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From: Pudge99
Date: 02-15-2006, 12:28 PM (1 of 24)
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This is my first quilt ever. I am to the batting and backing part and I am confused by Joanne's instructions (http://www.sew-whats-new.com/quilting/crayon/lesson3.shtml) . Joanne says: "Measure the width across your finished top; mark down on a piece of paper. Measure the length and also mark this down. For an example I will use the measurement of 36 ½" X 36 ½" but make sure you follow your measurements. CUT your backing fabric the size of your quilt top PLUS 2 ½" so for example I would cut my backing piece 36 ½" PLUS 2 ½" to make it 39" X 39". Do this exact measuring for the batting and cut to your size." Do I cut the batting to the size of the quilt back or the quilt front? Also once I get that part done can I baste with safety pins or do I have to hand baste? I absolutely hate hand sewing. I'll do it when I have to but try to find ways out of it when I can. 
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Hogmami
Date: 02-15-2006, 12:30 PM (2 of 24)
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I always measure the batting the same as the backing. And I baste with safety pins.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 02-15-2006, 12:33 PM (3 of 24)
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Wow! I think this might have been the fastest response I have ever gotten. Wouldn't the batting make folding the binding very difficult?
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-15-2006, 12:53 PM (4 of 24)
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One more question. There is no reference to stippling, tying or any other way to secure the quilt. I am pretty sure that I should do something but am at a loss. Do I do this step before or after the binding? I am thinking before from the few quilting shows I have watched. Sorry for all the questions but I want to get this right.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: carman
Date: 02-15-2006, 01:14 PM (5 of 24)
| you tie it quilt the quilt then you trim the sides all even and then you put the binding on. |
User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: carman
Date: 02-15-2006, 01:19 PM (6 of 24)
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oh and one more thought for smaller quilts/wall hangings, i use 505 spray, then no safety pins and no basting, works like a dream.
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692
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From: Pudge99
Date: 02-15-2006, 01:24 PM (7 of 24)
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Carman, So would you consider this 36 X 36 quilt a small one? Also do you agree with Hogmami about the batting? Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: carman
Date: 02-15-2006, 01:36 PM (8 of 24)
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i always cut the batting a backing about 2 inches bigger than the top and then after the quilting, trim it all to the same. i spray anything twin size quilt and smaller 
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692
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From: Pudge99
Date: 02-15-2006, 01:45 PM (9 of 24)
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OK so here is where I am confused. The binding on this quilt is actually the backing folded around to the front. So in my mind I would cut the batting to the size of the front otherwise I would be trying to fold batting up inside the binding. Does this make sense?
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: carman
Date: 02-15-2006, 02:12 PM (10 of 24)
| sorry can't help you on that one, i always add my binding separately, i cut 2 1/4 strips then fold in half then sew on 1/4 seam and then hand sew the back down. (you sew your strips together two make one piece before fold and pressing half |
User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 02-15-2006, 02:18 PM (11 of 24)
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Yep Gina that sounds right to me. I might cut the batting a little larger than the front, then after I have done my quilting, trim to the finished size of the front. Then fold over my backing to make the binding. I wouldn't bind it before I quilted it.
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-15-2006, 04:47 PM (12 of 24)
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Pudge 99 cut your backing and batting the same size; then, once you've finished quilting or tying or however you're going to finish the block, decide how wide your finished binding (that you're going to fold over from the backing fabric) is going to be and leave that much batting around the edges of your top. You always want batting inside your binding to give it some stability. Also, when you fold your backing over to make the binding, allow at least a 1/4" edge to fold under the edge. Hope this makes sense to you. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: esrun3
Date: 02-15-2006, 05:28 PM (13 of 24)
Gina, I always cut my batting and backing larger than the front. Do my quilting or tying and then trim the batting and backing down to the size of the front squaring all up at the same time. Then you can add your binding. If you plan on folding the back around to the front to use that as your binding, trim your batting after quilting to the size of your front piece. Be sure to show us a picture when you are done so we can ooh and ahhh!! 
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-15-2006, 06:50 PM (14 of 24)
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Well after looking at my quilt top on the cutting table all day I decided that even though the instructions don't call for it, I want to put a border of fabric all around the outside edge. I figure that way my binding won't cover up my kids beautiful artwork. Lyn, Here are some teaser photos to get you through until I can complete it. Blocks (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/<email address removed for privacy>/detail?.dir=/7f9d&.dnm=1b4bscd.jpg&.src=ph) Blocks with Sashing (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/<email address removed for privacy>/detail?.dir=/7f9d&.dnm=10cescd.jpg&.src=ph) Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 02-15-2006, 07:50 PM (15 of 24)
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Gina, the first quilt I ever made (double bed size) I did the binding the way you are planning to do it. It is called a mock binding. I have the Singer Quilter's Bible and followed the instructions in that book. I have just done a search and here are the instructions from that book.... Mock Binding (http://www.fabriclandwest.com/quilters%20corner/binding_mock.htm) Hope this helps. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 02-21-2006, 11:06 AM (16 of 24)
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I am having great difficulty quilting this quilt. I am trying to stitch in the ditch around the blocks. I have tried stitching around each square starting with the middle one. I have also tried stitching all the horizontal lines and then all the vertical ones. Each time I have ended up with puckers. I have a Pfaff with IDF. The pucker is the same on the back and front so I know the fabric is feeding evenly. I pin basted using the carpet method. I am at a loss for what to do. All the beginner quilting books at the library are missing and I can't justify purchasing anymore sewing items right now. All my Google searches lead me to instructions on piecing. Seams like nobody wants to touch the actual quilting process. I did see reference to a hoop somewhere. Should I be hooping the fabric? Oh what did I get myself into? Help me please!!!!! Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: joannequilts
Date: 02-21-2006, 11:56 AM (17 of 24)
| The only thing I can think of Gina is your tension sounds tight. Make yourself a practise piece by cutting a ten inch square of your fabric and put the batting between and adjust until you have the quilting easy. |
User: joannequilts
Member since: 12-22-2000 Total posts: 3070 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 02-21-2006, 12:10 PM (18 of 24)
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I had a few extra blocks and turned one into a pillow to practice quilting on. It turned out beautifully. So I just don't get why it is not working now. I will try playing with the tension a bit hopefully that will help.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 02-21-2006, 02:11 PM (19 of 24)
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Gina, are you using a walking foot? If so, then all I can think is the tension is too tight or you are pushing the quilt too fast with your hands. I love the pictures, I'd like to try that one day. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 02-21-2006, 02:33 PM (20 of 24)
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jenny-o IDF is a built in walking foot. I don't really think I am pushing the fabric. I will watch mayself and see though. Right now I have taken a frustration break and am doing some machine embroidery on some towels for my hubby's bowling team. Hopefully those will be successful and then I can go back to the quilt with a positive outlook. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: carman
Date: 02-21-2006, 02:34 PM (21 of 24)
are you using the poofy batting? or the thinner stuff, the poofy stuff  is done much easier free motioned, then it does not have the tension of the foot on it, that is another option, loosen the presser foot tension, even dual feed can help thick batting in a larger piece.
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692
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From: Pudge99
Date: 02-21-2006, 02:36 PM (22 of 24)
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carman, My batting is a little bit on the poofy side. How do I loosen the presser foot tension? Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 02-22-2006, 07:31 AM (23 of 24)
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Gina, the very first quilt I machine quilted was pin basted and while the top quilted nicely, the back was totally full of puckers. Is this your problem? If so, I discovered that I had not stretched the back tight enough when I pinned. Ever since, I have used a frame to pin my quilt and I have never had a problem with puckers. Here is a really great video site I found for beginners. Take a look at the video clip "Sandwiching Your Quilt". The first thing she says is you can't do it on a carpet....probably because you will have too much slack in the backing. Hope these help. http://easymade.com/video_basic.html TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: jenny-o
Date: 02-22-2006, 01:27 PM (24 of 24)
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Hi Gina, check your manual for pressure foot settings. My machine has a separate dial 1-3 for thin to thick fabrics (2 for normal) and I set it for thick when quilting. It might be in a funny place. I have never seen a built-in walking foot! Sounds interesting. I hope you are not completely frustrated by now (I know I'd be)! Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
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