Using gingham

[Dorothy V.]

I have yards and yards of blue checked gingham left over from my nephew's wedding rehearsal dinner. Because it is so thin, I'm thinking I could fuse it to a thin interfacing and use it in a quilt that will be machine quilted. Before I do all that work, does anyone have other ideas, cautions, comments? Thanks to all who contribute.

[Dorothy V.]

I have had problems fusing large areas of fabric smoothly without getting bubbles occuring somewhere. If it seems too thin to use on its own I would suggest backing it with some plain muslin. You would probably be best off trying some samples both with and without lining to see how it works out. (I am not keen on making samples either, but it is the best way to find out if you like the finished effect).

[Dorothy V.]

Thank you for the suggestion. I was thinking the interfacing would add strength to the gingham for more durability. I had forgotten about the bubbles when I was doing a t-shirt quilt.

I agree about the samples. This gingham definitely demands making a sample block. Not my favorite pastime either.

Maybe I should just donate the gingham to someone who needs to make cute baby things...
Thanks again,
Dot

[Marion D.]

Watch out for the check...if you get it crooked it is going to stand out like a sore thumb! (not to offend any sore thumbs out there...) You might want to get out the scissors for this one.