Advice for tied patchwork quilt
 

Hello, I am a new quilter and recently fell in love with the fabrics shown in this quilt:
http://tinselcompany.blogspot.com/20...-quilt_14.html

I decided I wanted to do something similar, but in a full/queen size. I finally tracked down most of the fabrics and am ready to start, but I'm hesitating over a couple of things.

First, most of the cuts I have are fat quarters. From what I've read, I see there is a lot of debate over pre-washing, particularly with precuts. I also get the impression that quilting helps prevent shinkage (something to do with the batting) but if I'm tying it, will that effect be lessened? I initially planned not to pre-wash but it is seeming like that may be the way to go.

Also, I can't decide how big to cut my squares for aesthetic purposes. I like the look in the picture linked above, but I can't tell how big the squares are and being a lap quilt the proportions are different anyway. Is there sort of a "standard" size for basic tied quilts? I'm thinking either 5.5" for 5" squares or 5" for 4.5" squares. I'm hesitant to just start cutting because the fabric was so hard to acquire, and I don't have any to spare!

I greatly appreciate any input!

It is fine to wash FQs. The pre-cuts that are more difficult to wash are those that are cut to a specific size so that they (theoretically) can be used in that size - things like 10" squares, or jelly rolls. I think your 5" or 4.5" finished squares would both work great in this quilt.

It is not that big of a deal to wash fat quarters. I overrcas the raw edges before dunking them, but if one keeps the agitation to a minimum, that helps minimize fraying. One can also wash fat guarters - orr any size piece, for that mattter. - by hand.

If my granddaughters can wash their thong underwear by macine - which is a very small piece of fabric - a FQ is a huge amoint of fabric by comparison.

***
*** I pre-wash all my fabric before using.
*** Fat Quaters can be washed in a pillow case.
*** 4.5" - 5" squares are a nice size - that is what I use for a lap quilt.
***

Sorry I don't buy fat quarters.
Welcome to this wonderful board, lots of helpful people here.

I would prewashed by just soaking the fat quarters in the sink without agitation to avoid fraying. 5" squares would be great.

A nice size is 5 inch square - this will give you 12 squares per fat quarter. I have also cut them into 6 inch squares when doing an "I Spy" and I want to show off the fabric. Due to the chemicals on the fabric, I do pre-wash. I just put them into a washing bag and even put them in the dryer so the fabric will shrink. So far fraying has not been a problem.

I pre wash everything. I use the mesh laundry bags but if you don't have mesh laundry bags then use the pillowcase method.

1 fat quarter = (approx.) 18" x 22"

18" can be divided by 2", 3", 4.5", 6", and 9" evenly.
21" can be divided by 2", 3, 6", 7" evenly.
I'd suggest cutting your squares at 6" square which will finish approx. 5.5" square. You'll get 9 squares @ 5.5". square from each fat quarter.

Set your quilt at:
11 squares across will = 60.5" wide
15 squares down will = 82.5" long. You will need 165 squares, from 19 fat quarters.

To enlarge that, you could add borders.

Jan in VA

Welcome to quilting. Jan in VA you are so quick to get the cuts figured out. Skylark35, just watch the batting you use if you are tying. You want something that can be quilted with a wider distance. Poly bat works great when tying a quilt.