Stretching a block
#1
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Stretching a block
I have 'stretched' cottons while they were damp.
However, the next time I washed and dried the cottons, if I dried them to dry - they reverted back to their 'natural' size.
So - if/when a block is stretched, what happens when it's washed and dried? Does the batting hold it in place or what?
I also stretched a block - a lot- when I soaked it with sizing and ironed it when it was wet. (5 to 5.5 inches)
However, the next time I washed and dried the cottons, if I dried them to dry - they reverted back to their 'natural' size.
So - if/when a block is stretched, what happens when it's washed and dried? Does the batting hold it in place or what?
I also stretched a block - a lot- when I soaked it with sizing and ironed it when it was wet. (5 to 5.5 inches)
#2
I've stretched some blocks, usually not more than 1/4" or so, and once quilted have not had any issues with distortion. I think I'd be afraid of anything more than that, but some here may have more experience they can share. I'd like to know too!
#4
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are you stretching your blocks on purpose?
if not- try (pressing) not ironing! which means you place the iron straight down (press) it's not a shirt---you don't want to move the iron around on top of the block-
whether or not a block will go back to it's original shape/size after quilting probably depends a bit on the batting being used- the density of the quilting- how it is handled. if you want it to stay stretched you may want to use a batting that will not shrink (poly instead of cotton) and quilt it heavily-so the quilting holds it but it would really depend-every one will probably behave differently with lots of factors involved- stretching them on purpose will generally wind up with skewed blocks in the end.
if not- try (pressing) not ironing! which means you place the iron straight down (press) it's not a shirt---you don't want to move the iron around on top of the block-
whether or not a block will go back to it's original shape/size after quilting probably depends a bit on the batting being used- the density of the quilting- how it is handled. if you want it to stay stretched you may want to use a batting that will not shrink (poly instead of cotton) and quilt it heavily-so the quilting holds it but it would really depend-every one will probably behave differently with lots of factors involved- stretching them on purpose will generally wind up with skewed blocks in the end.
#5
The batting won't hold it, but the quilting might...sort of, if you're lucky. The seams involved will always have more stress than others however. If you block an out-of-square quilt...the same idea as 'stretching' a block...it will only stay square until the next time it gets wet. Then it reverets to it's 'natural' state. It's the main reason I don't force my will on fabrics, preferring to work with them and not against them during construction.
#6
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The batting won't hold it, but the quilting might...sort of, if you're lucky. The seams involved will always have more stress than others however. If you block an out-of-square quilt...the same idea as 'stretching' a block...it will only stay square until the next time it gets wet. Then it reverets to it's 'natural' state. It's the main reason I don't force my will on fabrics, preferring to work with them and not against them during construction.
So when someone suggests using some method to 'make a block bigger' by stretching it while it's wet - I totally cringe and wonder 'What the ????"
Or blocking a block or quilt to make it square - - -
Especially when the suggestion comes from an 'expert'.
When I'm done with something, I want to be done with it - I don't want to fret about the item every time it's washed!!!
My 'stretching' experience is with my ironing board cover that I purchased when I bought my Big Board - it's skimpy and I have to put it back on when it's almost wet for it to barely cover the top - and some 'pillow cases' for couch cushions that were 'roomy' when I made them - one of the few times I did NOT wash before cutting - and I can only get them back on with difficulty when they are still damp.
The starch/sizing experiences were when I was cutting I Spy squares and a Dear Jane block. My intent was for crispness, not stretching. I've since learned I was supposed to let it DRY before pressing it. Who has the patience for that??
I think it's easier to let the fabric 'do its thing' than to try to 'beat it into submission'
Last edited by bearisgray; 07-15-2012 at 12:59 PM.
#9
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I haven't tried to stretch or shrink a block but I was amazed after watching the Sharon Schamber(sp) video on shrinking a block. She started with a block that was 1/2 inch out in the center and starched and ironed it into place. I wouldn't have believe she could do it without seeing it for myself.
#10
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I haven't tried to stretch or shrink a block but I was amazed after watching the Sharon Schamber(sp) video on shrinking a block. She started with a block that was 1/2 inch out in the center and starched and ironed it into place. I wouldn't have believe she could do it without seeing it for myself.
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