I've searched QB and online for an answer to this question with no real success. I am making a quilt for SIL using 30 blocks of embroidered tractors (they are wonderful and ea one different).

The unfinished blocks are 9x9" on white muslin. I can't get it out of my mind that I should put another square of muslin behind each of these blocks before I start piecing. So opinions please. Do you think reinforcement is necessary?

Have to watch this, too!

I've embroidered several things and never had to reinforce my blocks. I think you'll be fine just using them as is. If you're really concerned about the stability of it in a quilt, just quilt it more tightly.

i can't think of any reason to add anything, i never have

Sounding better and better. I have no idea where I got this notion from but I am beginning to let it go! thanks.

You may have gotten the notion from knowing the tied ends of the embroidery thread on the back COULD come out over time. Ever seen an embroidered piece in an antique store that the thread had come out? What I do on my clients' projects is to iron light weight fusiblt web to the back of the block before quilting. It holds the threads forever and just reinforces the block in general. It doesn't take long and just a small step to ensure your project stays pristeen for almost ever. Hope this helps.

if you do some quilting around the tractors in the blocks, all should be well.

I don't add anything extra behind my embroidered blocks.

I have been wondering about this, too. My embroidered blocks are prestamped and the material seems thin. Does this change anyone's opinion?

Thanks Grandbysquilts - I like this idea. Yes, I have a few antique quilts that show just as you describe.

I put muslin behind my embroidered blocks so that the embroidery floss doesn't show through the back. It has nothing to do with reinforcement.

If the fabric is lighter wt ( since it is white and things tend to show thru) I do sometimes ur a light wt fusible to help hold the threads, as Grandbysquilts suggests. ButI have also, backed the block with another piece of white muslim just because I dont like seeing the seams/thread,etc thru the top....
I"m rather wierd tho..... lol

lol..I have no trouble being weird! Thanks everyone!

i've done quite a few embroidered block quilts- i put a layer of muslin behind my square (before) i embroider them- this keeps the threads on the back from showing through on the front-
it wouldn't make much difference if the embroidery is already done.

I have quilted two heavily embroidered quilts for the elderly friend of a friend, and they were reinforced with sew in stabiliser. The quilts were so heavy I would not like to sleep under them!

I quilted aroung the embroidery as close as I could, and heavily quilted the areas that were 'empty', and they seem as though nothing will ever come undone.

if they were hand work, maybe, but machine embroidered, NO...they will be fine!