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Do You Block your finished quilt?

Do You Block your finished quilt?

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Old 02-25-2011, 11:40 AM
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I went to a quilt retreat that had a lot of classes and one was on how to block your finished quilt. It involved spreading out the quilt on towels on the floor, measuring all the edges to edges, then dampening the quilt to block it. Then repeat if applicable. The teacher said all professionals do this, now I'm surely not a professional, but I have not ever blocked a finished quilt....this is after binding is on too! Does anybody on this board block their finished quilts? And, is it a long tedious process.
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Old 02-25-2011, 11:42 AM
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I haven't ever heard this, and have never done it. I know lots of "professionals", and not one of them has ever mentioned this. I guess if your quilt came out cattywompus you could do it to straighten it, but normally I wouldn't think this was necessary if your quilt comes our square.
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Old 02-25-2011, 11:44 AM
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I wash and block most of mine. Absolutely if they will be washed and used. If it's a wall hanging I do block if it is out of square. If it's a bed quilt to be used, after I wash it, I dry it on very low heat until it's a little damp, then I block it on a bed. That's usually all it takes.
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Old 02-25-2011, 11:45 AM
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I don't block quilts because my quilts are made to be used. Might block a quilt that was intended for a show or competition.
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Old 02-25-2011, 11:46 AM
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It's not long but you do need space.

You can also use the large 4x8 insulation sheets - a bit sturdier.Place on the floor and pin your wet quilt (from either wetting in the bathtub or the machine).
Using a lot of carpenter tools (t squares etc), pin it to where you want it, measuring and making sure it's square.

If you have fans, even better. It will dry within 24 hours.
I think Ricky Tims had a video somewhere.

I wish I had blocked the quilt I'm finishing for a friend. But it's a ton of red fabric (that's been a nightmare), and I wasn't washing it on my watch. It's her quilt, she can wash it. :wink:

My LAQ-er does not trim to square. She just trims and blocks to where she wants it to be.
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Old 02-25-2011, 11:50 AM
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No I do not. I see only limited value. Maybe if I was in a highly competative show. That level of fusiness is just not something I am compelled to participate in.
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Old 02-25-2011, 11:51 AM
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i block my quilts
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Old 02-25-2011, 11:52 AM
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Never blocked a quilt as I can't hardly wait to put it away.
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Old 02-25-2011, 12:09 PM
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OK so you block your quilt when you are done..then, do you have to reblock it everytime you wash it?
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Old 02-25-2011, 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by toomanycats
OK so you block your quilt when you are done..then, do you have to reblock it everytime you wash it?
Yes.
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