I have recently had the opportunity to create a Frank Lloyd Wright quilt for a client. I really struggled with the thin black strips wanting to stretch a bit and distort, this added quite a bit of time to my task as I had to rip and resew many times. I finally came to a system which really helped in my struggle and I thought it would be a great tip to pass along.
First, I chose to cut my strips the length of salvage, as oppose to salvage to salvage. I did this by measuring the fabric to the longest piece I would have to cut, I hate to waste fabric. I also was aware that I would likely use all of the piece I had cut. I then folded the fabric edge to edge and not salvage to salvage. I did this for each strip I cut from every fabric color in the quilt.
Second, I decided that I needed it stabilized a bit more. Can you say spray starch? That’s right I used a sizing agent on each piece of fabric, and then on each segment after it was together. This not only helped in stretching and distortion, but it also gave the quilt a crisp look. Now that my problem was solved I couldn’t help but yell a yipee and share this tip with you. Hope you try it.
2 Responses to “A little tip to start a new year”
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Thanks for the tip. I read tat somewhere else too, but glad to hear I’m not the only one trying this. It really does help a ton. But, beware and make sure you wash the starch out.ive heard it attracts moths to the fabrics cause of the sweetness.
Thanks for the info lee, I wouldn’t have thought of the moth issue.