Using Non-Tradional Quilting Fabrics
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
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Using Non-Tradional Quilting Fabrics
Quilting cotton reigns Queen in my quilts, but I'm curious if anyone has used other, non-traditional fabrics s/a linen, hemp, ramie, hand wovens, etc.
Thanks,
Cindy
Thanks,
Cindy
#2
I have made at least 10 quilts and half a dozen quilted purses using faux suede....my avatar being one example. It is a GREAT non-traditional fabric to work with...tho you have to clean the "fluz" out of your bobbin case quite often!!!
#7
I have used silk, cotton velvet, corduroy, cotton/poly, rayon, T-shirt knit material (stabilized, and not just in T-shirt quilts!), fleece (for applique, and for texture in paper-pieced critters), tulle, satin, and upholstery fabrics of many kinds.
The only problems I've had came from not adjusting seam allowances and stitch length enough when sewing fabrics together which have dramatically different weaves - when in doubt leave a larger seam allowance and use a smaller stitch. I always prewash everything, but I think even if you aren't normally a pre-washer you would want to test any unorthodox fabrics before including them.
Alison
The only problems I've had came from not adjusting seam allowances and stitch length enough when sewing fabrics together which have dramatically different weaves - when in doubt leave a larger seam allowance and use a smaller stitch. I always prewash everything, but I think even if you aren't normally a pre-washer you would want to test any unorthodox fabrics before including them.
Alison
#9
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I have used lame as an accent border a few times in quilts. I bought some fusible that makes those fabrics washable. Never have tested it out since I am not a big fan of washing quilts especially now when I have to depend on the apt complex laundry facilities.
#10
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
Posts: 5,007
I have used silk, cotton velvet, corduroy, cotton/poly, rayon, T-shirt knit material (stabilized, and not just in T-shirt quilts!), fleece (for applique, and for texture in paper-pieced critters), tulle, satin, and upholstery fabrics of many kinds.
The only problems I've had came from not adjusting seam allowances and stitch length enough when sewing fabrics together which have dramatically different weaves - when in doubt leave a larger seam allowance and use a smaller stitch. I always prewash everything, but I think even if you aren't normally a pre-washer you would want to test any unorthodox fabrics before including them.
Alison
The only problems I've had came from not adjusting seam allowances and stitch length enough when sewing fabrics together which have dramatically different weaves - when in doubt leave a larger seam allowance and use a smaller stitch. I always prewash everything, but I think even if you aren't normally a pre-washer you would want to test any unorthodox fabrics before including them.
Alison
~ C
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