Machine quilting a baby quilt

[Shirley S.]

I am doing a baby quilt with dimpled minky on the back.

This fabric is busy and I'm not sure I like it. It seems I should applique a turtle, a dragonfly and, or a frog on it. The question is how to quilt it and it raises the question of how to applique a baby quilt. I am thinking my machine doesn't do good satin stitch and wonder if it needs that to make sure it stays down and isn't going to rip out. That's a question for the applique posts. I was thinking wavy lines to quilt it. I am thinking that I should do a sample maybe a bib or two to see if a batt is better and how they quilt on my machine. I would have to do another fabric because I don't have enough of this one. I do have some minky that I can practice with. It is hard being a beginner and it seems there is never enough time to sew.

[Margo C.]

Jan, it's always a good idea to do a practice piece to see how the fabrics work together. As for the applique, I seldom use a satin stitch, but prefer to use a small zig-zag stitch with MonoPoly invisible thread and that has held up well for me on children's quilts. Others prefer to do a blanket stitch. Add that to your testing! You might want to review episode 402 where Ricky and Sue Nickels each demonstrate some raw edge applique techniques.
Good luck, and let us know how your project turns out!

[Margo C.]

Hi, Margo, I am making bibs and will see how my machine does. Will try some different stitches. Still have to do your 1/4 inch test. My husband is away for the night so the machine is out and everything else can wait. While I have your attention do I measure my cutting line with the fabric under the line on the ruler or to the side of it? Thanks, Jan

[Margo C.]

Good question! You will get an expert's opinion by watching the video by Sally Collins that will be available until the end of this month!

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Even if you aren't planning to do miniatures like Sally does, her precision piecing info is wonderful!

In the meantime, do my 1/4" test and determine if you need to be more accurate in your cutting, or your stitching or your pressing. And remember that the important thing is not how wide your seam is, but how wide is the unit after you have pressed it open!

[Margo C.]

And remember that the important thing is not how wide your seam is, but how wide is the unit after you have pressed it open!

I absolutely & totally agree with this comment! You can hide an awful lot of dodgy seams inside a quilt, provided the front looks good :wink:

[Margo C.]

I am still in the frequently dodgy column a lot. I am doing my son's quilt and don't think anyone will know on that one. It has been raining so much this fall that I keep on postponing basting it outside with 505 ? spray adhesive. Maybe I'll do it inside. On an old TQS video on Landscape quilts the guest quilter sprayed it thickly on some fabric without worrying about gassing anyone out. I have masks to wear and it's a nice day. I can open the windows. Love these weekends where the mice can play. Jan

[Margo C.]

Really enjoyed Sally Collins link Margo. Now I know if I want to use her method, how to cut and how to set my seam width. I have one of those red things with the holes to dheck a 1/4 inch seam. I like how she measures as she goes along. If anything's off you know right away. Now to try doing the seam and cutting and see how it goes.

[Margo C.]

My cutting was not consistant but my seams were pretty good. I have trouble cutting 1inch strips. Maybe the fabric needed better ironing. Back to the task later.

[Margo C.]

Starch really helps!!

[Margo C.]

OK, Margo. I'll try starch. Maybe better quality cloth. I had a cheaper muslin and black cloth that also may be cheap. You can see through the muslin. I'm thinking the only place to use it is a foundation for crazy quilting. LoL Jan