| Quilting 911 |
| Question: Why are my finished quilt blocks always smaller than they are suppose to be? Marianne from AZ Answer from Nancy: Well Marianne, if it makes you feel any better, a lot of quilters have the same problem. The main reason why quilter's blocks are smaller than they are suppose to be is that they are using a "true" 1/4" seam allowance. Over the years I've found that I need to use a scant 1/4" seam allowance. When I say "scant", I mean your seam allowance needs to be one or two thread widths smaller than a true 1/4". If you're using one of the 1/4" pressure feet that are sold with many sewing machines, you will need to be one or two thread widths inward from the right-hand edge of the foot. For years I've attached tape (such as masking tape) a scant 1/4" away from my needle and used that as my seam allowance guide. For complete pictures to show this please see page 68 of my Rotary Magic book, or page 7 of my Endless Possibilities book. I feel this subject is so important I write about it in every book. Remember, you CAN have correct size blocks if you use a scant 1/4" seam allowance. Question: I love your Block Magic books. Where do you come up with the ideas and what made you work with only squares and rectangles. Wendy from NY Answer from Nancy: I've been blessed with a good sense of imagination. I also have very talented people as part of my quilt team. It's not a one woman effort to write the type of books I do. I get everyone involved, including my family! I started working with squares and rectangles because I like to try new things. Quilter's lives are very busy and most want to complete a project in a few weeks, not years. Plus, it challenged me to make blocks using only simple shapes, and that was important. I get bored easily and creating new techniques and designs keeps me energized. Question: Someone told me to finger press my quilt pieces and they wouldn't get out of square, but my pieces still get out of shape. Help! Debbie from IL Answer from Nancy: It's pretty painful when you are trying your best and things still don't work out. From my own experience, I'd have to say your pieces are probably getting out of square because of the way you are finger pressing or you're using steam to press. Don't drag your fingers over the seam allowances. This will stretch the fabric, especially if you're working with any type of triangles. This is how I finger press - With the sewn piece on the ironing board, fold the top layer of fabric back and finger press the seam with the balls of your fingers. Use as many fingers as you can fit across the seam; this will help to hold the fabric in place until you can place the iron on the seam. Do not run your thumb or fingernails along the seam allowance - you will stretch the pieces! Set the iron gently on the seam, removing your fingers only at the last second, when the iron is at the seam. Do not move the iron from side to side. I also don't use steam for pressing quilt pieces. See page 98 in Rotary Magic for more information on pressing. Question: Whose fabric do you find the easiest to work with? Judy from Ohio Answer from Nancy: Fabric, fabric, fabric; it's all quilters' talk about, dream about, and it's on every quilter's wish list. Believe me, I'm no different. I've worked in the industry for many years and I find myself using fabrics from Clothworks, FreeSpirit, P&B Textiles, RJR Fashion Fabrics, Robert Kaufman Co, and Timeless Treasures over and over again. Also, I just started using fabrics from two new companies, Clearwater Fabrics and Red Rooster Fabrics. Here are some of the reasons why I like all these companies and their fabrics: 1. Detail. Great attention seems to be given to every detail of the design. I notice again and again the detail that is melded into the "background" around the focus or theme of the fabric. This adds much visual effect to the fabric. Next time you're shopping for fabric, stop and really study what's going on in the background of each design. 2. Color. Nothing stimulates a quilter's appetite more than color. When I look at the bright colors, I find myself making comments like "wow, cool, super" and thoughts like "warm, comforting, soothing" come to my mind when I view the country colors. 3. Feel. The weight, feel and finish of the fabric are important to me. The more "body" the fabric has, the easier it is to cut, sew and wash. I'm not going to waste my time sewing with fabric that won't hold-up over time. 4. Variety. All of these companies have a wide range of fabrics. This is important to me because I usually like to take a few fabrics from several collections and incorporate them into one quilt. So you see, there are many companies that produce really nice fabric for quilt making. Question: What type of thread do you machine piece with? Marcia from MN. Answer from Nancy: There are a lot of threads out there so where do you begin? There's no simple answer to that question. Basically you've got to buy different threads and experiment with them. Here are some things to consider. 1. Machine piecing. I've found over the years that Mettler 100% cotton silk finish works best for my machine piecing. It's 50 weight, 3 ply. Some people like to use a lighter weight 2 ply Mettler thread. If that works for you, use it. Either of these will work well. 2. I don't get hung up on using the same color thread as the fabric. Lots of quilters think you have to match the thread to the fabric so the stitching thread doesn't show on the front side of the quilt. If this is happening to you, it means the stitch tension isn't correct on your sewing machine. I use a light beige, #703 or #810 Mettler for machine piecing. I save all those wonderful Mettler colors for machine quilting the quilt, after all that's what you will see, isn't it?? When I sew on black fabric, I use navy blue thread; when I sew on navy blue fabric, I use black thread. The slight difference between the thread and fabric colors provides slight contrast to make it easy to rip out seams if necessary. And who doesn't have to rip out a seam once in a while? I know I do! 3. I have several professional machine quilters who do quilting for my books. One loves the Signature quilting thread that comes on a cone. Another one loves Mettler. So, you see there is something for everyone; experiment and find what works best for you. 4. Many problems with threads (especially when machine quilting) may be avoided if you use the correct type/size of needle and change it frequently. Talk to your shop owner or someone who teaches machine quilting and ask them about the different needles. I found a few years ago that using a Schmetz Top Stitching needle for machine quilting eliminated most of my problems. They come in different sizes to accommodate the different thickness of threads. Give them a try; I think you'll be pleased. Many of these companies have websites and there are links on this website to some of them (See Favorites Link). This is a user-friendly way to view some of their products from home. |
| Author Nancy Johnson-Srebro fields your quilting questions. Due to the high volume of questions, only a few will be selected each month. Unfortunately, individual responses are not feasible. To submit questions, please send via e-mail to quilting911@nancyjohnsonsrebro.com. Please include your first name and state. Thanks! |
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