For Those Experienced Quilters.......
#11
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Spray basting helps. Starching also helps a *lot*.
I heavily starch the backing fabric before sandwiching. My method for yardage is to mix a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, "paint" it on using a large wall painting brush until the fabric is saturated, toss in dryer, then iron with steam.
I also starch the top, but for that I use spray starch.
Starching stabilizes the fabric so it doesn't distort while you are working with it. Spray basting helps keep all the layers together so one fabric doesn't stretch more than the other.
When sandwiching, it's important not to stretch the backing. You want it lying perfectly flat, but not stretched tight like a drum. If you clamp or tape a stretched backing down, once you unclamp or untape the fabric will spring back to its normal tension, creating excess in the top and batting.
I heavily starch the backing fabric before sandwiching. My method for yardage is to mix a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, "paint" it on using a large wall painting brush until the fabric is saturated, toss in dryer, then iron with steam.
I also starch the top, but for that I use spray starch.
Starching stabilizes the fabric so it doesn't distort while you are working with it. Spray basting helps keep all the layers together so one fabric doesn't stretch more than the other.
When sandwiching, it's important not to stretch the backing. You want it lying perfectly flat, but not stretched tight like a drum. If you clamp or tape a stretched backing down, once you unclamp or untape the fabric will spring back to its normal tension, creating excess in the top and batting.
#14
Once I discovered spray basting, I do not have any issues with tucks on backside or anywhere else. The fabrics do not shift or stretch as they are held in place far better than you could ever think about by pinning.
#15
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,536
Maybe that is what I am doing subconsciently - stretching. The quilting is a hit or miss until I found out for SURE what mistakes I have been doing. Pressing vs ironing is another one that stretches the fabric....maybe I should be completely awake when I sew? haha Thanks for your suggestions.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!
Posts: 6,726
Originally Posted by Lori S
Originally Posted by auntpiggylpn
Originally Posted by Lori S
I used to hate quilting my tops as the dreaded tucks were inevitable . Once I discovered spray basting they were a thing of the past. I do use my walking foot , that in combination with spray basting cured my really bad case of tucks .
#17
Originally Posted by auntpiggylpn
I just took a FMQ class and we were taught to use the FM foot for ALL quilting. . .
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