PATCHWORK ON PARADE
For all your machine quilting requirements to transform your quilt tops into heirloom quilts.

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Copyright 2006
Patchwork On Parade
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Patchwork On Parade

Quilt Preparation

  Preparation

• Choose a backing fabric that has similar colour tones as the top.  We prefer to use the same thread on both the top and bottom wherever possible.
• Choose a back with a busy print
• The backing and wadding should be at least 4” larger than the quilt top on all sides.
• If backing is to be pieced ensure all selvedges are removed and backing is square.
• Pieced borders should have a line of stay stitching around the edge to prevent the seams popping open and distorting the border
• Please note that the use of ‘sheeting’ as a backing fabric is not recommended as the weave may be too dense to allow even needle penetration
• Loose threads on quilt top should be clipped.
• Check for unsewn or frayed seams and repair them
• Please press your top and back
• Using a hanger to drape the quilt top and backing on keeps them neat until ready to be quilted.

Borders

In order for your quilt to lay flat and to quilt squarely you must apply your borders correctly.  If your quilt top isn’t square we may need to put in tucks/pleats to ensure that any fullness in your quilt is reduced.  If pleating is required this is done discreetly, on a seam where possible, and blind hem stitch is used to bed this down.

Tips for Applying Borders

Borders that are flared, rippled or wavy are the most common piecing problem that we see.  Borders that are cut straight on the grain, rather than across the grain are more stable and less likely to flare.

To apply a border with straight-cut corners, as opposed to a mitred border, use the following instructions.  Measure the length of the quilt in 3 centre places, middle, just above and just below.   Average the numbers and use the average as the quilt length.  Repeat this method with the width of the quilt to obtain the top and bottom border widths.  Cut the borders, remembering to add the border width to either side or top and bottom borders depending on how you are constructing the border.  Cut fabric and apply to borders by pinning the centre of the border to the centre of the appropriate edge of the quilt, pining the border ends to the quilt corners and easing the fullness in whilst sewing from the centre toward the corners.  If you have a walking foot it is a great tool to use at this point.

                    Figure 1                                                                                  Figure 2