Rhonda Lee

I finished a wall hanging and free motioned quilted it with just the batting. After the fm quilting was completed I added the backing and quilted with the walking foot. This last step was outlining some of the blocks; not a lot of quilting. The back was very smooth and no wrinkles at all!

I'm still learning free motion and I didn't want the back of the quilt to look awful. I was pleasantly surprised about how good the back looked. If I'm not looking too close the front looks pretty good too!

I used 505, spraying lightly. Then I ironed it. I did this with both sides; the top with just the batting, ironing the top and then when I added the backing I ironed it after spray basting. Even though this is a wall hanging and not a large quilt it went together smoother than what I have been able to do prier to this project. The next quilt I put together will get this same treatment. I'm actually looking forward to sandwiching a quilt. Unbelievable!

sandrab64

I've done this before too. Kind of freeing knowing you can match bobbin/top thread colors and not worry about it. Put on a cute backing fabric, do a little outlining and it looks great!

stitch678

Great idea!

thimblebug6000

I have used this method with wall hangings and table runners, but not with a quilt. Look forward to hearing your review on how that works out.

Iceblossom

I have a project that I will be doing similar to this. It's a collection of pre-stamped cross-stitched blocks from the 70s I found at a Goodwill. The fabric is unfortunately pretty flimsy and the cross-stitches are somewhat large, maybe 1/4" inch and I am concerned about quilting it down on a long arm. The block size is about 16" finished. I've considered various ways to put this together, it won't be a heavy use quilt but I want it to last at least as long as it takes to finish it.

I've made wide pieced sashing (an authentic 70s chocolate brown "posy" with a modern but appropriate red center, then red squares at the junctions) but will first individually quilt the blocks down to properly sized squares of warm & natural (this will also help size the blocks consistently, some are a bit stretched). Then I will put the top together with the sashing and borders. Finally I will use a thin poly batt and quilt all three layers together. I've designed a pattern that will go in and out of the cross-stitch blocks to hold them down as well. I've done some tests and this seems to be a workable solution.

Other things I've considered is maybe this would be a good use for the iron on batting. Any comments anyone has about using it would be appreciated as I haven't used it myself. I've also considered using a piece of pre-washed flannel and then a lightweight batiste or similar to sandwich the blocks and quilt them instead of the batting.

Rhonda Lee

Good luck with your project Iceblossom. I found working with just two layers, the top and the batting very rewarding. And when I added the third layer, the backing, it was almost like working with two layers again. I'll be watching for your decision and work. It sounds very fulfilling.

Rhonda K

Rhonda,

Congrats on your success with a new technique. It's fun to stretch our skills and try something different.

linmid

A new thought for me to do it with just the batting. I am doing a wall hanging now will try this method. I always learn something new on this site.

Mkotch

Great idea - thanks!