Someone asked a while ago how I do the stay-stitching around my quilt tops. At the time I didn't have one to demonstrate on. What I do is put on the zigzag foot and move the needle to the right. I have 9 needle positions from center to right on my 22 year old Pfaff and I set it at 7 to the right. This allows the whole foot to be on top of the edge of the quilt top and still stitch less than 1/4" from the edge.
This shows that the stitching is approximately 3/16" from the edge of the quilt top.
I piece most of my quilt backings with a seam top to bottom and there is always a leftover strip. I measure them and mark the sizes on a note that is stapled to the strip. This is the group of brown and beige which could make a backing for the current quilt top.
I also checked for pieces that were long enough for one strip of backing and found this green one and brown one.
These 3 pieced together would be wide enough for the quilt. I have plenty of time to think about these choices since this one won't be the next to be quilted.
9 comments:
That Pfaff has the built-in walking foot right? I wish I had that--my Viking's foot is really hard to install...everything is for "lefties" and I think the threads on my screw hold for the foot holder are getting pretty worn. I installed the foot yesterday--it took a long time and my magnifying glasses to do it!! So while it is on, I quilted two lego placemats and I have 3 more pieces to quilt...2 bigger ones and one small...
51 degrees this morning --the warmest yet...hope to walk outside again while we can...hugs, Julierose
I learned from you to stay stitch the edge of the quilt top. Before, I was always in a hurry to get it ready for quilting, and ignored it. If I have lots of seams that will be in the binding, I have been adding a strip around the whole quilt also. I wish I had the ability to move the needle like you have shown. When you sew on vintage Singers that is not an option. Stay stitching is definitely worth the time.
I too think I heard of stay stitching the edges from you - I know years ago I never did that but it sure helps when I put the quilt top on the frame
I remember learning about the value of stay stitching in High School Home Ec class. And have used it throughout my Tailoring career. Fun to see your tutorial on it. And the pairing of your backings are so enchanting.
Do you use your regular peicing stitch length to staystitch edge?
Thanks for the tips on stay stitching. It is important to have the entire foot on the fabric, as you have shown. This makes it go much smoother.
The scraps from one are the genesis of another.....kinda like sourdough starter.
Which Pfaff do you have? I have a 1475CD. I usually only stay stitch a few inches before and after the seams on a t-shirt quilt.
I'm always learning new things for you. I love your blog :)
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