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If you prewash your fabrics by machine, you have probably suffered through the tangle of excess threads that sometimes pull away from the cut edges. Try this trick to help cut down on this problem--open the cut of fabric out flat and trip a small (1/2") triangle from each corner. Wash as usual, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised at the lack of tangled threads.
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Use Your Rotary Cutter While Standing
The safest way to use a rotary blade is standing up at your cutting table. You need to be able to look straight down to ensure that your blade is firmly placed against the ruler. Leaning forward from a sitting position is not as steady and could lead to crooked cuts or a slice into the hand holding your ruler steady.
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Keep Those Pins Short
If you prefer to pin baste your applique pieces, be sure to get some fine, short pins. Using regular sewing pins will lead to the frustration of having your thread get caught up in the pins. The fine pins will also leave holes that are much less noticeable.
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The Fudge Factor
Are you trying to machine piece two quilt pieces that donīt quite match up? As long as the difference is not more that 1/8", try this technique--place a pin at each end of the seam and stitch with the larger piece facing the feed dogs of the sewing machine. This will "ease" in the extra bit of fabric. Practice first on scrap fabric to get a feel for the technique.
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Check Your Templates for Accuracy
When using paper or cardboard templates, check your cutting accuracy by tracing around the templates with a pencil. If the pieces donīt fit together smoothly on paper, they wontī fit together in fabric either.
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Keep Sandpaper Handy
Place a piece of find sandpaper under your fabric when using a template and pencil to marking your stitching or cutting lines by hand. The fabric will stick to the sandpaper and lessen the chance of inaccuracy due to stretching.
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Support Your Quilt
When planning for a quilt to be hung on the wall, be sure to include extra fabric for a hanging sleeve. This tube of fabric should run the entire width of the quilt and be deep enough to accept the dowel or rod that will be attached to the wall.
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Acid-Free Storage
The safest technique for storing a quilt that is not being displayed is to wrap the quilt in acid-free tissue and place it into an archival storage box. Support any folded areas with rolls of tissue to prevent creases. Remove from the box every few months and refold so the creases arenīt always in the same areas of the quilt.
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Try a Mini Iron
One of my new favorite tools for foundation piecing is the Clover Mini Iron. The nifty iron is just the right size for pressing seam allowances and working in tight spaces. This iron is great for smoothing appliqued bias strips and any other small pieces of fabric.
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Beeswax
Beeswax aids in strengthening your hand sewing thread and eliminating knots. Check your local fabric store for this handy product. A special holder is provided to contain the beeswax and prevent breakage.
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