Tips

This page isn't the least bit complete, I took it out of draft mode in case the little that is here might be of help.


Tips with more information are indicated by TUTORIAL. Click on the appropriate tab at the top of the page.

Balance ~ Balancing both your colors and the scale of the prints will prevent any one color or print from overwhelming the others. That does not mean your feature fabric or one color cannot dominate; however the huge print usually is shown to advantage if it is balanced by a small print of a color that compliments it.

Battings ~
Bamboo ~ drapes nicely.
Cotton ~ It breaths therefore you won't be as uncomfortable under it if you get too hot.
Poly/Polyester ~ It doesn't breath. The high loft is usually fluffy and insulates well. Warmer than cotton.
Silk ~ a lovely hand and drape.
Wool ~ very warm


Binding ~ Three Tutorials
   1 ~ Yardage
   2 ~ Cutting Methods
   3 ~ Attach it!

Binding Distortion Check ~ cut one binding strip; unfold it. Position a long ruler or yard stick so that the fold is in the middle of the straight edge. If it doesn't lay smoothly beside the straight edge, it is distorted. 

IF making straight cut binding, try to minimize distortion when cutting by taking care to line up the edges and being careful to make your cut at a 90 degree angle to the selvage. TUTORIAL


Bleeding Test ~ Lay a small piece of wet fabric on top of a white paper towel for ten minutes. If the paper towel does not absorb color,  the fabric should not have Excess Dye or Bleed.

Color Catchers ~ The manufacturer claims they will trap “fugitive dye” that has bled from cloth. My observation is that each sheet can only hold so much. If there is a potential problem, toss more than one sheet in the wash with the fabric/item.

Quilt Sandwich ~  The three layers of a quilt consisting of Top, Batting and Backing. Before layering your sandwich, make sure your top is Squared Up.


Squared Up ~ Your top is straight, all edges are at 90 degree right angles to the edge leading to it and parallel the opposite side. 

Straightening a Cut Edge ~ Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and with the selvages meeting. Set it down and smooth out any creases. Set your ruler at a 90 degree angle to the salvage and trim off the access fabric. 

Straightening Fabric ~ Fabric can be distorted when it is rolled onto the bolt at the manufacturer. This is particularly true of wide quilt backings.