I wasn't sure exactly how to word this topic title, but here's my problem:
I am making a quilt for my new soon-to-be-born granddaughter, and I decided to put a decorative quilt stitch (about an inch wide) inside a narrow 1.5" border. Well, despite having done a 'mock-up' of it before actually quilting the stitch into the quilt, I decided (after it was totally done, of course!) that I hated how it looked.
So, have painstakingly removed the stitches and have the needle holes in the fabric.
What is the easiest method to remove these? I had thought I would wet the fabric, then press it.

Any better ideas?

that's the only way i know how to do it

I think steam will do it. Also I think when it's washed it should close those holes up.

I always run the point of a needle or pin over the holes to close them up. Not sure how large of an area you are doing.

That happened to me the other day when I tried to FMQ some borders. It looked awful. I thought it was ruined but some starch and some steam and it was back to good. I presume they'll dissappear all together when it's washed.

I also found out from these kind people that higher thread counts in your fabric can leave larger holes and that having a needle that is dull or meant for heavier fabric can also do that.

you're all so smart

if the holes still stay, you might think of getting some grograin ribbon (soak it to shrink) and applique that down the border over the holes. or even could fold a strip of binding and stitch that down, mitering corners as you go around. should work well if it comes to that.

Wash it! It always works for me!

Hug

I have removed millions of stitches and once washed they have all closed up back to normal.

I use my fingernail instead of a pin or needle. I find the point is too sharp and can snag the fabric.

Thank you for your ideas. I'll give them a try.

once the quilt is finished, quilted & bound- and laundered the holes should be gone.

I have always spray mist the fabric with water and then press it. Whatever method you use, I am sure that the tiny holes will vanish.

I use fingernails too. I just sort of "scritch" it all over, like it's my cat's head. :)

I agree, steam or washing will close those suckers right up.

I once unquilted an entire quilt for a friend. Yep. Now you all want to be my friend, dontcha? :D Anyway, when I was done, I spritzed the top with water, put it in a large lingerie bag (to prevent strings and tangles), and stuck it in the dryer for 20 minutes. When it was done I did need to press a few wrinkles out, but afterwards it looked brand new, like it had never been on a quilt frame.

If y'all are hoping to help the OP, I think her holes are fine by now. This thread is over 2 yrs old.

D'oh!! Fooled by a bumped thread, again! LOL

Ditto! lol

I miss them a lot too. The only reason I noticed this one is because it was on my list of threads I've posted in, and I didn't remember it. I found my post in it and noticed it was from 2011.

Years and years ago, when dress lengths on most were ALWAYS below the knees, I had to let down the hems on most of my clothes. I used white vinegar mixed with water to dampen the hem area then put a pressing cloth over the area and pressed away that hem line and all the needle holes. Before trying that now I would try on scrap.