Graduation Day

Well, it had to happen... The Newbies are nearing "graduation day."
(Finishing up their first projects.)

Dez's progress so far

So, I suppose it is time to talk about the last steps.  For me, piecing the quilt top is the most fun.  But, if we want to actually USE our quilts or give them as gifts, they need to be finished.

To Quilt or Not to Quilt

That is...to attempt to do your own quilting or hire a professional.  Professionals can be expensive, but generally they know their stuff and quilting can add so much character to your quilt.

Professional Quilters will finish your quilt in one of two ways....Using a "Long Arm" quilting machine, or a"sit down" quilting machine.

Here is an interesting video on using a Long Arm quilting machine. 

Can you quilt it yourself on your home machine?  Yes, some people do, and they do it beautifully.  But, you're not quite ready for that step.

For a first quilt my vote is "go professional."  You will never regret it.  To find a good quilter in your area, check with your favorite quilt shop.  They will most definitely have referrals.  I have used two "professional" quilters in my quilting life...they are both fantastic.  They earn their money.

The Quilt Sandwich

A "quilt sandwich" consists of the pieced top, the filling (some sort of batting) and the backing.

If you are taking your quilt to a professional they usually do not want you to assemble your sandwich.  Call them.  Ask them how they would like the quilt prepared.

Example:  My first quilter asked that all threads be trimmed; top and backing pressed and send the proper size batting (more about batting in a moment.)

My new quilter (I've moved to a different state and had to find a new quilter) also asks that the top and backing be pressed, but she supplies the batting...you need to ask.

A word about batting.  My favorite is Warm and Natural. Here is some "help" for making batting decisions from All People Quilt (one of my favorite sites.)

Now let's talk about backing fabric.

This is where I always cringe.... it adds to the cost of your quilt BIG TIME.
But, making good choices about your backing fabric can compliment your quilt or really NOT compliment your quilt.

(Do a Pinterest search for 'quilt backing'. There are some stunning examples. And, a bunch of other helps, as well.)

Calculating how much fabric you will need for your backing.  Here is the website I use.
You just fill in the numbers and the calculator will tell you how much backing fabric you will need.

This is also a good website for Border Calculators and Binding Calculators

YOU WILL NEED OVERAGE!  Ask your quilter how much overage they need.  There are two reasons....First, as they quilt your quilt the backing will "shrink up" a bit.  Second, if it is a "long arm" quilter, they need something for the stays to grab.  (They will return the scraps, which you will save for another project.)

Binding

The very first quilt I made I had to go back to the quilt shop TWICE to get help with the binding!!  True story...I just didn't get it!  (Marie at Cool Cottons was very patient.) You can benefit from my confusion....It's NOT like bias tape!

Use the above-mentioned website to calculate your binding.  Here is a very good YouTube video for creating and sewing binding on your quilt.  I actually learned a lot from this video.

Labeling your Quilt

The Final step...FINALLY.
Label your quilt.  You want the rest of the world to know;
WHO made it...and for WHOM
WHERE it was pieced and WHERE it is going
WHEN it was made
and either the name of your pattern or a message to to the recipient.
Here is a link to a previous blog post about labels.

My friend, Margery, enjoying ...

OK.  YOU'RE DONE!!!!  Let's go celebrate!!!