poly might be lighter, but as just mentioned on another thread, that's a whole different look (not to my liking).
My quilts are pretty densely (mostly LA) quilted - my preference.
Majority Warm & Natural batting.
I wash all my quilts.
They are used.
And they are just the most comfortable, soft, flexible, snuggle-y creations.
I love sleeping under them - not because I made it, but because of the feel of the quilt.
Poly might be lighter, but as just mentioned on another thread, that's a whole different look (not to my liking).
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