Replies

1. 
   rodezzy | Aug 12, 2008 08:28pm | #1

   I would love to help, but I can't visualize what you are doing, can you post pictures of the project in progress?

1. 
   vmorris828 | Aug 13, 2008 06:41pm | #2

   Hi, I went to BabyRus yesterday. And look at their baby quilts, they just don't stitch the middle where the fabric is plain. Thanks Valerie

1. 
   rodezzy | Aug 13, 2008 06:58pm | #3

   Are you talking about the surface stitching, which is the actual quilting? 

   That's why hand (machine) quilted quilts cost more.  It's a lot of work and time to quilt the sandwich with a regular sewing machine.  Or with needle in hand (hand quilting).

1. 
   vmorris828 | Aug 14, 2008 02:55am | #4

   hI, Thanks for the info. What I am trying to do now is center backing, interfacing & top. I have baste hand stitch the edge of bottom & interfacing together. I don't know if I should serge them together to keep them even. My interfacing is actually fleece. It is sof, white & thin. Please let me know if that is good ideal to serge the 2 together. Valerie

1. 
   rodezzy | Aug 14, 2008 04:22pm | #5

   I don't know why you are sewing the edges of the backing and fleece together.  They should be loose.  You put the three layers together and either pin baste with quilting pins or hand baste then together.  You will need to smooth out any wrinkles as you baste the three together.  You can not do that if they are sewn together on the edges.  You should be working from the center out.

   Actually, lots of quilting books show that the backing is gently taped down smooth or if big enough clamped to a table.  And the backing only.

   http://learnhowtoquilt.com/quiltsandwichtutorial/quiltsantranscript.html

   Check out this site for clear instructions on the "quilt sandwich".

   Oh, and while fleece is acceptable in a quilt sandwich, I use fleece only as a substitute for batting and backing.  I only use the top and fleece.  I omit the backing.  I also find that fleece is too stretchy to work with and don't much care for it.  So, for a small project, its O.K.  I don't endorse it for quilt backs or battings.  I've heard that wool blankets are used, but I've never tried it.  I am going to purchase some Thinsulate batting for my next quilts to see how it works for warmth.  I'm looking forward to that, but I will be using my coupon from Joanne's because it is a little pricy.

   Edited 8/14/2008 9:28 am ET by rodezzy

2. 
   Pattiann42 | Aug 14, 2008 06:02pm | #6

   Stitch in the ditch. 

   Try this on scraps - sew two pieces together (one light and one dark) and press the stitching, dark fabric up. 

   Lift the top piece (dark fabric) and press again so the two pieces lay flat and the seam is going toward the dark piece of fabric. 

   Now position under the presser foot so the needle will hit the seam and stitch.

   Lengthen the stitches a bit for the SITD or any other method of "quilting" you wish to do.

   The quilt top and a flannel backing should be enough for a baby "quilt".

   Flannel shrinks so pre shrink before using, in fact all fabric for babies should be lightly washed first.

   Lastly - press, press press.  This will result in a very neatly put together project.

   There is an easy charities "quilt" that I do for nursing homes at http://www.sewing.org

   I omit the batting and add binding instead of the self binding method used with the above referenced quilt.

   Best wishes for many more fun projects for baby and all!

    

   PS: Here is a tutorial of a very easy way to put together the quilt top, batting and backing....and there are pictures showing the steps for a "pillowcase finish" -  http://quilting.suite101.com/article.cfm/bind_your_quilt_pillowcase_style

   Click on the pictures for a larger view. 

    

    

   
   

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   Edited 8/14/2008 11:28 am ET by spicegirl1