Ellageo

What has been your experience with this type quilt? Some say sign the pieces, then make the quilt, others say make the quilt first , so everyone can see it. I was thinking , just make the top, have it signed, then finish.. Not sure if a finished quilt would be a good surface to sign. How do I tackle that? HELP!!

nativetexan

I would take large sections of fabric and mark just past the seam lines of the pieces you will need to cut and let everyone sign that. then heat set and cut and sew.

Peckish

It's easier for people to write on the fabric if the fabric is backed with freezer paper. Just make sure you mask off the seam allowances somehow, otherwise people will write all the way to the edge.

mpspeedy2

I agree with the last poster. I would cut it into the block size I want plus seam allowances. If each person gets their own block you may be able to photo transfer pictures or designs that go with that person after they sign it.

dunster

If you have people signing the finished quilt, or the finished top, you run a very real danger that someone will "mess up" and ruin the whole thing. The only time I think that would be the way to go is if there is a compelling reason to give the finished quilt away at the same time it is signed.

I would back squares with freezer paper, mask off the seam allowances in some way (someone suggested cutting the shape out of a piece of colored plastic, like a notebook folder, or you could use tape), make lots of extras for the cases when people want to start over.

jclinganrey

I made a quilt for my grandmothers' 90th birthday with signed quilt blocks. I used muslin ((wish I had backed it w/ freezer paper - good suggestion)) cut into squares then made into blocks. If I had it to do again, I think I would make the quilt blocks first and back w/ FP then have people sign them.

That's my suggestion. Lots of blocks to choose from too. Consider the album block. It's a great one for signatures.

Jane

nanna-up-north

The only signature quilt I worked with was for a baby quilt. Each person at the shower got a square of fabric to sign, embroider, etc. The problem we had was that a few people didn't follow directions and drew designs, etc. all the way to the edge.... no seam allowance..... so be sure to mask it off or draw a line.

francie yuhas

I just did one...took the blocks and pen to the guest book table. I covered a piece of cardboard with sandpaper,so when blocks were signed,they played nicely. I avoided the freezer paper step.

ManiacQuilter2

Yes, it is important to use freezer paper to make the fabric stable for a signature. Be sure to use a proper pen (I used Pigma) and try using painter tape so that people won't sign into your seam allowance. Make MORE than you will need because there is always someone who makes a goof-up.

Doggramma

When I did it for my daughter's wedding, I had blocks backed with freezer paper, plenty of blocks and Pigma pens. I made the blocks big enough so people could write more than their names too. When my friend did it for her son's wedding, she "windowed" the freezer papers, allowing plenty of seam allowance.