Sew, What's Up

Sew What’s Up Presents

The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: dutchessmom
Date: 06-28-2006, 07:07 AM (1 of 2)
:nc: I don't know what I did wrong but some of the seams on my first quilt are coming apart. I used the 1/4 I was told to use but some of the seams are coming apart after washing. Could it be the fabric I used? I bought material for my next quilt, but am a little dishartened. Please help. :nc:

Di :coffee:
User: dutchessmom
Member since: 06-23-2006
Total posts: 4
From: Patty22
Date: 06-28-2006, 07:51 AM (2 of 2)
Di...

Need just a bit more information. How are the seams coming apart? Is it the fabric that looks like it is frayed? If the fabric is fraying, it could be the quality of your fabric. I personally have never seen a fabric fray from washing one time and that is with over 25+ years and I have used a variety of fabrics. So I'm thinking there is more to this .......

Are the seams so tight that it is ripping your fabric? Are you using 100%cotton fabric with cotton thread? I use speciality fabrics such as lame, or irridescent silk in specialty quilts such as wall hangings that are meant to be vacuumed, not washed, so I can't give you an indication if other than 100% cotton will react poorly with washing.

Were you sewing with antique fabric scraps? I have seen antique quilts rip at the seam, but this was due to the fabric press at the seam, and the folding broke the fibers. The fibers were quite brittle from age and couldn't take the stress.

Describe how you washed the quilt. Did you wash a quilt, or just a quilt top? A quilt top washed in a washing machine is opening the door to heartbreak.....and it's the kind Elvis doesn't sing about.

When did you change last your sewing machine needle? Are you using the correct needle for the fabric? Burrs on needles, or a blunt needle can cause damage to fabric making fine holes along the seam line.

As you see, without a picture, or more of a description, there could be many reasons.

Keep talking and maybe we can figure this out.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
Sew, What's Up
Search the “Sew What’s New” Archive:
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-19498.html