Tips & Techniques
Pressing Seams
When you are pressing seams in quilts, purses, etc, it is really important that you press up and down. Don't iron in a back and forth manner. It will distort the fabric. Look at these two blocks, one was pressed, and one was ironed. You can see how the ironed one is distorted and won't be square when you try to add it to your quilt. I like to make sure there is a lot of steam when I press.
IRONED...Note how the block is distorted PRESSED... nice and square!
and not square. This will cause your project to
be off, and if all the blocks are ironed, your project
won't be straight at all.
To Pre-Wash or Not to Pre-wash....that is the Question!
There are books and teachers who tell you to pre-wash and press all your fabric before you sew your projects. Some say it doesn't matter. I can tell you that I never do. I find that the sizing that is in the fabric helps when sewing, and gives it more body. I have made quilts and have washed them after they are done, and they have all been fine. I might pre-wash a dark red, but apart from that, I think the fabrics do fine without washing, especially when making purses, bags and totes. Consider it a personal choice.
What Kind of Fabrics Work the Best for Quilts, Purses, Etc?
Quilt Shop Quality Fabrics are the best, hands down. When you spend that much time, and effort in creating your project, you want it to last. Cheap fabric does not last, sometimes not even through one wash! Years ago, I made my son a quilt. He chose the fabrics and the pattern. He chose a pattern of houses, and it was fairly difficult to make. The first time it was washed, the doors dissolved! All that was left in their place was the batting inside the quilt. So, buy good fabric for your projects. You'll be glad you did.
Can I Sew Over Pins?
No no no no!! Try to pull the pins out as you sew. It's a good way to break a needle, and get the broken and bent needle jammed in your machine, and poke a hole in your project. I know some people do, and I have been guilty of it. I have also sat with pliers trying to get the bent needle out of my machine, too!
Fast Way to Pull Threads Out After You Make A Mistake (and have to rip seams)
After you rip the seam out, you're left with a lot of little threads that get everywhere and are a pain to pull out.
Press wide, clear mailing tape over the threads. Make sure you press the tape down firmly. Pull the tape off.
Threads are gone, and are stuck to the tape!
More Tips and Techniques Coming Soon!
When you are pressing seams in quilts, purses, etc, it is really important that you press up and down. Don't iron in a back and forth manner. It will distort the fabric. Look at these two blocks, one was pressed, and one was ironed. You can see how the ironed one is distorted and won't be square when you try to add it to your quilt. I like to make sure there is a lot of steam when I press.
IRONED...Note how the block is distorted PRESSED... nice and square!
and not square. This will cause your project to
be off, and if all the blocks are ironed, your project
won't be straight at all.
To Pre-Wash or Not to Pre-wash....that is the Question!
There are books and teachers who tell you to pre-wash and press all your fabric before you sew your projects. Some say it doesn't matter. I can tell you that I never do. I find that the sizing that is in the fabric helps when sewing, and gives it more body. I have made quilts and have washed them after they are done, and they have all been fine. I might pre-wash a dark red, but apart from that, I think the fabrics do fine without washing, especially when making purses, bags and totes. Consider it a personal choice.
What Kind of Fabrics Work the Best for Quilts, Purses, Etc?
Quilt Shop Quality Fabrics are the best, hands down. When you spend that much time, and effort in creating your project, you want it to last. Cheap fabric does not last, sometimes not even through one wash! Years ago, I made my son a quilt. He chose the fabrics and the pattern. He chose a pattern of houses, and it was fairly difficult to make. The first time it was washed, the doors dissolved! All that was left in their place was the batting inside the quilt. So, buy good fabric for your projects. You'll be glad you did.
Can I Sew Over Pins?
No no no no!! Try to pull the pins out as you sew. It's a good way to break a needle, and get the broken and bent needle jammed in your machine, and poke a hole in your project. I know some people do, and I have been guilty of it. I have also sat with pliers trying to get the bent needle out of my machine, too!
Fast Way to Pull Threads Out After You Make A Mistake (and have to rip seams)
After you rip the seam out, you're left with a lot of little threads that get everywhere and are a pain to pull out. Press wide, clear mailing tape over the threads. Make sure you press the tape down firmly. Pull the tape off. Threads are gone, and are stuck to the tape! More Tips and Techniques Coming Soon!
