I've been a sewist most of my life ( I'm now 65 years old ) sewing clothing, and basic home decor items but I'm just now learning how to quilt. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video and your other one's also. I'm learning a lot, things no one ever told me / or taught. Looking forward to the next one's.
Thank you Leah, this goes along with the old saying, "A good job takes a little longer, a bad job last forever". I can see how these steps would save a lot of grief. Thanks again :)
I hate to admit that I never squared my fabric years ago when I did basic sewing. I didn’t know too. I’m an elderly senior citizen and I hadn’t sewed for years. Now I’m finally learning the secrets for good outcomes with what you sew. Thank you so much Leah for your videos that can teach an old bird like me.
LOVE, love, love your video! Perfect for a beginner like me. It has been a learning process and have been doing this all wrong. For my next project, a quilt for my son, I know I will get it right. Thank you.
Just one more little tip from a very old ironer! If you get interrupted before you get through with your ironing (and you have quite a lot) put everything in a plastic bag and place in the freezer till you can get back to it - keeps it damp as it thaws but also keeps it from getting dried out and having to spray all over again! Used to do this when I had tons of ironing to do!
This video helped me tremendously! You spoke clearly and went slowly enough so that I really understood the process. It was very clear. This very important step has confused me, and at times I've not done a good enough job at squaring. Thanks for your very specific instructions!
That's great! It is a step that's often overlooked in quilting and many quilters skip it. I'm a die hard fabric prepper though. I just can't make a quilt without doing these steps or it won't come out right!
I looked up this video for a friend that is just beginning to quilt. It is amazing! I wiggle my iron too! It comes from ironing all my hubby's shirts. It has never caused me a problem either. Thank you Leah! You are such an inspiration!
Thank you! This answers so much! I now have direction and more understanding. Begining to quilt and no one to teach me ,its justso good to get these basics!
You've convinced me that starch is the way to go over Best Press. I may not be interested in quilting, but I appreciate the precision required and your dedication to it. Thank you.
You're super welcome! Yes, that can make a very big difference in your cutting. Always trust the ruler, and always use the same brand of rulers for everything.
Since you are targeting beginners in this series, please address cutter safety. You lay the open blade down close to where you are working and it is soooooo easy to gently brush against the razor sharp edge. It doesn't take much to start bleeding all over your fabric (ask me how I know.) It is so important to close the blade after each cut or get a self-closing cutter. Keep up the good work. I have followed you for years.
I lost past of my fingertip three weeks ago from the rotary cutter. I don't wish that pain on my enemy, so DEFINITELY use safety gloves if you have them.
Leah, I cannot thank you enough! I have been quilting for a year and a half using Craftsy classes (yes, I do have some of yours :) ) and UA-cam videos and not once have I been shown how to 'wiggle' my fabric. If a pattern requires 2 1/2" strips I groan! I have bought special rulers and gizmos and still cannot get them straight. So, as I often say, you are a star! I'm just about to sign up for the Festival of Flowers Block Party (I've only just come across it, probably because I don't read my emails!) and it will be the first group thing I have done so I am quite excited. Best wishes, Tracey in Kent in the UK.
Tracey that's great! I'm so happy this video has made such a difference for your cutting and piecing. It's really going to change how you cut strips, believe me! I do hope you'll join in and start a Flower Festival Quilt. It's such a fun project!
My hubby is taking me to the Festival of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham, UK (about 4 hours away) for my birthday and my main thing is to buy the fabrics for it. I can't wait to get started! I'll post pictures. Thank you for replying, you're so sweet :)
Thank you Leah, for showing how to line up fabric twice. I had been lining up my fabric once initially by doing the “dance”, but still had some strips with v’s in the middle. Will try doing the line up “dance” when I fold the fabric again and see if I have better luck. Thanks again.
I had some liquid starch in a quart bottle for some doilies I starched - got it down, shook it up good and put one cup in a spray bottle - added 2 cups of water and shook it up really good again. Spread out my fabric and sprayed each one; folded up and then turned the iron on and while it heated up I got all my fabric and stacked it up in the order I thought I'd need it. I used a dry iron on each piece of fabric and it was just the right amount to give a nice light crisp to the fabric. Okay, on to cutting!
I have just been trying to make a simple flat sheet when cutting one edge flat perfectly accurately and ripping the other edge on the grain realised that the antic in the bolt was badly off even despite washing! So I would advise checking that the fabric itself is on the grain either by ripping an edge or pulling a thread out along the edge.
I am a beginner quilter. Retired and simply love it! My question is, would I again wash the quilt after it is completed? I have some lovely purple and navy blue shades for my next quilt. I will pre wash for sure! I would like to try some sparkly gold thread for the quilting. This quilt is a belated wedding gift and their wedding colors. Thanks! Love your website. It is direct on your "how to" searches!
Any tip for fraying of fabric while washing? This is my first project and I was surprised how much the fabric frayed in the wash. You don't mention it and when you go to iron your edges are clean so I'm assuming you trimmed it off. Thanks for your videos! I bought one of your books yesterday and can't wait to receive it!
I wash in warm water. Cold water can sometimes give you a false read on how much your fabric will bleed. Warm or hot water will really get the dyes moving so you can wash out any excess before cutting the pieces for your quilt. Side note - You want to treat your fabric the same way you will treat your finished quilt and I just chuck my quilts in the wash with clothes and everything else.
When you do the fabric dance, are both selvages supposed to be lined up with each other? So that the selvages hold a straight line as you dance them back and forth? This is a wonderful video for us beginners! Thank you!
Hi Leah! I’m a newbie and would love to make your ironing surface...I’ve been using my ironing board that is about 35 years old and wobbles because it’s bent....😆do you have an instruction video or directions to build one using the canvas and plywood? Love your videos!!! Thanks! Jen
A few years ago I became interested in quilting and began reading how-to books. So I prewashed a beautiful jellyroll on a short cycle. I ended up with a giant ball of frayed strips and I just felt so defeated that I cried. I still have my ball of fabric/strings but I never tried quilting again. 😢
I'm so sorry to hear that! Yes, prewashing fabric is great, but it really doesn't work for precuts. You could turn that wad of fabric into a rug maybe. Slice off all the stray threads and spread out the fabrics flat and see if you could still twist them around rope to make a rug.
It might be too late to receive a reply on this post, but I have a couple of questions. There's a lot of info on the internet, good, bad and just personal opinion/preference. I've seen one video where the cut pieces were spray starched, dried, then ironed. They actually could stand like cardboard. Is that too stiff in your opinion? What are your thoughts on homemade starch with simply cornstarch and water? Also, would there be a problem with soaking the entire piece of uncut fabric in the water/cornstarch solution for a few minutes, then drying and ironing before cutting? I hope this warrants a reply. BTW, I love your videos. You are so patient and thorough!
No, I don't think fabric can be too stiff for piecing. Most quilters are using fabric that is way too wiggly. Stiffness equals control. The more you control the fabric, and can anticipate how it will behave, the better you will piece. A bottle of Niagara brand spray starch costs $2 at my local grocery store. For that price, I can't see messing with mixing up starch myself at home. I have heard of quilters soaking. When we are preparing several yards, Dad usually folds the fabric into a plastic bin, then dumps an entire bottle of starch on top. That works well and saves his hands from the squeeze bottle. You just have to develop your own system that works for you!
Hello Leah, my questions is: I want to make a lap quilt using 5" charm packs ... can I just sew around each block using the QAYG method??? I am so wanting to step out of my comfort zone and make something other frame around each other (I normally use quilt panels as my center)? I have made several quilts but as I said above, want to do something different and it scares me!!!!! Only been at this about 1.5 years now and I am probably to old to start doing this! Thank you so much!!
I'm sure that would be fine. Generally when quilting as you go, you quilt the blocks, then trim them down and connect them together. It can be any shape or size so long as you've trimmed them carefully to fit together properly.
Leah, When you cut strips into 2 1/2 in and then into 2 1/2 in blocks can you stack the strips and then cut into squares or do you like to do one strip at a time?
Leah, I am about to startmy very first quilt that has about 20 fat quarters. I guess I will pre wash them by color, in a lingerie bag -that would be about 5 loads of wash! busy busy! do you have tips for oranizing the sub cuts? Should i cut them all out first, each FQ, and make piles, then start making each block? how do you organize all those sub cuts? thanks! love your videos
It really depends the most on your pattern. If you need all the colors cut to start the quilt, then yes, I would cut everything at the beginning and organize them into stacks or bags - whatever is most convenient for you. You have to develop your own system and the hardest part is figuring out what works best for you so play around and see what works. Sometimes I will use a cookie sheet to keep the fabric stacks organized and easily shift them from my cutting table to my sewing table, so really you can use just about anything!
Hi Leah, a very Happy New Year. I am a beginner, how do you do the "dancing" square up with a really long piece of fabric. Is there another video I can watch? Thank You.
It's really hard to do this with really big pieces of fabric so the only time I work with really long pieces is when I'm preparing backing. For all other projects, I will cut down the fabric into 1 yard lengths so it's easier to manage.
Nope, not a bit! Fusible web and basting spray can definitely make a gummy needle, but starch will dry completely before you begin cutting and piecing. The fabric should feel crisp and if anything it will make your needle slide more smoothly through the layers of the quilt.
Leah I need your help. I am always learning from you even preparing my fabric. I am working with grunge and having two problem. I using faultless starch. One is a yard at a time and I am spraying starch and ironing. I ironed my material one day and cut another. When I went to cut the I had to iron it again due to wrinkles and I used a hot iron on it the first time and the second time. Next problem I was when cutting. I had no problems doing the dance with the material. If I folded it twice cut it and was getting a V in the middle of my strip. I redid the dance and I notice on the second fold I was not getting the inner fold to lay flat. If I only folded once I would be OK and no V. My problem is I have back issues and cannot bend over for any length of time and cannot reach the end of the fabric with one fold. I am using to much starch? Is it the type of starch I am using? On ironing why was it not looking like I ironed it? Wow I am winded. I hope you can understand what I am trying to say. Again very winded. Can you help me?
Great questions Deb! My firs thought is why did the fabric get wrinkled between one day and the next? Next time starch, press, then do the folds and if you have to set it aside, try to set it somewhere it will not be moved so it won't get wrinkled. Dad and I keep a shelf of fabric that has been starched and pressed and is ready to cut. When we want to use it, we pull it down and may press, but most often it just needs another square dance and it's ready for cutting. It sounds like you might not be using enough starch. If the fabric is wrinkling so easily and not easily squaring (why you're getting the V on the second fold) then I think more starch is the answer. You can also work with smaller pieces of fabric and that will make this easier too. It's less efficient (you will use more fabric) but cutting down to fat quarters will make this process much easier for you, especially if your back is hurting. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
Hi, just Found your you Tube channel tonight Leah. I love it. It is so informative and you speak clearly and precisely. I think I need some clarification concerning Precut Quilter Squares that a person can buy in a store. I bought a packet of (42) 5"x 5" squares to make my 1st quilt with. The pieces are 100% cotton Fabric. The Brand is Benartex. Am I understanding that I don"t prewash these pieces before I start sewing them together? Is that because they are already Prewashed and are not going to shrink or bleed colors when I wash my completed quilt for the 1st time?
Great question Dale! No, you will not be able to prewash this fabric because it's already been cut to a smaller size. If you wash it, will likely fall apart and become a very badly frayed mess. No, these fabrics have not been prewashed, so yes, they can bleed in your finished quilt. Bernatex is a great brand so I don't think you need to worry too much about bleeding colors. If the colors are very dark like red, purple, or navy blue, then I wouldn't put white in the quilt at all if you can help it. That way if the colors bleed, it won't be obvious. Does that make sense?
Hi Leah, thanks for answering my question. Now I have a follow up question to my first question. If I am not suppose to prewash precut quilting fabric, before I sew my top "panel", then does that mean I should not prewash the yardage of fabric I am using for my back "Panel"?
Yep. I believe in prewashing and I don't dry clean my quilts. Even my show quilts go through the wash or get soaked in the bathtub occasionally so I prewash everything.
Maybe...if it's a really dark blue and a really light purple or green, I would split the loads. If the colors are close in value and not too dark I'll wash them together. You kinda have to just guess at what can be washed together in the beginning and make a few mistakes. Even now I catch myself getting in a hurry and dealing with bleeding fabrics!
I am caring for a relative and cannot get to a washing machine until next week. Can I wash enough fabric for the first block in the sink or will that not get enough chemicals out of the fabric?
So I will admit … I’ve made quilts and never prewashed before 🤫🤭 Mostly because I was entirely unsure what to do after I washed it! I’m being forced to now though. I inherited a very large stash of fabric and many of the pieces are 4+ yards and would therefore make great backing on large quilts. The problem is she must have had cats/dogs, plus there they’ve sat for awhile (years?) … so now I need to wash first. I love this video but am uncertain how to wash and starch such large yardage. I don’t really want to cut it to much bc like I said, it would be great backing. How would you suggest I deal with starching such large pieces? I also am curious on just how saturated you make the fabric with the starch solution. Is it slightly wet, dripping wet, etc. ? Thank you again for another wonderful tutorial!
I have a slightly different method for working with big pieces of fabric because it's such a pain. I use a big bin and fold up the fabric so it fits in the bin nicely. Then I dump an entire bottle of starch on top, lid it and let it soak. If it's a LOT of fabric, you may need more than one bottle. Then I unfold the fabric and put it in the washer and spin it twice. That spins out all the excess starch. Then I throw it in the dryer and tumble until it's almost dry - just slightly damp. Then press. It's so much easier and greatly reduces the time and effort of working with big pieces. Another thing I'm trying this week because the starch I love just changed formulations (I don't like the chemicals listed on the bottle now), I'm going to fill up the washer with a few gallons of water, then add powdered starch. I'll agitate the washer so it dissolves completely, then add my fabric and let it soak a few minutes. Then spin (not rinse - you don't want more water added) to get rid of all the extra starch and water. I'm still experimenting with this and will share a video when I have a good system down.
Leah Day You are the Queen 👑 THANK you for responding! This is great! Definitely will try this, and I’d love to see/hear how the experiment with powdered starch goes. I completely agree with not liking a lot of formulas on products these days, so I will be eager to find out how it works for you. You are such a great teacher! 🎈😊
It really is up to you and your space needs. I’m needing to make a new board to fit my new cabinet, but the dimensions are really weird - 30 x 40. I recommend measuring your space and the fabric sizes you tend to work with and building your first pressing board to fit your space.
So, the information needed is how to square up the fabric that is horrible 'off square' in the beginning! What if the diagonal is off by several inches?
You'll need to give it a gentle tug back into shape. Grab the two corners that are skewed inside and tug a bit on the diagonal. Then square again and see what happens!
Aloha Silly question here I am washing my cotton fabric Never thought about this until now Should we be washing our warm and natural by hand also A halo Mary
Great question Mary! I don't wash my batting because I don't want it to fall apart. If I don't want the quilt to shrink, I pick a polyester batting. If I don't care if it shrinks I'll use a cotton, blend, or wool batting. Does that make sense?
I have a bit of a system in place for fabric prep - I wash it when it comes in the house and put it away wrinkled just to save the hassle of starching and pressing immediately. When I need to use the fabric for a project it gets pulled, starched and pressed and cut into pieces. Leftover starched fabric - if it's bigger than 1/2 yard then it gets set on a special shelf of "prepped" fabric that is easy to use because it's ready to go. So many projects are made easier and faster just by pulling from this shelf. Anything smaller gets cut into 2 1/2 inch or 1 1/2 inch strips or 10 inch or 5 inch squares and put them in bins. That way I don't have weird scraps floating around and everything is very efficiently prepped for future projects.
I saw Laura on sew very easy that recommends washing fabric too. She showed fat quarters and charm packs hand washed in a bowl and then used a salad colander that spins to rinse lettuce. It spins the water out and then she hangs it up to dry or get damp to press after.
My mum always starch her kitchen towels and bed clothing. She uses starch after washing, she adds starch into washing machine and use another rinsing cycle. It doesn't wash out completely and you can iron it fine. Clothing it's bit stiffer and stack of clothing has sharper corner and looks nicer :)
I'm not a fan of wool mats, though they are very popular right now. I found them too squishy to begin with and worry that over time the wool material will break down and soften. I still prefer to use a firm pressing board and still make new ones when I realize I need a new size.
@@LeahDay I just found you among my quilting queries and am definitely going back to pressing seams open. You talk about washing and starching. I used to always wash. Then convinced not to. But am going to wash again. But. With kits and jelly rolls that seems to be problematic if the process is to wash first. I never bought kits before and didn’t have jelly rolls which is all the rage and got caught up in. I don’t think I’ll do much of that going forwRd. What are your thoughts for kits and jelly rolls?
If it calls for 6 and 1/2 inch strip size, does it mean that the width is 6 /12 inch and the length is also 6 /12 inch size? and then it says cut 5 strips of the same size. So I cut 5 separate pieces? I am a beginner in quilting. Thanks for your help.
Hmm...if your pattern calls for a 6 1/2 inch strip, then you need to cut a strip of fabric 6 1/2 inches wide. Most likely this is a full length strip so it will be 6 1/2 x 40 inches long.
Still doesn't tell me how to begin just a plain quilt, like, do I make so many squares? Then one big piece of fabric on the back? I have no idea how to begin just a plain quilt, sorry, but trying to learn to sew
The best place to start will be with a quilt pattern that will guide you through the steps to cutting fabrics, piecing them together to form the quilt top, then how to layer and baste to create the quilt sandwich. There are a lot of steps here and details to learn. You might find my book helpful to just understand the basics of piecing - leahday.com/products/piece-perfect-quilts
Leah Day Also, I made two rag quilts, they were easy enough. The quilts turned out beautiful except for one problem, which happened with both quilts: when I washed, then dried, the quilt ended up with lint and pills all over them. I used quality cotton on one, so, assuming I used wrong fabric, used quality flannel on the other, the same thing happened.I watched so many videos and no one mentioned this happening, I was very disappointed because they took me weeks to make, but decided to keep trying. The only thing I did differently , I used one of the plastic balls you fill with fabric softener, because I have an old washer. Any insight appreciated❤️
Leah I'm a senior citizen and I need to learn to quilt. I would love to speak with you in person. I'm everywhere on Social Media please message me? Thank you - I'm Linda the Old Bird
I've been a sewist most of my life ( I'm now 65 years old ) sewing clothing, and basic home decor items but I'm just now learning how to quilt. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video and your other one's also. I'm learning a lot, things no one ever told me / or taught. Looking forward to the next one's.
Thank you Leah, this goes along with the old saying, "A good job takes a little longer, a bad job last forever". I can see how these steps would save a lot of grief. Thanks again :)
You're right, they definitely do! A little extra time in the beginning makes the whole project come together faster and easier.
I hate to admit that I never squared my fabric years ago when I did basic sewing. I didn’t know too. I’m an elderly senior citizen and I hadn’t sewed for years. Now I’m finally learning the secrets for good outcomes with what you sew. Thank you so much Leah for your videos that can teach an old bird like me.
Wonderful Sandi! I'm so happy to hear you found this helpful!
LOVE, love, love your video! Perfect for a beginner like me. It has been a learning process and have been doing this all wrong. For my next project, a quilt for my son, I know I will get it right. Thank you.
Just one more little tip from a very old ironer! If you get interrupted before you get through with your ironing (and you have quite a lot) put everything in a plastic bag and place in the freezer till you can get back to it - keeps it damp as it thaws but also keeps it from getting dried out and having to spray all over again! Used to do this when I had tons of ironing to do!
Thank you for sharing these great tips Barbara! I appreciate it!
That is just so clever! Always listen to years of experience I say. Thank you Barbara. I'm 52 and still learning :)
I do the same.
This video helped me tremendously! You spoke clearly and went slowly enough so that I really understood the process. It was very clear. This very important step has confused me, and at times I've not done a good enough job at squaring. Thanks for your very specific instructions!
That's great! It is a step that's often overlooked in quilting and many quilters skip it. I'm a die hard fabric prepper though. I just can't make a quilt without doing these steps or it won't come out right!
I looked up this video for a friend that is just beginning to quilt. It is amazing! I wiggle my iron too! It comes from ironing all my hubby's shirts. It has never caused me a problem either. Thank you Leah! You are such an inspiration!
LOL! Maybe we should start an iron wiggling club. Enjoy!
I’m not a beginner, but all of this helps!
I had a huge ah-ha moment watching you use your ruler to cut! Thank you - you are a gem!
Hi, Leah, thank you for the starching process on the material!
This is how I starch & iron also!! So Im doing one thing right!! Like your Videos Leah!!
Yes, you are! Great job!
Thank you! This answers so much! I now have direction and more understanding. Begining to quilt and no one to
teach me ,its justso good to get these basics!
I'm so glad you found this helpful! Thank you for watching!
You've convinced me that starch is the way to go over Best Press. I may not be interested in quilting, but I appreciate the precision required and your dedication to it. Thank you.
You are so welcome!
Thank you for the detailed explanations; much appreciated.
You're super welcome Diane!
Thanks a million! Or two millions! 😎🌸
Lol! I'm so happy to help!
Thank you Leah. I now know why some of my pieces are right and some are wrong. I used my mat lines. thank you, thank you
You're super welcome! Yes, that can make a very big difference in your cutting. Always trust the ruler, and always use the same brand of rulers for everything.
Since you are targeting beginners in this series, please address cutter safety. You lay the open blade down close to where you are working and it is soooooo easy to gently brush against the razor sharp edge. It doesn't take much to start bleeding all over your fabric (ask me how I know.) It is so important to close the blade after each cut or get a self-closing cutter. Keep up the good work. I have followed you for years.
Thanks Judith!
I lost past of my fingertip three weeks ago from the rotary cutter. I don't wish that pain on my enemy, so DEFINITELY use safety gloves if you have them.
Thank you for such great tips..only wish I knew them sooner..better late than never❣️jan
Very true! Improvement comes in stages and we must honor what we know when we know it!
Thank you so much for the close ups and detail. I have struggled with where to place the lines on the fabric. No longer.
Leah, I cannot thank you enough! I have been quilting for a year and a half using Craftsy classes (yes, I do have some of yours :) ) and UA-cam videos and not once have I been shown how to 'wiggle' my fabric. If a pattern requires 2 1/2" strips I groan! I have bought special rulers and gizmos and still cannot get them straight. So, as I often say, you are a star! I'm just about to sign up for the Festival of Flowers Block Party (I've only just come across it, probably because I don't read my emails!) and it will be the first group thing I have done so I am quite excited. Best wishes, Tracey in Kent in the UK.
Tracey that's great! I'm so happy this video has made such a difference for your cutting and piecing. It's really going to change how you cut strips, believe me! I do hope you'll join in and start a Flower Festival Quilt. It's such a fun project!
My hubby is taking me to the Festival of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham, UK (about 4 hours away) for my birthday and my main thing is to buy the fabrics for it. I can't wait to get started! I'll post pictures. Thank you for replying, you're so sweet :)
Great video Leah thank you.
Thank you for watching Shirley!
Thank you Leah, for showing how to line up fabric twice. I had been lining up my fabric once initially by doing the “dance”, but still had some strips with v’s in the middle. Will try doing the line up “dance” when I fold the fabric again and see if I have better luck. Thanks again.
Awesome! So happy to help!
Thank you so much. None of my sister quilters square up their fabric before cutting - I always have. I get lots of “you are crazy” looks.
LOL! They are crazy! I can't imagine not getting started with square fabric. Talk about a frayed, stretchy mess!
Thanks great job on explain the cutting with the ruler
Thank you Sandra!
I had some liquid starch in a quart bottle for some doilies I starched - got it down, shook it up good and put one cup in a spray bottle - added 2 cups of water and shook it up really good again. Spread out my fabric and sprayed each one; folded up and then turned the iron on and while it heated up I got all my fabric and stacked it up in the order I thought I'd need it. I used a dry iron on each piece of fabric and it was just the right amount to give a nice light crisp to the fabric. Okay, on to cutting!
Thank you
You're welcome Susan!
Very helpful Leah, Thank you.
Thank you for watching!
I have just been trying to make a simple flat sheet when cutting one edge flat perfectly accurately and ripping the other edge on the grain realised that the antic in the bolt was badly off even despite washing! So I would advise checking that the fabric itself is on the grain either by ripping an edge or pulling a thread out along the edge.
Very good point! Thank you for sharing!
I am a beginner quilter. Retired and simply love it! My question is, would I again wash the quilt after it is completed? I have some lovely purple and navy blue shades for my next quilt. I will pre wash for sure! I would like to try some sparkly gold thread for the quilting. This quilt is a belated wedding gift and their wedding colors. Thanks! Love your website. It is direct on your "how to" searches!
Yes! I always wash quilts after they are done. It removes the starch and softens the fabric so it's ready to be used and enjoyed.
Any tip for fraying of fabric while washing? This is my first project and I was surprised how much the fabric frayed in the wash. You don't mention it and when you go to iron your edges are clean so I'm assuming you trimmed it off. Thanks for your videos! I bought one of your books yesterday and can't wait to receive it!
Hi Leah. I'm learning so much from you! Do you pre wash your fabric in cold water or warm water?
I wash in warm water. Cold water can sometimes give you a false read on how much your fabric will bleed. Warm or hot water will really get the dyes moving so you can wash out any excess before cutting the pieces for your quilt. Side note - You want to treat your fabric the same way you will treat your finished quilt and I just chuck my quilts in the wash with clothes and everything else.
Thank you, Leah!
Did you use steam to dry starch when you pressed it
When you do the fabric dance, are both selvages supposed to be lined up with each other? So that the selvages hold a straight line as you dance them back and forth?
This is a wonderful video for us beginners! Thank you!
I usually spray my fabric and then put it in a plastic bag overnight to allow the fabric to get uniformly damp.
Yep! It's a new system we've been playing with that works great for getting the starch consistent throughout.
Hi Leah! I’m a newbie and would love to make your ironing surface...I’ve been using my ironing board that is about 35 years old and wobbles because it’s bent....😆do you have an instruction video or directions to build one using the canvas and plywood? Love your videos!!! Thanks! Jen
Yep! Here you go: leahday.com/pages/build-firm-pressing-board
A few years ago I became interested in quilting and began reading how-to books. So I prewashed a beautiful jellyroll on a short cycle. I ended up with a giant ball of frayed strips and I just felt so defeated that I cried. I still have my ball of fabric/strings but I never tried quilting again. 😢
I'm so sorry to hear that! Yes, prewashing fabric is great, but it really doesn't work for precuts. You could turn that wad of fabric into a rug maybe. Slice off all the stray threads and spread out the fabrics flat and see if you could still twist them around rope to make a rug.
It might be too late to receive a reply on this post, but I have a couple of questions. There's a lot of info on the internet, good, bad and just personal opinion/preference. I've seen one video where the cut pieces were spray starched, dried, then ironed. They actually could stand like cardboard. Is that too stiff in your opinion? What are your thoughts on homemade starch with simply cornstarch and water? Also, would there be a problem with soaking the entire piece of uncut fabric in the water/cornstarch solution for a few minutes, then drying and ironing before cutting? I hope this warrants a reply. BTW, I love your videos. You are so patient and thorough!
No, I don't think fabric can be too stiff for piecing. Most quilters are using fabric that is way too wiggly. Stiffness equals control. The more you control the fabric, and can anticipate how it will behave, the better you will piece.
A bottle of Niagara brand spray starch costs $2 at my local grocery store. For that price, I can't see messing with mixing up starch myself at home. I have heard of quilters soaking. When we are preparing several yards, Dad usually folds the fabric into a plastic bin, then dumps an entire bottle of starch on top. That works well and saves his hands from the squeeze bottle.
You just have to develop your own system that works for you!
“Stiffness is your friend” lol that’s what she said.
LMAO! Exactly!
I put a piece of colored tape on the ruler to remind me of which cutting line I am using for my cuts.
That's a great suggestion!
Hello Leah, my questions is: I want to make a lap quilt using 5" charm packs ... can I just sew around each block using the QAYG method??? I am so wanting to step out of my comfort zone and make something other frame around each other (I normally use quilt panels as my center)? I have made several quilts but as I said above, want to do something different and it scares me!!!!! Only been at this about 1.5 years now and I am probably to old to start doing this! Thank you so much!!
I'm sure that would be fine. Generally when quilting as you go, you quilt the blocks, then trim them down and connect them together. It can be any shape or size so long as you've trimmed them carefully to fit together properly.
Leah, When you cut strips into 2 1/2 in and then into 2 1/2 in blocks can you stack the strips and then cut into squares or do you like to do one strip at a time?
If the stack is nice and neat, then yes, I will cut across the strip. No I don't cut multiple strips at a time because it will not be accurate.
Leah, I am about to startmy very first quilt that has about 20 fat quarters. I guess I will pre wash them by color, in a lingerie bag -that would be about 5 loads of wash! busy busy! do you have tips for oranizing the sub cuts? Should i cut them all out first, each FQ, and make piles, then start making each block? how do you organize all those sub cuts? thanks! love your videos
It really depends the most on your pattern. If you need all the colors cut to start the quilt, then yes, I would cut everything at the beginning and organize them into stacks or bags - whatever is most convenient for you. You have to develop your own system and the hardest part is figuring out what works best for you so play around and see what works. Sometimes I will use a cookie sheet to keep the fabric stacks organized and easily shift them from my cutting table to my sewing table, so really you can use just about anything!
Hi Leah, a very Happy New Year. I am a beginner, how do you do the "dancing" square up with a really long piece of fabric. Is there another video I can watch? Thank You.
It's really hard to do this with really big pieces of fabric so the only time I work with really long pieces is when I'm preparing backing. For all other projects, I will cut down the fabric into 1 yard lengths so it's easier to manage.
Thank you so much.
does the starch gum up the needles? love love your presentations thanx
Nope, not a bit! Fusible web and basting spray can definitely make a gummy needle, but starch will dry completely before you begin cutting and piecing. The fabric should feel crisp and if anything it will make your needle slide more smoothly through the layers of the quilt.
wonderful, thanx love your work!
Leah I need your help. I am always learning from you even preparing my fabric. I am working with grunge and having two problem. I using faultless starch. One is a yard at a time and I am spraying starch and ironing. I ironed my material one day and cut another. When I went to cut the I had to iron it again due to wrinkles and I used a hot iron on it the first time and the second time. Next problem I was when cutting. I had no problems doing the dance with the material. If I folded it twice cut it and was getting a V in the middle of my strip. I redid the dance and I notice on the second fold I was not getting the inner fold to lay flat. If I only folded once I would be OK and no V. My problem is I have back issues and cannot bend over for any length of time and cannot reach the end of the fabric with one fold. I am using to much starch? Is it the type of starch I am using? On ironing why was it not looking like I ironed it? Wow I am winded. I hope you can understand what I am trying to say. Again very winded. Can you help me?
Great questions Deb! My firs thought is why did the fabric get wrinkled between one day and the next? Next time starch, press, then do the folds and if you have to set it aside, try to set it somewhere it will not be moved so it won't get wrinkled. Dad and I keep a shelf of fabric that has been starched and pressed and is ready to cut. When we want to use it, we pull it down and may press, but most often it just needs another square dance and it's ready for cutting.
It sounds like you might not be using enough starch. If the fabric is wrinkling so easily and not easily squaring (why you're getting the V on the second fold) then I think more starch is the answer. You can also work with smaller pieces of fabric and that will make this easier too. It's less efficient (you will use more fabric) but cutting down to fat quarters will make this process much easier for you, especially if your back is hurting. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
Hi, just Found your you Tube channel tonight Leah. I love it. It is so informative and you speak clearly and precisely. I think I need some clarification concerning Precut Quilter Squares that a person can buy in a store. I bought a packet of (42) 5"x 5" squares to make my 1st quilt with. The pieces are 100% cotton Fabric. The Brand is Benartex. Am I understanding that I don"t prewash these pieces before I start sewing them together? Is that because they are already Prewashed and are not going to shrink or bleed colors when I wash my completed quilt for the 1st time?
Great question Dale! No, you will not be able to prewash this fabric because it's already been cut to a smaller size. If you wash it, will likely fall apart and become a very badly frayed mess. No, these fabrics have not been prewashed, so yes, they can bleed in your finished quilt.
Bernatex is a great brand so I don't think you need to worry too much about bleeding colors. If the colors are very dark like red, purple, or navy blue, then I wouldn't put white in the quilt at all if you can help it. That way if the colors bleed, it won't be obvious. Does that make sense?
Hi Leah, thanks for answering my question. Now I have a follow up question to my first question. If I am not suppose to prewash precut quilting fabric, before I sew my top "panel", then does that mean I should not prewash the yardage of fabric I am using for my back "Panel"?
Do you still have to prewash fabric if you plan on having your quilts dry cleaned?
Yep. I believe in prewashing and I don't dry clean my quilts. Even my show quilts go through the wash or get soaked in the bathtub occasionally so I prewash everything.
I’m also a wiggle ironer 😂
LOL!
Is it ok to prewash similar colors together, like blue, purple and aqua?
Maybe...if it's a really dark blue and a really light purple or green, I would split the loads. If the colors are close in value and not too dark I'll wash them together. You kinda have to just guess at what can be washed together in the beginning and make a few mistakes. Even now I catch myself getting in a hurry and dealing with bleeding fabrics!
I wiggle during jng fabric prep but bot when pressing my pieces.
I am caring for a relative and cannot get to a washing machine until next week. Can I wash enough fabric for the first block in the sink or will that not get enough chemicals out of the fabric?
Yes, I think that should work just fine. Just make sure to starch and press - that's really a big key to accurate cutting!
Leah, do you use the original or heavy Niagra starch?
I use regular Niagara spray starch in a spray bottle rather than an aerosol can so I know exactly how much starch is left in the bottle.
Thank you, Leah. I'll get the regular/original Niagra spray starch.
What is the name of the starch please and can you tell me how to make a board like yours
I use Niagara brand spray starch in a spray bottle. I plan to make a video on building a firm pressing board soon!
ironing v. pressing: ironing usually stretches out fabrics to a degree whereas pressing doesn't
Yep! I have a bad habit of ironing when I really want to press. I get bored sitting the iron still!
So I will admit … I’ve made quilts and never prewashed before 🤫🤭 Mostly because I was entirely unsure what to do after I washed it! I’m being forced to now though. I inherited a very large stash of fabric and many of the pieces are 4+ yards and would therefore make great backing on large quilts. The problem is she must have had cats/dogs, plus there they’ve sat for awhile (years?) … so now I need to wash first. I love this video but am uncertain how to wash and starch such large yardage. I don’t really want to cut it to much bc like I said, it would be great backing. How would you suggest I deal with starching such large pieces? I also am curious on just how saturated you make the fabric with the starch solution. Is it slightly wet, dripping wet, etc. ? Thank you again for another wonderful tutorial!
I have a slightly different method for working with big pieces of fabric because it's such a pain. I use a big bin and fold up the fabric so it fits in the bin nicely. Then I dump an entire bottle of starch on top, lid it and let it soak. If it's a LOT of fabric, you may need more than one bottle. Then I unfold the fabric and put it in the washer and spin it twice. That spins out all the excess starch. Then I throw it in the dryer and tumble until it's almost dry - just slightly damp. Then press. It's so much easier and greatly reduces the time and effort of working with big pieces.
Another thing I'm trying this week because the starch I love just changed formulations (I don't like the chemicals listed on the bottle now), I'm going to fill up the washer with a few gallons of water, then add powdered starch. I'll agitate the washer so it dissolves completely, then add my fabric and let it soak a few minutes. Then spin (not rinse - you don't want more water added) to get rid of all the extra starch and water. I'm still experimenting with this and will share a video when I have a good system down.
Leah Day You are the Queen 👑 THANK you for responding! This is great! Definitely will try this, and I’d love to see/hear how the experiment with powdered starch goes. I completely agree with not liking a lot of formulas on products these days, so I will be eager to find out how it works for you. You are such a great teacher! 🎈😊
Would you please give the dimensions that you use for your pressing board.
It really is up to you and your space needs. I’m needing to make a new board to fit my new cabinet, but the dimensions are really weird - 30 x 40. I recommend measuring your space and the fabric sizes you tend to work with and building your first pressing board to fit your space.
So, the information needed is how to square up the fabric that is horrible 'off square' in the beginning! What if the diagonal is off by several inches?
You'll need to give it a gentle tug back into shape. Grab the two corners that are skewed inside and tug a bit on the diagonal. Then square again and see what happens!
Aloha
Silly question here
I am washing my cotton fabric
Never thought about this until now
Should we be washing our warm and natural by hand also
A halo Mary
Great question Mary! I don't wash my batting because I don't want it to fall apart. If I don't want the quilt to shrink, I pick a polyester batting. If I don't care if it shrinks I'll use a cotton, blend, or wool batting. Does that make sense?
When you have a left over piece of fabric, do you re-starch when you pull out to iron and square up again?
I have a bit of a system in place for fabric prep - I wash it when it comes in the house and put it away wrinkled just to save the hassle of starching and pressing immediately. When I need to use the fabric for a project it gets pulled, starched and pressed and cut into pieces. Leftover starched fabric - if it's bigger than 1/2 yard then it gets set on a special shelf of "prepped" fabric that is easy to use because it's ready to go. So many projects are made easier and faster just by pulling from this shelf.
Anything smaller gets cut into 2 1/2 inch or 1 1/2 inch strips or 10 inch or 5 inch squares and put them in bins. That way I don't have weird scraps floating around and everything is very efficiently prepped for future projects.
I would also add that it is not a good idea to prewash any precuts smaller than a fat quarter in the washing machine.You will end up with a mess.
Yes, most definitely! Prewashing precuts just doesn't work. For those just starch and press each shape twice for best results.
I saw Laura on sew very easy that recommends washing fabric too. She showed fat quarters and charm packs hand washed in a bowl and then used a salad colander that spins to rinse lettuce. It spins the water out and then she hangs it up to dry or get damp to press after.
Dou you thing I can use starch in washing machine instead of spraying it?
No, I don't think that will work because of the rinse cycle. You also don't want the fabric soaking in starch or it will flake off on your iron.
My mum always starch her kitchen towels and bed clothing. She uses starch after washing, she adds starch into washing machine and use another rinsing cycle. It doesn't wash out completely and you can iron it fine. Clothing it's bit stiffer and stack of clothing has sharper corner and looks nicer :)
Timiren o
What temperature is your iron set at, please?
Cotton - or the hottest setting your iron can go.
@@LeahDaythank you for answering. New quilter with questions that keep popping up. Lol
Do you use a dry or steam iron?
Always dry! the only time I put water in an iron is when I'm doing something really weird!
What about wool mats?
I'm not a fan of wool mats, though they are very popular right now. I found them too squishy to begin with and worry that over time the wool material will break down and soften. I still prefer to use a firm pressing board and still make new ones when I realize I need a new size.
@@LeahDay I just found you among my quilting queries and am definitely going back to pressing seams open. You talk about washing and starching. I used to always wash. Then convinced not to. But am going to wash again. But. With kits and jelly rolls that seems to be problematic if the process is to wash first. I never bought kits before and didn’t have jelly rolls which is all the rage and got caught up in. I don’t think I’ll do much of that going forwRd. What are your thoughts for kits and jelly rolls?
If it calls for 6 and 1/2 inch strip size, does it mean that the width is 6 /12 inch and the length is also 6 /12 inch size? and then it says cut 5 strips of the same size. So I cut 5 separate pieces? I am a beginner in quilting. Thanks for your help.
Hmm...if your pattern calls for a 6 1/2 inch strip, then you need to cut a strip of fabric 6 1/2 inches wide. Most likely this is a full length strip so it will be 6 1/2 x 40 inches long.
Thank you. Now I understand.
Still doesn't tell me how to begin just a plain quilt, like, do I make so many squares? Then one big piece of fabric on the back? I have no idea how to begin just a plain quilt, sorry, but trying to learn to sew
The best place to start will be with a quilt pattern that will guide you through the steps to cutting fabrics, piecing them together to form the quilt top, then how to layer and baste to create the quilt sandwich. There are a lot of steps here and details to learn. You might find my book helpful to just understand the basics of piecing - leahday.com/products/piece-perfect-quilts
Leah Day Also, I made two rag quilts, they were easy enough. The quilts turned out beautiful except for one problem, which happened with both quilts: when I washed, then dried, the quilt ended up with lint and pills all over them. I used quality cotton on one, so, assuming I used wrong fabric, used quality flannel on the other, the same thing happened.I watched so many videos and no one mentioned this happening, I was very disappointed because they took me weeks to make, but decided to keep trying. The only thing I did differently , I used one of the plastic balls you fill with fabric softener, because I have an old washer. Any insight appreciated❤️
Leah I'm a senior citizen and I need to learn to quilt. I would love to speak with you in person. I'm everywhere on Social Media please message me? Thank you - I'm Linda the Old Bird