double knit for quilting?
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bluebell
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Would you turn down an offer of tons of double knit fabric? A friend has offered to give me some and while I prefer cotton, I still think there is room for double knit in the quilting world. What do you think? Should I get it or would you pass? Would they work for charity lap quilts? They would certainly be warm. What about backing with bluejean material as the top? Any ideas?
#2
It might work okay if you were using the double-knit for both top and backing, as it is stretchy. Or if combining with other fabrics you may need to overstarch it or stabilize it to prevent stretching while you are sewing.
It may also depend on the weight of the fabric itself....if like a tshirt knit, not bad, but heavy weight you would want to be more careful what you combine it with.
That being said.....lots of uses for it in other sewing applications, and it doesn't fray!
It may also depend on the weight of the fabric itself....if like a tshirt knit, not bad, but heavy weight you would want to be more careful what you combine it with.
That being said.....lots of uses for it in other sewing applications, and it doesn't fray!
#4
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
I would not use double knit in a quilt. It is stretchy and you need to use special needles so you don't rip the stitches. Any time you cut it, it tends to come undone. But that's just me - I prefer woven material.
I do think that double knits can make great pillows. Nice and soft.
I do think that double knits can make great pillows. Nice and soft.
#6
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sturbridge, Ma
Posts: 3,992
in the 1960's and 70's a lot of quilts were made of double knit. Colors stay bright and they wear like iron. I would not use denim for backing as it would make them heavier and for me harder to work with.
Probably good use for charity quilts. Check out a group that makes "Ugly Quilts" I guess it is still around. That program made sleeping bags for the homeless. They did have a web site.
Probably good use for charity quilts. Check out a group that makes "Ugly Quilts" I guess it is still around. That program made sleeping bags for the homeless. They did have a web site.
#7
I have used hundreds of yards for charity quilts--just do not cut the pieces small, or you may learn some new words---
the stuff has a mind of its own and it STRETCHES!!!!
It never wears out--which is why I use it for charity quilts--they cant hurt them---
use a blanket or flannel sheet instead of batting so they can wash it easily--and I tie them--so quick that way....
the stuff has a mind of its own and it STRETCHES!!!!
It never wears out--which is why I use it for charity quilts--they cant hurt them---
use a blanket or flannel sheet instead of batting so they can wash it easily--and I tie them--so quick that way....
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 662
Double knit quilts were all the rage in the 70's and 80's. Then double knit became hard to find. When I worked at our thrift store, people would come in asking for old double knit clothes.
They made lap quilts mostly. Simple patterns - 4 patch or 9 patch or wide strips. They backed it with flannel and tied them. The nursing home still has some of those. They wear like iron, even with frequent washing.
They didn't bind them, just birthed them. You would have to use a ball point or universal needle.
They made lap quilts mostly. Simple patterns - 4 patch or 9 patch or wide strips. They backed it with flannel and tied them. The nursing home still has some of those. They wear like iron, even with frequent washing.
They didn't bind them, just birthed them. You would have to use a ball point or universal needle.
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