Problems with machine quilting
#1
Problems with machine quilting
I was quilting in the ditch (or somewhere near it) and it seemed that everything was just fine; until I looked at the back. Here is a picture of what I saw. Can anyone make any suggestions?
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,340
Your lines look great. Are you talking about the puckering (for lack of a better word)? I have found that washing often resolves this issue, because it makes the whole quilt look more wrinkly. I will be watching this post for answers from the experts.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Chapel Hill
Posts: 1,086
I agree - the stitching looks good. To avoid the puckering, you will likely need to pin more closely together. When you are sandwiching your quilt, be careful not to stretch it too tight as that will result in puckering when it relaxes.
Cheers, K
Cheers, K
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Saskatoon SK Canada
Posts: 280
I wouldn't worry about it. Once it is washed it seems to go away. One suggestion I do have is that when you are quilting straight lines try to first go one way, and then the other way. (EG: From top to bottom of the quilt and then from bottom to top) This seems to keep whatever stretch happens at bay. This isn't always feasible because there often gets to be just too much quilt to fit, but try to do it whenever possible.
You may already be doing this because I don't see the stretch that can happen.
How did you get your lines so even. I always have a hard time with that, so your suggestions are welcome.
amh
You may already be doing this because I don't see the stretch that can happen.
How did you get your lines so even. I always have a hard time with that, so your suggestions are welcome.
amh
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,467
Are you using a walking foot and reversing the sewing direction every other line? Did you use 505 basting spray? That helps to keep the sandwich together. As others have said, once it is washed it will be fine.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I agree with the others; the issues will go away with washing, and I wouldn't worry about it.
Next time, if you want to avoid this altogether, I recommend:
(1) *heavily* starching the backing fabric before layering. I use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, "paint" this on the fabric with a large wall painting brush, let sit for a couple of minutes to make sure the fabric fibers have absorbed as much starch as they can, toss in dryer, then iron with steam. This stabilizes the backing fabric so it has no chance of puckering while you sew. For me, it also helps to spray starch the top before layering. These two things *greatly* reduce the chance of puckers if you are crossing lines (as in cross-hatching).
(2) Spray baste. Spray basting adheres all areas of the fabric to the batting, unlike pinning -- which attaches the 3 layers only at points, usually about 4 inches apart. Glue basting probably has a similar effect to spray basting. When all of the layers are connected at all points, the fabric is not able to shift even slightly while you are machine quilting.
Next time, if you want to avoid this altogether, I recommend:
(1) *heavily* starching the backing fabric before layering. I use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, "paint" this on the fabric with a large wall painting brush, let sit for a couple of minutes to make sure the fabric fibers have absorbed as much starch as they can, toss in dryer, then iron with steam. This stabilizes the backing fabric so it has no chance of puckering while you sew. For me, it also helps to spray starch the top before layering. These two things *greatly* reduce the chance of puckers if you are crossing lines (as in cross-hatching).
(2) Spray baste. Spray basting adheres all areas of the fabric to the batting, unlike pinning -- which attaches the 3 layers only at points, usually about 4 inches apart. Glue basting probably has a similar effect to spray basting. When all of the layers are connected at all points, the fabric is not able to shift even slightly while you are machine quilting.
#9
Hi Prism99,
Glad to hear you recommend starching. I did in fact starch the top, which is probably why there were no puckers on the top. After seeing the back, I realized that I had not starched it.
I used 505 to spray baste it. First time that I used it. Probably could have smoothed it out a bit more.
Glad to hear you recommend starching. I did in fact starch the top, which is probably why there were no puckers on the top. After seeing the back, I realized that I had not starched it.
I used 505 to spray baste it. First time that I used it. Probably could have smoothed it out a bit more.
#10
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 81
It is a very strong word, but I hate stitch in the ditch. It is slow and it is painful and it makes my eyes hurt and after all that I rarely stay in the ditch. I stitch OVER the ditch. It is not fast, but it is definitely forgiving of my lack of expertise :-)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
10
06-13-2011 03:22 PM