This weekend I finished up the plus quilt I started a couple of weeks ago.
Simple quilting was the order of the day.
I backed this quilt with waffle fabric my dad bought in Japan.
I also stitched in the ditch along all the seams as well as cross-hatching.
The waffle fabric gives this quilt great drape and it's lovely and soft and cuddly on the back. It's also made this quilt slightly crinkly already - I can't wait to wash this quilt and see what happens.
In case anyone else wants to try backing a quilt with waffle fabric, here are my tips:
- pre-wash the waffle fabric. I don't usually pre-wash my fabrics but I read somewhere that waffle shrinks a lot, so I pre-washed this waffle and also ran it through the dryer (I stitched the raw edges together using a long stitch before washing to prevent the whole thing from unravelling during this process). It did shrink a lot so that was very worthwhile.
- baste extra thoroughly. I used pins, which is my usual method of basting. I used more pins to baste than I usually would - two in each 3.5" finished square. I don't spray baste, so I don't have any particular tips there, but I wonder whether the woven texture of the waffle fabric might not be ideal for spray basting (I think it might absorb the glue more readily than more tightly woven fabrics). If someone experiments with spray basting waffle fabric, can they let me know?
- use a walking foot. Frankly, I always use a walking foot for straight line quilting and it is so worth the investment. Because the waffle has texture and is more loosely woven than quilting cotton, you really want to minimise the risk of it shifting around under your quilt and creating lumps or puckers. With a walking foot, your sewing machine feeds the quilt from both the top and the bottom which helps avoid this shifting.
- quilt a little more densely than you might otherwise. The risk with backing a quilt with slightly stretchy fabric like waffle (or minky) is that you can get saggy patches between your quilting lines. By having a smaller gap between the quilting lines, you minimise the amount of fabric that can stretch and create a saggy patch.
Quilt StatsIn case anyone else wants to try backing a quilt with waffle fabric, here are my tips:
- pre-wash the waffle fabric. I don't usually pre-wash my fabrics but I read somewhere that waffle shrinks a lot, so I pre-washed this waffle and also ran it through the dryer (I stitched the raw edges together using a long stitch before washing to prevent the whole thing from unravelling during this process). It did shrink a lot so that was very worthwhile.
- baste extra thoroughly. I used pins, which is my usual method of basting. I used more pins to baste than I usually would - two in each 3.5" finished square. I don't spray baste, so I don't have any particular tips there, but I wonder whether the woven texture of the waffle fabric might not be ideal for spray basting (I think it might absorb the glue more readily than more tightly woven fabrics). If someone experiments with spray basting waffle fabric, can they let me know?
- use a walking foot. Frankly, I always use a walking foot for straight line quilting and it is so worth the investment. Because the waffle has texture and is more loosely woven than quilting cotton, you really want to minimise the risk of it shifting around under your quilt and creating lumps or puckers. With a walking foot, your sewing machine feeds the quilt from both the top and the bottom which helps avoid this shifting.
- quilt a little more densely than you might otherwise. The risk with backing a quilt with slightly stretchy fabric like waffle (or minky) is that you can get saggy patches between your quilting lines. By having a smaller gap between the quilting lines, you minimise the amount of fabric that can stretch and create a saggy patch.
Pattern: made up as I went along plus quilt pattern
Finished Size: approx 35" by 42"
Fabric: many
Backing: waffle
Binding: unknown (no details on the selvedge)
Pieced and quilted by: me
Nice quilt! It's a simple beauty!
ReplyDeleteCute quilt! Love the soft blues with that pop of red!
ReplyDeleteHelpful hints - thanks! Very sweet quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love it, the plus design is one of my favourites. x
ReplyDeleteLovely! Your simple quilting is very elegant and compliments the design!
ReplyDeleteOh I've just fall in love. The plus quilt is in my to-do list forever, but I need to finish two quilts, a mini quilt and a lot of small things.
ReplyDeletePlus designs are one of my favorites. Made one - one ready to design! I like the cross hatch kwilting as well.Will have to try that on my next one!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt! I love the backing.
ReplyDeleteStill a favourite block of mine. Very pretty
ReplyDeleteOh this is just adorable! I love the colours and those adorable fabrics. Such a great job!
ReplyDeleteI love plus quilts, and the addition of the Red Cross is really beautiful. Thanks for the tips about waffle fabric, I have ever used any yet, but I do like the texture it adds - so if I were to find any I would definitely buy some!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful-I love the fabrics you chose, especially the red plus.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. I love the colors!
ReplyDeleteI love it, makes me wanna go all Mushy on you and pelt you with roses. The backing is cute too. Great job all around. The colors sing together in perfect harmony.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Love that single dark red plus sign. :) And the waffle knit back is just too awesome.
ReplyDelete