Beginner64

Being a beginner and making my first quilt I learned a valuable lesson. I will never again mix natural fabrics such as cotton and synthetics like rayon together, not that you can't but you have to be very careful in the handling of these because of there different characteristics. I cut all of my pieces to the exact measurements and made precise quarter inch seams and after pressing the seams, looked at the match ups and was horrified at what I found. Some of the seams were off by at least 1/8 of a inch. After ripping out several seams and resewing and re ironing I finally figured out what was happening. I was using the iron on cotton setting and when I would iron the seam, the rayon would actually shrink and distort. I have sense ironed on synthetic and am more careful not to stretch the fabric when sewing. Seams are now coming out much neater. From now on it will be natural fabrics on natural and synthetics with synthetics.

ktbb

This is also a time when pre-washing would be worth it...get the shrinkage out of the fabrics before the steam iron gets involved, and I might also use starch.

erstan947

Good lesson learned. We all lean as we go. Some of my ideas are great and some not so good. Be sure to show your finished quilt.

bearisgray

Also, most synthetics don't tolerate higher heat (from the iron) as well as cottons do.

Some, in fact, melt.

Sadiemae

My first was a stack and whack with a cotton and a poly-blend together. I learned my lesson also. I have to say it is one the ugliest quilt to me that I have made. Some people have fallen in love with it because it reminds them of quilts they had as children, but I can't stand the weird green and flowery material... SOmeday I will actually quilt it.

amma

Thank you for the reminder/heads up :D:D:D
Glad to hear you found a way or working with them.

littlehud

That is so true. They are hard to mix. I learned the hard way too. Show us the quilt when you finish it.

earthwalker

Mixing it up can have its quirks...but must admit I am a sucker for punishment...my current WIP is velvets, wools, heavy cotton...you name it, it's in it. They can work out extremely well, but as you say...you certainly learn along the way. Would love to see your quilt...and thanks for sharing your experience I am sure it will help someone out.

Beginner64

I just finished piecing the top last night except for the prairie points. When I get them done I will post a picture of it before and after I quilt it. That will be another first experience and I'm sure another lesson well learned.

dsb38327

Yes, I have been converted as well. I needed a fill in blue. Used a flannel. Glad you were able to save the quilt.