Repair Top Before Putting Quilt Sandwich Together

[Margo C.]

I have a top that has been in the closet for more than a year. I was a little too enthusiatic when I finished the top and put the sandwich together and started to quilt. After doing in the ditch to secure it, I started to use the bsr foot and quilt away. I created quite a mess. It took me a long time to up and use my seam wripper to free my top from a hasty start. Now that my top is free, I am aware of a number of seams that need to be repaired. There isn't enough fabric to simply renew the seam. I was watching a video where Alex Anderson talked about needing to applique. I would like to applique in such a way as it would look like the seam between two different colors in not interupted because my design is very geometric. Any suggestions?

I uploaded a picture of the quilt as a personal photo.

Much appreciate assistance. Carol Zalon

[Robin G.]

Carol-
Would it be possible for you to post a picture of the top in your gallery so we can all see it? You will probably get lots of suggestions.

[Robin G.]

Without seeing the quilt and knowing that you want to keep the geometric aspect of your quilt, I would suggest that you applique ribbon over the seams of the quilt.
Otherwise you could cut out flowers and applique them in an artful way over seam lines as needed.

Hope this helps

Jean In Windsor, On

[Judy M.]

Carol, I have used hand applique to repair seams on finished quilts. As long as the fabric is not torn or frayed badly, it will work. It just looks like the other seams when done. Judy in Torrance

[Judy M.]

Off the top of my head I can think of two different ways that I would go. 1. Find a wide grosgrain ribbon (grey to keep the original feel of the quilt) and just cover the seamed area completely. 2. Find a narrower black or darker grey grosgrain ribbon and cover the seams of the narrow grey strip independently of each other.
both would work, it just depends on the look you want and what you can find in the stores.

Good Luck!

Jean in Windsor, ON

[Betty J.]

Carol, what about using some of that pre-made 1/4" wide bias strips designed for use on stained-glass style quilt tops, or making bias strips yourself, using one of those 1/4" bias strip makers to make it even. These are available online at Nancy's Notions, I think. If you get the widest double needle to sew it down with, you can do one, even pass that sews down both sides of the bias strip. And if you baste it down with either glue basting or fusible web, it would stay put while you are sewing it and it could only add to your lovely geometric pattern. Just an idea.

[Betty J.]

Dear Sew Dreamy,

If I make my own bias tape using the solid color, I could then fuse it and get a piece big enough to sew into the seam. Thanks, I think that will work. This is the first time I have replied publicly instead of via private email because I just figured out how to post a reply.

Now that I have my quilt on a huge table and realize just how very big it is, I think I will cut out the main design for one lap quilt and the put the other pieces together for another quilt.

Thanks again for the repair advice.

Carol

[Betty J.]

Glad I had an idea that might work. Cool idea to make it smaller. I'll look forward to hearing how it all went. Cheers!

[Betty J.]

When I have repaired seams in old quilts I use a ladder stitch to sew the seams back to gether. I learned it in an Ami Simms work shop but the technique has been around since the beginning of time.

I will look for my link to the on line instructions and post here.