Thread: Why don't my quilt tops lay flat?

Originally Posted by charity-crafter

Well, I guess that answers my question. Thanks. I tend to just start at one end, sew to the end and then cut it off. That's probably why all my long sashing between my blocks is wavy too. So actually measure and not wing it.

Yes, I'm sure this will help you. Measuring makes a huge difference! And when you get ready to sew the borders on, pin them in place first. I always mark the midpoint of my border, and half it again to mark it at the 1/4 points also. Then I mark the quilt top in the same manner. Next I pin the border to the top at each end, at the midpoint and at each 1/4 point. Then smooth/ease as needed between those pins to get everything distributed nice and evenly. It works every time and you're going to love the results.

Edit: I think Beth and I were typing at the same time... great minds think alike!

All excellent advice...I was always challenged but have learned the tricks...measuring center perpendicular and horizonal in the middle and pinning ends and folding in center and pinning and easing in no matter what even if it is a little bit...I also found WOF stretches more than length of fabric if you have enough or buy more...I also starch if I think there is a problem....One border I do not seem to have a problem but when I have multiple ones...it is ever learning....also a long armer told me she sometimes just sprays with water and lets it dry on her machine and it will work...have fun...Margo in Maine

Originally Posted by charity-crafter

My blocks are good, I can match my corners well, I can square up my blocks, I press everything. When it gets to putting it all together it develops problems.

My borders are wavy, the center sometimes has bumps that won't lay flat.


At least I'm in good company-most of these things she sings about I can relate with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzoL7...ure=plpp_video

What are your suggestions for improving?

I had the same problem as you. My blocks seem to be very good and the blocks of my quilt went together very well but when it came to my outer border I had a wavy problem. I found that handling the quilt alot stretched out my bporder fabric. I had the quilt top at my sewing group working on it and when someone came in they wanted to see it and they held the quilt top up holding it by the outer border to show to everyone. Well when I laid it out to make my quilt sandwich it was all stretched out and would not lay flat. I also applied my borders the same method you did. So I took off all the outer border and washed the fabric by swishing it around in the washer and laying it out flat on my ironing board to dry. i then pressed and starched. I applied the borders again in the method they suggest by measuring thru the center of the quilt and it lays nice and flat now.
I also will not hold my quilt top up to show to people until it is pinned with the batting and backing or it may stretch out the border. I do have alot of machine embroidery in my quilts which makes them weigh heavier so it really is more weight to the quilt when you hold it up by the top border to show it to someone. I really swear by measuring thru the center of the quilt now to apply my border. I was skeptical before if it mattered to do that but learned the hard way it does matter.

HUGS
Corry

The only time I've had that issue was when I put too much tension on a binding when putting it on. I dont cut 2" bindings anymore. I cut 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" bindings and I'm mindful to just let the quilting/walking foot do it's work and feed at it's own speed and pace. I am for sure going to try the starching method mentioned.

Lots of good tips offered here.

I always take 3 measurements per side....I measure each end and then down the middle and take the average of these 3 measurements. That is the length of the border I cut. I haven't had a problem with my quilts not lying flat by doing it this way. I am sure there are other ways to measure and cut but this has always worked for me.

I have had trouble in the past with quilts with blocks that are on point. The more you 'show them off' the more you can get stretch from those bias areas. Careful consideration of grain lines can help. Limited handling before quilting and pressing rather than ironing (no scrubbing!) have helped me too.

to measure for my borders, I use a method I learned in a Quiltmaker issue. Fold your quilt in half and lay the fold on a flat surface. Lay two borders close to the fold and trim to fit at each end, being careful not to trim the quilt top. Pin your borders matching ends, middle and quarters, then stitch, easing as you go. Do the same for the other 2 borders. I like this method as there is NO MATH! :::grin:::

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's also extremely important to stitch scant 1/4 inch seams. Just snapping on a 1/4" foot on your machine does not insure that the resulting seam is what it needs to be. The only way to test it to stitch 3 - 2 1/2" x 5" strips together.
If your joined strips measure 6 1/2" your seam stitch is correct. If it's not you will need to move your needle either to the left or right, which ever way will make the correction you need. Once you know that sweet spot for your needle be sure and write it down for future projects that require a scant 1/4" seam.