My other thread is getting ridiculously long so I'm going to start a new one.

The denim quilt is driving me insane! Here's the problem. Got done stitching diangle lines though the quilt and when I was ready to start doing diangle lines in the other direction (completing the X's through the squares) that's when I found out the quilt top won't lie flat against the batting and back. There ended up being so much extra bulk in between the stitches that it won't lie flat and the denim wants to...twist up in a wrinkled fashion I guess is the best way to describe it. I realize the quilt doesn't have to be perfect, but, being an artist, I do have a level of quality I'd like to meet.

I know I can do this quilt. If I can make the top of my prom dress out of vinyl---which definatly ranks in the "Top 5 Scariest Fabrics to Work With"---and then have people ask me where I bought it...I can definatly get this quilt done.

I'm going to seam rip everything out and start over the sandwiching process (as much as I hate to). Any suggestions (and support) would help greatly.

support is a given. suggestions will come in a flood, too, i expect. here's the first of what i'm sure will be many.

start picking out your existing quilting in the center of the quilt. AND I DO MEAN PICK. DON'T RIPIT. that's only good for frogs.

do only a little at a time - maybe a 12" square, dead center, first. TIE THAT SUCKER where the blocks join, plus one in the middle of each block. when that's tied nice and flat, pick out the machine quilting for two blocks out, all the way around the part that's tied. tie those blocks. keep working your way outward, smoothing an tying as you go.

you will accomplish two things: (1) the layers will be secured and flat and (2) you can either be satisfied with the ties and bind it, or machine quilt some (or all) of it again. either snip off the ties as you get to them or quilt around them.

if you already know you won't be happy unless you machine quilt the whole thing, then use the same system, but put safety pins where the ties would have gone. take them out as you machine quilt.

It makes sense, now I know you have the smarts to teach!

I sort of get it.

I also seem to be having trouble controlling three layers of fabric and keeping them in place, no matter how much I pin and spray. My machine seems to be having trouble stitching through three layers of fabric (espessily when I get towards the middle)...I got it set on a 4.5 and in some places it looks like it was set on 1 (very small stitches). It just doesn't want to pull the quilt through very well.

The only thing that I can think of might make things easier is if I sewed the top to the batting and then the back to that. That way I wouldn't have to fight like crazy to keep three layers from slipping...I'd only have to work with two layers (I guess once the batting and top are sewn together its more like one layer rather than two). At least in theory it would make things easier. What do you think?

I'm not real sure how you could accomplish the 2 layers at a time unless it is by hand, and even then, I would not encourage it because I have no idea how your quilt would hold up to it in the long run; maybe someone else here can advise on that.

I think Patrice has given you the best possible solution to the problem. Your quilt will lie flat, it will require the least amount of work on your part, & it will be the least frustrating in the end. Best of all, your quilt will still be beautiful.

Good luck! :D

#1 ... you can set your machine to the largest stitch size but if the quilt doesn't flow smoothly between the foot and feed dogs, your stitches will still be anwhere between teeeeeeny-tiny and holy-smoke-those-stitches-are-long! before you put it through the machine again, practice with a sandwhich of leftover denim, batting and backing. figure out how much help the sandwich needs to flow smoothly.

#2 ... you can tie it with regular thread. just use 3 or 4 strands together.

#3 ... ripping will not be much faster than picking (use the seam ripper to cut through the top stitch about every half inch or so and pull the top thread out. the bottom thread will come off on its own. you won't mess up the backing or batting that way.

#4 ... if you want to try quilting batting to one layer first, then quilting the remaining layer to the first two, quilt the batting and backing first. i'd recommend you do it with the batting on top or you'll end up with gobs of batting clogging your bobbin.

#5 ... either tie or pin before you go anywhere near the machine again. your quilt is too heavy to risk taking shortcuts. you'll just end up with the same problem you have now.

#6 ... if you have to stop every 5 minutes to scream into a pillow or kick a can around the yard then ... fine ... do that. but take your time with the quilt. pin, tie or baste with needle and thread from the center out. the spray is not going to be enough on something that heavy. to do anything else will just waste more time and end in more tears and frustration.

#7 ... i ain't makin' this stuff up. i am sharing lessons learned the hard way. use them to your benefit.

yes, i get what you're saying. but no matter which side you attach to the batting first, that quilting won't show on the other side. the batting + back will be easier to hand, so adding the top will be easier, too, than it would be the other way around.

start in the middle and work your way out. a little at a time. i know it sounds crazy but it works better that way. you have to roll up the sides tightly enough to help it fit and flow better through the machine throat (the opening to the right of the needle.)

it all takes practice. this quilt is going to be a nightmare because you started with something that was bound to be difficult no matter how much experience you'd had before. each quilt you make from now on will get easier.

i still wish you'd cut yourself a break and at least tie the middle then machine quilt around the outer edges where it'll be easier to handle.

would you rather see the craziness on the front?

Oh duh! Never thought about that.

Hey, I just thought of something. Use a different color thread for the backing and batting and once I get the top stitched to the backing and the batting, seam rip the different colored stitches out. Would that work?

yes that would work.

FVG, are you supporting the weight of the quilt enough so that the machine isn't trying to pull it up from your lap? Too much resistance will give you tiny stitches too. I have to stop ever few inches and readjust to make sure the machine doesn't have to pull the quilt up to it. I've started cutting denim for a quilt, I may back out if it's too much trouble! LOL

I really admire you for slogging through this! Some people would put it on their to do later- much later list!

As for the walking foot, I got mine at a place where they sell and repair sewing machines.

Just an aside-- I'd do what Patrice suggested!

When I first began making quillows (quilt folded and tucked in it's own pillowcase), I had what sounds like the same problem you are describing. I found that a "walking foot" for my sewing machine was the answer. It has feed dogs on the foot that lowers and helps feed the layers under the needle at the same time. Since my machine is a Singer, I contacted the Singer dealer. It was very reasonably priced and easy to attach. If you are interested in finding one for your machine I would suggest checking with a sewing machine dealer.It was a one time purchase and REALLY has saved me $ on headache medication. :wink:

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Sis

Well, if it weren't going to be the first birthday gift my friend has gotten in six years...it definatly would be on my "much later list". Speaking of which, one of these days I'll finish my Super Mario mushroom wall hanging (with its 300+ squares).

I'm going to go with what Patrice suggested for sewing the batting to the backing, top to that, and then taking the stitches used to sew the back to the batting out. That and the other things she suggested. I'm going to start that tomorrow.

I do support the weight of the quilt so that it'll go through easier. Maybe I'm not supporting it enough.

Ah, I'm sure you'll do fine with a denim quilt. Hey, if I haven't backed out of this quilt by now (me, who has very little quilting experiance), you shouldn't back out of a denim quilt either. LoL.

FVG: We are all pulling for you. I admire your toughness. I don't know that I would have stuck with it. Maybe gotten him a Happy Meal and said Happy Birthday :lol: :lol: :lol:

Good quilters never say die. They say Tomorrow is another day.

Yes, and some of us say "I knew it would look better tied... Here Poochie... Look what Mommy made for you...". :lol:

Hang in there FVG... sounds like you have a game plan now. :D

My mil and I made a queen size one this Christmas. But we made sure it was tacked, we like the look more.


ANY TIME that you are quilting a sandwich and it is thick I say that a walking foot is a must. Any place that sells sewing machines will have "quilting" accessories. Walking foot, darning foot, 1/4" foot etc. Also, some smaller shops that sell vacuums or do vacuum repair will also have them. You can also find them on Ebay rather inexpensive.

The first thing I would do is to refer to the owner's manual of your machine or their website to find out the shank size that you have. That or take your machine to the shop you are buying your walking foot at. It looks like a little box that attaches. It should also have an L-shaped metal thing that attaches to it. It sticks out the side and helps you guide your stitching, but I don't know if I would use that piece with such a large quilt. But a walking foot has moving feed-dog looking things on the top and it helps the ones that come on the machine feed all three pieces evenly.

The way Patrice said to do it is the best thing I can think of. She also had the suggestion of moving the quilt in your lap or adjusting how you sit every few minutes. You may be overworking your machine if it has to pull the quilt out of your lap too. A walking foot will make your world a whole lot easier!! And if a dummy like me can use it on her first quilt ever, then I'm sure you can!! It's almost like an extra pair of hands helping to get your sandwich in evenly.

I hope this has helped. Oh and when I bought my "accessory" kit from the sewing machine shop, it was cheaper to purchase all 4 feet in a set than it was to buy them individually. I spent about 50.00 or so, but 2 of the feet I use all the time. Whenever I want to experiment with free hand I use the third. The autobinding foot I never use, but that's okay, I have a hard enough time making it myself.

Wow..didn't realize I was going to leave a chapter in the book of responses. I saw the pic of what you had so far and it looked wonderful. Just take your time because it's so heavy. Make sure you take frequent breaks so you don't overwork your back or neck sitting in one position for long. Also, when frustrated you may want to go in the back yard and kick a can, but if screaming or swearing I would do that inside. You wouldn't want your neighbors to think that you were either being attacked or that you are a crazy person.... :mrgreen:

Hope this helps... ((((hugs to you))))

Melissa

I posted that on the wrong page!! Sorry. You know you can vent at us at anytime!! All addictions can be frustrating at times right??

Oh and I was thinking, is your avatar Link from Zelda? Just a question.

~M~

Well, you Link is cool. I haven's seen anything Zelda in a long time. I played the original, didn't like many of the others.

Just remember about your quilt, slow and steady wins the race.

They came out with a collector's Zelda set for Game Cube that came with the original Zelda, Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, and a trailer for Wind Waker. Nick bought it for me. I also have a copy of the original for the Game Boy...I've died like 50-something times on it and I'm only got to the second dungeon. I even printed the map for the game and that didn't even help.

Yeah...and I should have had this quilt done when the Pirates of the Caribbean movie came out (that's when his b-day was).

I think they are there for good, but the other girls probably know for sure.

There is website called Sew4Less.com that has sewing machine parts for any kind of sewing machine. Really easy to order from. You can order online or by phone. I ordered some feet for my machine. They arrived by mail in about 3 or 4 days. They do have walking feet. You might give them a try.

are you doing a rag quilt i am trying to finish one and i am about to go crazy i didnt think the back trough before i started sewing and i dont think it is very pretty on the back side and blue jeans on the front side and it is ok but it is driving me crazy and it is my first one thanks dorothy from tenn

Sorry Dorothy that you have having a terrible time with your rag quilt.
blue jean denim is so thick and hard to work with into a quilt, at least for me. they tend to be too heavy as well. tell us more about your frustration
perhaps one of us can help you work through this. You said the back doesn't look good, with denim I'm pretty sure you don't need a filler between the layers. Maybe this is your problem...just let us know, we'll help!

I had the same trouble with 3 layers of my quilts not feeding right.
Bought a walking foot to fit my machine and that solved the problem.
Wouldn't be without one of these.

Can you get an even-feed presser foot for your machine? I have a 1967 Singer and I bought an even feed presser foot for it. I pin the layers together, start from the middle and have no trouble.

You really need to invest in a walking foot. Try a local sewing machine retailer, they should have one or Nancy's Notions, I know she carries them. They usually run around $25, but are well worth it. I did a denim lap quilt awhile back and I know how difficult they can be. Be sure to have plenty of support going into and out of the machine and have extra needles. I manage to get by only breaking two I think. I might try another one someday but if I do it will be a quilt as you go. Let us know how it all comes out maybe even include pictures. I know your going to succeed! :D

When I am sewing rows of blocks together with the sashing, I use the walking foot to make sure that nothing shifts and it hleps keep everything lined up the way it should. Otherwise my rows won't line up and the sahsing won't fall right where it should. Not that it always does anyway, but this helps to make it do right most of the time :!:

OK, Flying V Goddess: Where's the picture of that prom dress? I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like a gander at it. :shock: Sorry, I can't help you with your quilting problem.
Feathers

Is this a raggedy quilt or a normal one with the seams on the inside? I suspect that it is a raggedy quilt where the seams wind up on the outside of the top.

I believe that the batting you are using might be too heavy for the type of quilt. Since you already have the blocks cut and quilt partly sewed, I agree that the best way to go would be to pick out the machine stitching and just tack the center of the block. If it is a large block, you may need to use more than one tack per block.

Next time, use very thin batting or no batting, complete each block, then, sew them together.

Did you get your quilt done? How did your friend like it? Got any pictures?