Shredding seams
#11
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
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Once you get the shredded seams area replaced or covered, you may want to consider using a very fine netting and quilting it over the top. This will add a bit of see-thru stabilization. This method is used with older quilts that are coming apart. I haven't heard of anyone using this method just to keep the seams from shredding but it could work.
What is the name of the pattern you used?
What is the name of the pattern you used?
#14
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Glen Burnie, MD
Posts: 927
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
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
#15
The poly thread disasers I know about were all posted here. Cotton poly isn't a problem.
bottom line is from Superior isn't it? I wonder if they have pretested it in ironed pieced seams?
#16
I look forward to a happy solution to your poor quilt. Are there any band-aid fabrics?
#17
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
Homespun is looser weave than quilt cotton....I have never used it, but I'm asking if a smaller piecing stitch would make it less likely to shred? - like 1.8 or 2? Also the 8-10" spread between quilting lines would probably be a stress factor......maybe, if there is no quilting lines in the effected pieces, you could cut another piece, remove the machine stitched ones and hand applique the new ones in their place......just another thought......but then again, who's to say others won't shred with additional washings........sorry it happened......
#18
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Glen Burnie, MD
Posts: 927
[QUOTE=Geri B;7846663]Homespun is looser weave than quilt cotton....I have never used it, but I'm asking if a smaller piecing stitch would make it less likely to shred?
This fabric sounds like that it looks loosed weaved. That’s exactly what I’m afraid mayhappen. So far all the other seams lookreally good but how many washes will they hold up under.
This fabric sounds like that it looks loosed weaved. That’s exactly what I’m afraid mayhappen. So far all the other seams lookreally good but how many washes will they hold up under.
#19
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,563
Several years ago I made a blouse from a lovely rayon fabric that had beautiful drape. Washed and wore it once, the side seams frayed. Stitched it back up, wore it again, then a shoulder seam frayed. Showed it to a friend's mom who did tailoring, she advised me to sew French seams and then topstitch them. That did the trick, but I was rather flummoxed that the rayon would fray so easily. It was not loosely woven at all.
#20
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Glen Burnie, MD
Posts: 927
They are the 10 minute block Suzanne McNeill that only has 3 seams to each block and turns the middle block on point and the sides can be turned in to give it the Cathedral Window look. Very easy and very quick.
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