t-shirt quilts without the stabilizer... can it be done?
#21
Originally Posted by dakotamaid
The lite weight at Joanns is called Tricot stabilizer and it is what I use on my t shirt quilts. It also stretches so I just put it on the t shirt block with the stretch going in the opposite direction. Works great and keeps the blocks soft. My LAer has had no problems quilting these.
#22
I would use a lightwieght fusible and fuse them to muslin squares. The problem with using nothing to stabilize them is that they are, for lack of a better word, unstable.
The stretch in the fabric will cause the threads in the stitching to break then the quilt will fall apart. I think you're going to have to use some type of stabilizer.
The stretch in the fabric will cause the threads in the stitching to break then the quilt will fall apart. I think you're going to have to use some type of stabilizer.
#25
Originally Posted by pab58
I would think they would still stretch too much. I was thinking -- I'm sure I'll seem like a nut -- that you could use the spray basting on muslin. Of course, I know absolutely nothing about spray basting so I could be absolutely off my rocker here. :roll: I know it's used on batting, but can it also be used on fabric (i.e. muslin)? :?
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Take some t-shirt fabric and try a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water on it. (I paint this on with a large wall-painting brush, toss in the dryer, then iron with steam.) You will be able to tell if it stiffens the t-shirt material enough. I think it will, but I haven't actually done it with t-shirt material so don't know for sure.
Another option is to use MistyFuse. Although this is a fusible, it is *extremely* light and will not add stiffness. You would need a Teflon or applique pressing sheet to do this, as it does not have a paper backing. Amazon has some reviews of MistyFuse.
I have used tricot fusible for some applications. It does add less stiffness than other fusibles, but also adds some weight and thickness to the fabric.
I would perhaps experiment on old t-shirts (maybe from the thrift shop?) with these techniques to find the best one.
Another option is to use MistyFuse. Although this is a fusible, it is *extremely* light and will not add stiffness. You would need a Teflon or applique pressing sheet to do this, as it does not have a paper backing. Amazon has some reviews of MistyFuse.
I have used tricot fusible for some applications. It does add less stiffness than other fusibles, but also adds some weight and thickness to the fabric.
I would perhaps experiment on old t-shirts (maybe from the thrift shop?) with these techniques to find the best one.
#27
I've made many T-Shirt quilts and use an iron on tricot on the back of the shirts. The tricot is so soft and you don't even know it's there. There is a stretch to this tricot so you lay it on the shirt with the stretch going the opposite direction from the stretch of the shirt. I have never had a hard or stiff quilt top doing it this way. Or you could use a serger to put the pcs together. Because they stitch so fast and have such a long foot for some reason it doesn't allow the shirts to stretch. I have never had a problem using either of the above ways. They always come out soft and cuddly.
#29
Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Heath, Texas
Posts: 80
My goodness, I have not heard the term Turkey Trac, can you explain, I have a T shirt quilt ready to start and had thought I would use the base and place shirt pieces random on the top, then quilt it, your idea seems more appealing...
I am using a knit camo backing so I have to decide how to keep that from stretching....thanks for your help...memepeggy
I am using a knit camo backing so I have to decide how to keep that from stretching....thanks for your help...memepeggy
#30
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 71
I have made several tee shirt quilts and read much of the experts advice about them before I started ----- the tricot iron on interfacing is perfect - stays soft and pliable. Do as Dakotamaid said above -- put the stretch of the tricot in the opposite direction of the stretch of the tee shirts.
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07-26-2011 11:25 AM