Quilted Wallhanging w/ Counted Cross-Stitch Blks-need advice

[Jules M.]

My sister has asked if I'd make a wall hanging from her counted cross-stitch blocks.

Have you ever done this?
Do you think it will work?
Do I need a layer of fabric to back the cross-stitch blocks to keep the batting from poking out?

I have design liberties. She knows nothing of quilting.

Thanks for your help!
Joyce

[Annette R.]

I made a bed size quilt with cross stitch blocks and sashing eleven years ago. Tied it because I had no idea how to quilt it (it is one of my three layer bedspreads that gets called a quilt LOL)

I didn't use any kind of stabilizer behind the squares (didn't even know about such a thing back then) and used a high loft batting (another dumb choice but live and learn) I have never had the batting bleed through the cross stitch squares and that quilt has been on our bed continuously for all eleven years. I don't wash it but air it out frequently and fold it back at night but have seen no damage.

having learned a few things, here is what I would probably do now. I would use a very lightweight stabilizer behind each square and a low loft firm batting either cotton or wool. I am not sure how I would quilt the squares I used in my bedspread as they were almost all buildings or scenes from places where we had traveled over the years.

But for truly expert advice, I would e mail Cindy Needham who works with the vintage linens. Do a search for her as she is a member. She has answered questions for me and probably has the best answers and the most experience working with embroidered pieces.

Ann

[Annette R.]

I did what Anne said she would do now. I can't remember if I did any quilting on the cross-stitched blocks. I alternated the cross-stitch with pieced blocks and put sashing between them. I really liked that quilt.

[Hannelore N.]

I do this all the time, and only use a lightweight stabilizer behind the blocks if I'm making a bed quilts or if the fabric used for the embroidery is a very loose weave. I often hand embroider on 28-count Lugana by Zweigart and a stablizer is not needed. I normally use 80/20 wadding. Piecing a quilt/wallhanging like that needs a little more care because you are using fabrics that are quite different in weight and density (thread count). Piecing is easier if you use a little spray starch on your cotton fabrics. But then you really have to wash your piece once it's finished. I would not leave the starch in. I also always make very sure that the edges of the embroidered pieces don't fray by zig-zag-ing around them (I don't have an overlooker/serger to do that job). In my opinion that is very important. You may also find that working with embroidered panels can have its moments, because the embroidered pieces are a lot heavier than the other fabrics. It's well worth persevering though, because the end result can be simply stunning.

Lorchen

[Jules M.]

Oh wow! Thanks for these quick replies!!

I don't know the size of sister's blocks but did consider a pieced block alternating with her stitched blocks.

I also don't know about what size weave she used on her cross-stitch. I've asked for pictures so am waiting on that.

Thanks for the encouragement tho! It is good to know you've done this and are happy with your quilts. I was concerned it wouldn't look nice.

I'll look for Cindy tomorrow. Great idea!

Joyce

[Hannelore N.]

One more thing, Joyce: The actual quilting. If you don't want to quilt around (over) the embroideries, then you must make sure that the batting is suitable for the distance that remains unquilted.

Lorchen

[Jules M.]

One more thing, Joyce: The actual quilting. If you don't want to quilt around (over) the embroideries, then you must make sure that the batting is suitable for the distance that remains unquilted.

Lorchen

I don't know what I'll do at this time but puffy areas are NOT my favorite so I probably will do some quilting around her embroidery.

I know I saw these several years ago (or one in process) and think they are state flower designs.

I tend to use a flat batting and will as well for this.

Thanks!!
Joyce