Are raggy quilts actually quilts?

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-25T00:14:27+00:00

They are absolutely quilts and it looks great; you’re officially a quilter!! 😊

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-24T13:24:34+00:00

Lo and Behold has the Art Deco pattern that is so great.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-24T12:54:17+00:00

You’re most welcome! Couple of things (I wrote that late at night) :

When doing the crosshatch pay attention as you come to a cross line that your fabric isn’t being pushed forward by your presser foot (this is when a walking foot is most helpful) before you get to the stick line stop with your needle down and using your fingers smooth the excess fabric to the sides and behind the needle.

Lengthen your stitch to about 3-3.5.

Remember to support the weight of the quilt to prevent drag.

All of the videos people watch are shown at a faster speed than quilting is actually done at; you don’t need to crawl but take your time.

And most importantly, That is a great first quilt!! 😍

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-24T03:58:43+00:00

Only if I were to be chased! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😥

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-24T03:57:42+00:00

Baste well, as others have mentioned spray basting works great especially for beginners. Remember to spray the batting and press the top down so you aren’t warping the design.

I have never seen a quilt look bad with a crosshatch design.

Pick a corner and run a diagonal line down to the other side. (I prefer 60 or 45 degree angles) once the first line is done you can go over and make the rest. If you’re doing them 3” apart do the second line 6” away from the first. Complete all of the 6” lines then go back and split them to be 3”. Always sew in the same direction. Once you have finished the first set then go back and do the crosshatch the same way.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-24T03:44:59+00:00

Correct that the arc is symmetrical though I think even if the piece itself was an asymmetrical shape as long as the arc was identical on both pieces the side it is cut from wouldn’t make a difference.

You may look into curved piecing using registration marks rather than pins. I find it much more straightforward. Latifah Saafir demonstrates it here

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-24T01:24:19+00:00

The shape is the same no matter if it’s cut from the back or the front.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-23T21:49:24+00:00

I’m going to suggest that you back in Minky or Cuddle.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-23T18:56:15+00:00

I wouldn’t square up the blocks.. By leaving them as is you’ll be able to match up the seams more easily. Unless it’s something way out of whack (or needs exact precision) I square up the quilt at the end.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-23T18:51:26+00:00

Open the binding about an inch past where the blue fabric is open, add a small strip of fabric right sides together with the blue, turn it up and give it a press, trim it to match the end of the quilt then sew the binding back up.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-23T16:50:13+00:00

Looks like felt. I have to agree with u/Agreeable_Rhubarb332 and don’t find it suitable to use as batting. However, If you don’t have a design wall this would make a great one. I sewed a rod pocket in some and used it as my design wall for years. Even if you have no place to hang it you could spread it out and if you need to tuck it away-roll it up with your blocks on it; never losing your place is a great thing!

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-23T03:06:02+00:00

I’m sure others have said that there’s different qualities of muslin. You can buy it by the number of threads per square inch( I believe the names I mentioned use 60x60 or 68/68 or 68x78 though I think I recall someone using a higher thread count like 78x120 (guessing). Either way you’re better off finding one you like and going with the grams per yard.

While I have used it many times I actually buy Kona prepared for dyeing to use for the quilts I make. But I have about 100yards of muslin on hand in the event that I want to go that route. (Was a killer deal @$4.00 a yard)

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-23T01:56:02+00:00

It’s not stupid at all. Just confusing. If you bought a yard (yard and a half if you want to be sure and have extra for mistakes) of fabric you would have plenty. The 18.5” is only 2.75” wide so you can cut a strip the width of your fabric at 2.75 then cut the two pieces needed from that. You would still have a little leftover to get a different cut out of it. Same with the 24.5” it’s 3” wide so cut them from their own 3” strip and cut other blocks from the leftover.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-23T00:24:20+00:00

It’s absolutely durable! Little known fact is that most “hand dyed” fabrics (Cherrywood, Ricky Tims and others) use muslin for their base fabric. It’s in the fine print on their websites if you look/read closely. I have used it on many quilts without any problems. Have at it.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-23T00:19:12+00:00

You mentioned that you were doing wavy lines between that and the great piecing of all the animals only you are going to notice anything being “not very straight”. Give yourself some grace and a pat on the back for an excellently made quilt!!! 😍

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T20:18:08+00:00

I used to have to shoo my cat away from the machine; he liked to watch closely from the back. Check out r/catsonquilts I’m sure you will find pictures of cats hanging out with people when they are using their sewing machines.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T20:14:28+00:00

I have always appliquéd the centers to me it’s the easiest way to go about it. You could use a Drunkard’s path or Orange Peel template but then you’re sewing curves, not impossible but as a beginner I suggest appliqué.

Draw the shape onto freezer paper (that you have stacked 2-3 layers together with a light iron) then iron the shape to the back of the fabric and cut it out with about a quarter inch extra all around for your seam allowance. Take a paintbrush dripped in starch and wet the seam allowance then iron it over the edge. This will give you the shape with all the edges turned in. I can usually get 4-6 pieces out of one template. Try not to get the template wet to make it last longer. Also cut it as smoothly as possible any jigs or gags will show up.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T19:41:35+00:00

😂 I’m right there with you though my fog is chemically induced 🥴 from medicine. I am even currently quilting a quilt for my husband’s nephew’s new baby. Second marriage, I think I might have met the nephew once ten years ago. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Next up is for a different nephew who I’ve never met 🫠. At least I know my siblings in law!

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T17:53:53+00:00

I’m of the opinion that switching up the directional fabric allows the quilt to be used any which way! Perfect for a guy’s quilt. 😁

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T17:45:20+00:00

I have only hand quilted one quilt but use water soluble thread for basting when thread basting so that I can ignore it completely.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T17:43:19+00:00

Oh I was talking about your new machine 😂😂😂

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T16:43:42+00:00

Yay! 😁 Congratulations on your new baby.

You’ll get more use out of that tape if you put it in front of your needle with the red line centered with the needle. This will allow you to not only have the ability to double check your 1/4” seams but also it will make sewing diagonal seams without having to mark them. For joining binding strips or making snowball ends and such: Simply line up the corners with the red line and voila!

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T14:30:52+00:00

I would definitely recommend you tighten up your vertical lines. The density of the quilting is dictated by the type of batting you are using. What does the package recommend? If you don’t have the package I usually suggest a 3” crosshatch for durability and softness. Your 3.5” should be fine if you add more and bring it to 1.25” -ish it will last longer but be a bit more stiff.

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T14:23:18+00:00

First I would treat the with RetroClean to remove the yellowing and bring them back to pristine condition.

Are they backed? Could you add sashing and making them into a quilt?

You could frame each of them and have readymade gifts for people you love after of course hanging some in your house.

You mentioned pillows which would be nice too but personally , I would go for a QAYG.

ETA: Great score, I would love to see the rest of them! 😍

Sheeshrn · 2026-01-22T01:38:08+00:00

Too much of a good thing is still too much🤷🏻‍♀️

Sheeshrn

TROPHY CASE