Tips and Tricks for New Quilters.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on April 4, 2011 at 6:39am

I should have added that one reason I'm truing up on the left side is so I don't have to move my fabric before making the next cut. When working with a large piece of fabric or stacks of fabric, I try to avoid moving it between cuts. If you move it, some of the layers can move a bit, causing inaccurate cutting. If I do have to move it, I true up again to be sure.

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on April 4, 2011 at 6:35am

When you're sewing on borders or bonding, or sewing long strips of blocks together, the quilt top tends to want to slide off the table, unless you have one of those nice L-shaped sewing cabinets. If you're like me and don't have one, set up a folding TV tray table to the left of you in front of the table your machine is on. It will hold some of the weight until you sew long enough to get the whole top on the table.

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on April 9, 2011 at 7:57am

Ever measure carefully and then discover you cut a 2 1/2" strip instead of 3 1/2"? Here's a way to almost prevent that. Put a strip of tape (painter's or masking will work, but don't leave it on too long) near the line you want to use on your ruler. This will remind you to use that line to measure. I have used the tape that came on my new printer, to keep the parts from joggling during shipment. I figured it would come off easily. You can also use a piece of colored vinyl, which stays on by static electricity.

Permalink Reply by Julie Hollister on April 9, 2011 at 10:14am

Thanks, Peggy! Love your tips.

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on April 9, 2011 at 11:21am

Thanks, Julie! I have thought about having an "Ask Peggy" column. I don't know what kinds of problems people have, but if I couldn't answer, we might be able to find another experienced quilter to help.

Permalink Reply by Julie Hollister on April 9, 2011 at 11:42am

Good idea.

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on April 9, 2011 at 5:05pm

Maybe as a separate discussion?

Permalink Reply by Julie Hollister on April 9, 2011 at 5:18pm

Definitely! Or even a separate grouping for topics. We had the one on the sewing machine issues. I had one on setting up a space to work in, you have tips & tricks. That way we can have the "hi, how're you doing; look at what I'm doing" stuff in one place, like we have now, then specific topics in other discussions. You might try a general "Ask Peggy" discussion at first, see what happens. I'm excited! Can't wait to see what you do!

Permalink Reply by Sheila M/FL on April 11, 2011 at 8:44am

Now you give me this idea/hint!!  I just did this very thing over the weekend and did not realise it until I went to stacking all the blocks and they just did not match up.  Some where done using 3.5" squares and the others were only 2.5", so today I'm off to buy more material to finish my topper.  Thank you for sharing these ideas keep them coming and next one before I make another costly mistake.  Heehee.

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on April 11, 2011 at 8:54am

Been there, done that! You have a great attitude! (Maybe you can save those mistakes for another quilt with a different design, and it won't have cost extra!)

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on April 13, 2011 at 6:54am

Here's my friend Karan holding a pillow in her lap while working on applique. This is a good technique for alleviating back, neck and shoulder pain during most hand work.

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on April 15, 2011 at 5:39am

Save time when you can by sewing one strip set after another without cutting your thread. This is called "chain piecing."

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