Begin in the middle

Den 20-03-2013 03:57, Polly Esther skrev:

I've never done the batting in stages, it sounds sort of like "modified quilt as you go"?

But I always start quilting somewhat in the middle. If the design allows I will anchor it (as Hargraves taught me) by sewing right down the middle and right across the middle. If the layout is in blocks, I'll SITD between all blocks (depending on size), and only then to on to free motion. Most of my quilts to not have big expanses without seams, so that works for me. Obviously, if this quarter of the quilt should be one big feather motif (ha! maybe in my next life!) you shouldn't disrupt it with anchoring lines.

Regardsless, I always start in the middle. Because then if the batting/back should shift, it is an issue at the edges, and not in the middle (imagine having too much batting once you get to the middle?)

Hanne in DK

I usually do begin in the middle, but then I do a stabilizing grid all over. So you're saying that if I just step over the cliff of uncertainty and skip the grid, it will be easier and mooshier? Definitely not something to try on a just-barely-big-enough backing!

I am about to start quilt>Someone over on the Bernina group suggested that it was easier on a big

Well, there Is this - I noticed this morning when first walking into the kitchen that either (1) one of my legs is longer than the other, (2) the house is tilted or (3) I quilted too many hours yesterday. However, it does make my heart happy to see the middle of my quilt all done. Yesss. Polly

I've never tried that, but I've heard of it for some time and always thought it was an interesting idea. My problem would be getting the pieces of batting lined up evenly after they were cut and partially quilted.

As for starting in the middle, I always do that; it prevents puckers, IMHO. I do also do as much stabilizing quilting as possible before beginning the FMQ parts, but sometimes there isn't much that can be done without interfering with the design.

In short: it all depends. ;)

Here's the story on how I did a quilt one section at a time.

I've also cut away part of the batting while I quilted the center of a big quilt and then added it back in before quilting the rest of the quilt.

Julia > I usually do begin in the middle, but then I do a stabilizing grid all

When I have cut away part of the batting, I cut a curvy line. I also use a washable marker to mark across the cut every 6-12 inches. That helps to match it up when it is time to put it back together. It's like matching notches when sewing garments.

Julia > >

Oh yes, I know people who quilt from the outside in and then they cut chunks out of the back or pleat it over, because it won't show - it is on the back! Makes me cringe after all the time and effort they go to, to make the top!

Janner France

Wow! That is just scary!!!

Hanne in DK

Those are great suggestions, Julia! :)

Sometimes some fusibles gum up needles. That would be a very bad place. You could use plain old blue masking tape to hold it in place and remove it as you stitch. I'd be afraid of gummy; too much at stake to risk it. Polly

"Roberta" My plan is to do the batting in thirds and the top in fifths. So the

I sew the batting together with a large whip stitch -- think stitches and inch or 2 apart.

Julia > My plan is to do the batting in thirds and the top in fifths. So the

'they' make a tape that is specifically for piecing battings. don't remember what it is called but have had good reports on it from a couple quilting friends. taria

Sometimes some fusibles gum up needles. That would be a very bad place. You could use plain old blue masking tape to hold it in place and remove it as you stitch. I'd be afraid of gummy; too much at stake to risk it. Polly

"Roberta" My plan is to do the batting in thirds and the top in fifths. So the

thanks, I guess some experimenting is called for!

Roberta >Sometimes some fusibles gum up needles. That would be a very bad place.

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