Quilting on medium-weight linen - any advice?

[Nancy R.]

Hi - just looking for some input from others who have quilted with linen. I've done one twin size whole-cloth quilt using a medium weight Italian linen - and it turned out really nice. I did find it difficult to work with because it is heavier than cotton fabric, moves around a bit more, and requires a ton of starch if you wash it first.

However, I am giving it a go again on two (oh yes - I am a glutton for punishment) king size whole-cloth linen quilts. This time I think I WON'T wash it first so that it isn't so "shifty"...I will still starch it to death. I know that linen shrinks a lot if washed in hot water, but I plan to wash in cool water after quilting. I will also use a lighter-weight batting. And the backing for both quilts will be cotton...the first time I used cotton velveteen for the backing which really added to the weight.

I would like to free-motion quilt these two quilts. The first time I mostly just did straight lines, with one large curve thrown in for interest (quilted horizontally inside the curve and vertically outside it. REally looked nice - kind of art deco).

Anyone else using linen in their quilt tops and do you have any advice?

[Nancy R.]

You used cotton velveteen for the backing - wow! working with a pile fabric = superwoman.... photos, we definitely need photos!

Cindy Needham is noted for using old linens for quilts, she was a guest on either the first or second series, and has her own website where you could probably find additional advice.

[Nancy R.]

Thanks, Rosemary - don't know about Superwoman, but I learned a lot from that. lol. I think I should clarify what I am talking about...I'm using the mid-to heavy weight linen made from flax. I have Cindy Needham's book, but she uses vintage table cloth, bed linens, etc. I do appreciate your comment, though - pictures, hmmm....not sure I took any, but will look. I've discovered that cotton velveteen as the backing for baby quilts or any quilt is just so scrumptious...worth the effort usually.

[E.M. T.]

Might add that some of those antique table linens ARE made of linen. I own many such !

[E.M. T.]

oh - maybe I should take a look at that book, then! Thanks!

Cleta