Shredding seams
 

Attached is a quilt I just finished for my great niece as awedding present. I thought I couldattach it but I can’t seem to get it to work. Sorry! I washed and dried it as Ialways do with all the quilts I make. This time I have about 4 seams that have come apart and are shredded soat least one of them will not easily reach the other seam so that I can sew ittogether. I am just sick about it anddon’t know what to do to fix it, or can it even be fixed. If any one has any suggestion on how to fixtheses seams I will appreciate it tremendously. I guess I will keep this one for myself and start another for her, whichI hate the thought of as I have been a while with this one and missed thewedding date as it is.

Thanks so much!

Try sending your picture to yourself via email as a medium size attachment. Then save the smaller version and try to attach it. That has worked for me before.

If we knew the pattern it would be easier to make suggestions. My favorite thing is to applique something over it. It could be a large flower, or a paint splat spot. A vase with flowers. A special poem. Or, you can use the same original fabric, wash it, and then cut it with enough to have a 1/4 inch seam to turn under and applique it over the parts that are messed up. Any of this will work. I am sure others will have more suggestions.

I'm so sorry this happened, Susan. Maybe you could still give it as a gift if the repair looks good? Appliqueing over the spot is also what occurs to me as a solution.

Heartbreaking for sure, but better with you than when the giftee washed it.

While you are thinking of repairs, also think about why it happened. Some fabrics shred when you look at them. was this homespun or silky or flannel?

Did you use poly thread? It melts under a hot iron, but when everything is pressed nice and neat it doesn't show up at a glance . those inadvertently open seam will shred left to their own divices in the washer, or over time with use.

Are you sure of your 1/4"? by measuring the finished block? If the block isn't square look at the 'behind' seams, where fabric can shift and leave you with an 1/8" seam.

How did you do the quilting? Just because batt says it can be quilted up to 10" apart, doesn't mean the quilt doesn't need any more than that.

I'm sure the members here will have some more ideas on how to avoid this happening in the future.

Each step in making a quilt is the most important step :)

Once in a while a previously unwashed fabric will shrink a lot and pull out of a seam if any of the conditions that KalamaQuilts mentioned.

I had that happen with a 'quillow'. Every time I wash it; another seam shreds....,sorry. hope you find a solution.

Because of the fabric I used I'm afraid that is what will happen with this one too.

Sharyn, what brand of poly thread did you use, and how long ago was it? The reason I ask is because I use Bottom Line (poly) all the time with a very hot iron and have never had a problem.

Applique is an excellent idea! That and maybe trying the same fabric and stitchingin the ditch to cover the original fabric that is shredding. I’ll find something that will work for appliqué.
I'll try to get my pic attached.

I'm thinking that maybe what caused it. If I do use this fabric again I will be sure to wash it first!