►► 5 Essential Tips for How to Create the Perfect Quilt Block Every Time - Free Workshop → www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/opt-in ►► My Ultimate Beginner Quilting Course → www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/beginner
My favorites #1 How to fold fabric for storage - this is so very helpful #3 Pressing solution - I thought it had to be saturated - your method doesn't saturate - nice #4 Diagonal pinning - this is so very helpful #5 Mitered corners - Can't wait to watch your video #10 Prevent wavy borders - I did not know this - thanks
I’m 4 years in and EVERY single one of those things I’ve learned in bits and pieces. For a newbie, we don’t think we need to do those things, but as time and projects go on, we realize how much they help and it’s worth the extra investment or time. Love your channel!
Wow! Several years ago, I could have used the tip for avoiding wavy borders. I made a campfire quilt for a granddaughter. The whole quilt was wavy. I cut the quilt up into rectangles and squared them. I had spaces where I had to patch the quilt to make it the right size. The granddaughter said she hated it but her sister thought it was cool. Her sister got the quilt and I had to make another quilt!
Great tips as always Mary! Yesterday as pressing, I believe I was using to much pressing spray as my sewing room was filled with the smell of spray( from misting bottle like you use) and it was almost breath taking…I had such a headache by the time I was done! Obviously I use to much mist! Thanks for another great video!
Hi Mary, your tips are always so helpful. I especially like the idea of using the pressure foot on your sewing machine as an "extra" hand to hold down your fabric as you use your seam ripper to open a seam.
You're welcome Barb! Yes - that really helps me to keep things steady and tight. That way there's less chance of cutting your fabric with the seam ripper, also! Thanks for your kind words, Barb!
All great tips! My add would be to align more than one edge when joining blocks. Coming from garment sewing I wasn’t use to this and had many awkward blicks
I love, love, LOVE these tips!!! Mary you are a GEM & I’m only too happy I’ve found you!! Keep going girl & I’m excited to hear about 12 Blocks of Christmas!! I will add my tips. 1. I purchased a “board” for my ironing board & pressing on a hard surface is GREAT…added to the pressing marker & CHA-CHING!!! 2. I use a 5# wt on end of my ruler when making those long cuts on folded WOF. 3. When using rotary cutter, I start about 1/8” in, pull back THEN start cutting as I hv a “running start” making cutting smoother. Thank you Mary… your shoes are marvelous 💚🍀
Yes - getting that concentrated solution on the seams is the key! I do like the stiffness of the pressing marker a bit better than the paint brush - and I like that the solution is delivered consistently without having to continually dip the brush. But - both achieve great results - whatever your preference. Thanks for watching, Marilyn!
Mary, these are awesome tips! I do have a few tools that I really enjoy. I have the wool pressing bar for pressing seams open. I have a small wool pressing mat that I keep next to my machine and a larger one at my ironing board! I absolutely love the results I get when I use the wool pressing mats. I also like the Stripology rulers. I know they are expensive but they really do reduce your cutting time and improve accuracy! Our seam rippers can get dull depending on how often you use them and how old they are, be sure to remember to replace them from time to time! Thank you so much for all of your videos! I love the tips and tricks!🥰
I get bad results from my Stripology rulers and don't know why. New blades and mat, table at counter height but still not getting through the fabric completely. I find them more trouble than they're worth. Maybe Mary can address this.
@C123abc I need to do a tutorial on my Stripology Ruler. I absolutely agree with you! I believe the folding and positioning of the fabric can really help with those cuts. Also, the way you glide your cutter through the slots can also help. It's hard to explain here in a reply, but I will put it on my list to discuss in an upcoming Quilting Tips Video. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@joyfulandmerryquilting I look forward to seeing your thoughts and a tutorial on using the Stripology Ruler! It has been an absolute game changer for me! I have a complicated medical history and purchased them to make cutting easier for me and they have! I have heard similar stories as described above. Maybe with a video tutorial others that have experienced problems will be able to take your tips and tricks and get better results! I know how frustrating it can be when you spend a good amount of money on a tool that is supposed to help and it only causes frustration! 🥰
@@C123abc i hope this might help…I don’t use my Stripology Rulers on a counter height table. For some reason, I find that I need to be standing over the ruler to get an accurate cut. I actually put my mat on a table height table (my dining table) and cut from above. It allows me to keep everything lined up more precisely than standing at a counter height table. I’m not sure why but it seems to work better for me when I have that vantage point. Maybe you could try that? I know how frustrating it can be when we invest in something that is supposed to make life easier but causes us frustration! 😊
Good Morning Mary, just wanted to make a quick comment. Missed the live yesterday, but watched the repeat at midnight! I was packing and picking up the house as I watched, off to see my youngest granddaughters first birthday in Seattle. Great video and pattern last night, thank you. Will watch these tips at a later time today, need to run. 😅
Additional tips i use: 1) 5# weight on end of long rulers to keep from slipping. 2) Tape with bumpy side on back of rulers to keep from slipping. 3) June Taylor Shape Cut Pro for cutting 2.5", 5" or 10" strips. 4) Stripology XL for cutting smaller strips. 5) Ruler Upgrade for my largest ruler (8.5x24") for marking like 6 7/8" cuts. 6) Wool pressing mat 7) Walking Foot Along with your tips and these things, this completes my sewing and cutting area.
WELCOME Jill!!! So happy to have you join our Joyful and Merry Quilting Community! Be sure to sign up for our free workshop on our joyfulandmerryquilting.com website. You will need to enter your email address in order to view the workshop but it has 5 great tips and accompanying handouts. Again, welcome!
Titanium sewing needles last a LOT longer than regular sewing needles so I disregard the 8-10 hours. They're supposed to last up to 8 times longer so I just keep using them until I hear that popping noise. Mary, I am really glad you brought up measuring precuts! It's so important sewists know this because we assume precuts are going to be the size they're "supposed to be" (e.g. jelly rolls are supposed to be 2.5 inches)...but they aren't because different manufacturers definitely cut them differently. Pinked jelly rolls are the bane of my sewing existence. I never know, from manufacturer to manufacturer, if they're using the tip or the valley of the pinked triangles. And sometimes you aren't given enough fabric to cut off the pinking becaduse the valley goes too deeply into the fabric. Le sigh. I always make my borders larger than the quilt, sew 'em on, then trim. I've never gotten a warbly border. What am I doing right?
Thanks for your comments Mea. You're absolutely correct! I'm glad you haven't had to deal with wavy borders. Smoothing them out (not stretching) before pinning so the bulk is evenly distributed along the border is key to "no waves". Also, a good quality sewing machine with an even feed helps as well. But...but many, there's no escaping the wave without measuring and pinning. As an experienced sewist, sounds like you've got your system down!
These are so incredibly helpful. I am brand-stinking-new and these are now in my quilt tutorial playlist for reference - and I'm going to order those fabric markers. I have the Best Press, but this looks like it will help not be so wasteful of the "precious" solution. I did press my fabric with it before making my first cuts! So one for me LOL Thank you :)
Welcome to our Joyful and Merry Quilting Community, Kim!!! I'm so glad the video was helpful to you. Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter (www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com) and when you do you will have access to our FREE workshop "How to Create the Perfect Quilt Block Every Time". Again - I'm so happy to have you join us!
There is a little black button on the left back of your "J" presser foot. When you come to a thick seam like many fabric layers or hemming jeans, you can push that little button in to help your presser foot rise over the thickness. There are little gadgets called "hump-jumpers" that can help you do that, but why not use the built-in one? When you get past the thickness, the presser foot will return to its normal height automatically.
Maybe I got a bad batch of those titanium blades, but mine skipped and got dull very quickly. I love all the rest of these tips but going back to Olfa Endurance blades, expensive as they are.
Hello From Alaska, I hope you can assist me with my next project. I have my (40yrs old) wedding dress I would love to cut and incorporate it into quilt. Maybe a wall hanging using a few beaded pieces as the Accent pieces or blocks and using just the fabric with no embellishments for a throw quilt for my sewing room. Do you have any recommendations when working with this type of material? Should I use stabilizer on the back before cutting? I have been looking for blocks or patterns to use to incorporate the wedding dress. Any tips or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hi Lena! Welcome to our Joyful and Merry Quilting Community! It sounds like you have a beautiful quilt in the making! The closest I have come to making a quilt using clothing is a t-shirt quilt and that's not even close to what you're doing! I did a little research and came up with the following information. I hope it helps. When working with delicate materials like wedding dress fabric-especially if it has some age to it-there are a few important tips that can help: Stabilize the Fabric: Yes, using a lightweight stabilizer can help immensely. Delicate fabrics, especially those that are silky, thin, or have a bit of stretch, benefit from extra support to prevent them from shifting or puckering during cutting and sewing. You might try a fusible stabilizer, which will adhere to the fabric without much bulk. It can be especially helpful if your dress has satin, lace, or delicate netting. Select a Suitable Needle: For fine fabrics, a sharp, microtex, or universal needle in a smaller size (like 70/10 or 75/11) is ideal. This will help you sew cleanly without creating snags or runs in the material. Use a Foundation or Backing for Beaded Areas: If you’re incorporating beaded pieces, you might want to use a foundation fabric, like muslin, to support the weight of the beads. You can attach the beaded pieces by hand to the foundation fabric first, which makes it easier to sew the pieces into your quilt top. Choose a Simple Block Design: Since the fabric from the dress is likely very different from typical quilting cotton, simpler blocks will help you keep the focus on the beauty of the fabric without overly complicated seams. A classic pattern like a Log Cabin or Nine-Patch could work well to frame the pieces, or you might even consider a Shadow Box effect to emphasize those beaded sections. Consider Using Appliqué: For any intricate or heavily embellished areas, appliquéing them onto a block can give you more control. You can cut out specific sections, like lace motifs, and use a product like HeatnBond or a similar fusible web to secure them in place. I hope these tips help you get started!
@@joyfulandmerryquilting WOW!! Thanks so much for this information!! This does give me a jumping off point as to where to even begin. I do appreciate you taking the time to research and respond to my questions. Thanks so very much!!
Once you've subscribed, just go to www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com and click on "Library". The workshop is available there. Just click on the tab and it will take you to the handouts as well as the videos on each of the subjects. Thanks for subscribing Jeannie!
As a general rule, I don't pre-wash. I do test any fabrics that look like they may bleed and then prewash those if needed, but I don't wash every piece. Here's a link to my video about prewashing fabrics if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/DOcfi5it4Nk/видео.html Thanks for watching, Alice!
►► 5 Essential Tips for How to Create the Perfect Quilt Block Every Time - Free Workshop →
www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/opt-in
►► My Ultimate Beginner Quilting Course →
www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/beginner
My favorites
#1 How to fold fabric for storage - this is so very helpful
#3 Pressing solution - I thought it had to be saturated - your method doesn't saturate - nice
#4 Diagonal pinning - this is so very helpful
#5 Mitered corners - Can't wait to watch your video
#10 Prevent wavy borders - I did not know this - thanks
You're so welcome! Thanks so much for watching, Bobbie.
I’m 4 years in and EVERY single one of those things I’ve learned in bits and pieces. For a newbie, we don’t think we need to do those things, but as time and projects go on, we realize how much they help and it’s worth the extra investment or time. Love your channel!
Many thanks for sharing these priceless tips, Mary! ❤
Wow! Several years ago, I could have used the tip for avoiding wavy borders. I made a campfire quilt for a granddaughter. The whole quilt was wavy. I cut the quilt up into rectangles and squared them. I had spaces where I had to patch the quilt to make it the right size. The granddaughter said she hated it but her sister thought it was cool. Her sister got the quilt and I had to make another quilt!
Great tips as always Mary! Yesterday as pressing, I believe I was using to much pressing spray as my sewing room was filled with the smell of spray( from misting bottle like you use) and it was almost breath taking…I had such a headache by the time I was done! Obviously I use to much mist! Thanks for another great video!
Wow Mary, I have been quilting about three years now, you tips have been invaluable. Thank you so much 😊😊❤
You're so welcome Marti! Thanks for watching!
Thanks Mary. I will check the links out.
These are fantastic tips !! I have been quilting for about 2 years now . Thank you
Hi Mary, your tips are always so helpful. I especially like the idea of using the pressure foot on your sewing machine as an "extra" hand to hold down your fabric as you use your seam ripper to open a seam.
Yes! Never thought of that.
You're welcome Barb! Yes - that really helps me to keep things steady and tight. That way there's less chance of cutting your fabric with the seam ripper, also! Thanks for your kind words, Barb!
All great tips! My add would be to align more than one edge when joining blocks. Coming from garment sewing I wasn’t use to this and had many awkward blicks
I love, love, LOVE these tips!!! Mary you are a GEM & I’m only too happy I’ve found you!! Keep going girl & I’m excited to hear about 12 Blocks of Christmas!!
I will add my tips. 1. I purchased a “board” for my ironing board & pressing on a hard surface is GREAT…added to the pressing marker & CHA-CHING!!! 2. I use a 5# wt on end of my ruler when making those long cuts on folded WOF. 3. When using rotary cutter, I start about 1/8” in, pull back THEN start cutting as I hv a “running start” making cutting smoother.
Thank you Mary… your shoes are marvelous 💚🍀
Great tips Judy!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
I used a paint brush to brush the seams with starch and it works beautifully. That was the best tip from the perfectly flat seams video thank you.
Yes - getting that concentrated solution on the seams is the key! I do like the stiffness of the pressing marker a bit better than the paint brush - and I like that the solution is delivered consistently without having to continually dip the brush. But - both achieve great results - whatever your preference. Thanks for watching, Marilyn!
Mary, these are awesome tips! I do have a few tools that I really enjoy. I have the wool pressing bar for pressing seams open. I have a small wool pressing mat that I keep next to my machine and a larger one at my ironing board! I absolutely love the results I get when I use the wool pressing mats. I also like the Stripology rulers. I know they are expensive but they really do reduce your cutting time and improve accuracy! Our seam rippers can get dull depending on how often you use them and how old they are, be sure to remember to replace them from time to time! Thank you so much for all of your videos! I love the tips and tricks!🥰
I get bad results from my Stripology rulers and don't know why. New blades and mat, table at counter height but still not getting through the fabric completely. I find them more trouble than they're worth. Maybe Mary can address this.
Great tips Laura!!! I absolutely agree! Thanks for sharing!
@C123abc I need to do a tutorial on my Stripology Ruler. I absolutely agree with you! I believe the folding and positioning of the fabric can really help with those cuts. Also, the way you glide your cutter through the slots can also help. It's hard to explain here in a reply, but I will put it on my list to discuss in an upcoming Quilting Tips Video. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@joyfulandmerryquilting I look forward to seeing your thoughts and a tutorial on using the Stripology Ruler! It has been an absolute game changer for me! I have a complicated medical history and purchased them to make cutting easier for me and they have! I have heard similar stories as described above. Maybe with a video tutorial others that have experienced problems will be able to take your tips and tricks and get better results! I know how frustrating it can be when you spend a good amount of money on a tool that is supposed to help and it only causes frustration! 🥰
@@C123abc i hope this might help…I don’t use my Stripology Rulers on a counter height table. For some reason, I find that I need to be standing over the ruler to get an accurate cut. I actually put my mat on a table height table (my dining table) and cut from above. It allows me to keep everything lined up more precisely than standing at a counter height table. I’m not sure why but it seems to work better for me when I have that vantage point. Maybe you could try that? I know how frustrating it can be when we invest in something that is supposed to make life easier but causes us frustration! 😊
Many wise words ,, mary , thankyou
Good Morning Mary, just wanted to make a quick comment. Missed the live yesterday, but watched the repeat at midnight! I was packing and picking up the house as I watched, off to see my youngest granddaughters first birthday in Seattle. Great video and pattern last night, thank you. Will watch these tips at a later time today, need to run. 😅
Thank you so much for your kind words Frances! I'm sorry you missed the live, but there's always "next time!" See you at our next meeting!
Additional tips i use:
1) 5# weight on end of long rulers to keep from slipping.
2) Tape with bumpy side on back of rulers to keep from slipping.
3) June Taylor Shape Cut Pro for cutting 2.5", 5" or 10" strips.
4) Stripology XL for cutting smaller strips.
5) Ruler Upgrade for my largest ruler (8.5x24") for marking like 6 7/8" cuts.
6) Wool pressing mat
7) Walking Foot
Along with your tips and these things, this completes my sewing and cutting area.
Thanks for sharing Marilyn!!! Great tips! And thanks for watching.
Dear Mary, I found you recently found you and you are the missing piece for me! Thank you SO much for helping me become better at my quilting ❤️
WELCOME Jill!!! So happy to have you join our Joyful and Merry Quilting Community! Be sure to sign up for our free workshop on our joyfulandmerryquilting.com website. You will need to enter your email address in order to view the workshop but it has 5 great tips and accompanying handouts. Again, welcome!
Thank you, Mary. Great video as always.
You're so welcome! I'm so glad you found it helpful!
Thanks so much for all the great advice.
You're so welcome Becky! Thanks for watching1
Titanium sewing needles last a LOT longer than regular sewing needles so I disregard the 8-10 hours. They're supposed to last up to 8 times longer so I just keep using them until I hear that popping noise.
Mary, I am really glad you brought up measuring precuts! It's so important sewists know this because we assume precuts are going to be the size they're "supposed to be" (e.g. jelly rolls are supposed to be 2.5 inches)...but they aren't because different manufacturers definitely cut them differently. Pinked jelly rolls are the bane of my sewing existence. I never know, from manufacturer to manufacturer, if they're using the tip or the valley of the pinked triangles. And sometimes you aren't given enough fabric to cut off the pinking becaduse the valley goes too deeply into the fabric. Le sigh.
I always make my borders larger than the quilt, sew 'em on, then trim. I've never gotten a warbly border. What am I doing right?
Thanks for your comments Mea. You're absolutely correct! I'm glad you haven't had to deal with wavy borders. Smoothing them out (not stretching) before pinning so the bulk is evenly distributed along the border is key to "no waves". Also, a good quality sewing machine with an even feed helps as well. But...but many, there's no escaping the wave without measuring and pinning. As an experienced sewist, sounds like you've got your system down!
These are so incredibly helpful. I am brand-stinking-new and these are now in my quilt tutorial playlist for reference - and I'm going to order those fabric markers. I have the Best Press, but this looks like it will help not be so wasteful of the "precious" solution. I did press my fabric with it before making my first cuts! So one for me LOL Thank you :)
Welcome to our Joyful and Merry Quilting Community, Kim!!! I'm so glad the video was helpful to you. Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter (www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com) and when you do you will have access to our FREE workshop "How to Create the Perfect Quilt Block Every Time". Again - I'm so happy to have you join us!
@@joyfulandmerryquilting oh great! Thank you.
Very good video! Thank you!
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!
Wonderful tips! Thanks!
You're so welcome, Sandra! Thanks for watching!
Tip- if you don’t pre-wash all your fabrics, it is a good idea to check for colorfastness, particularly with red fabrics.
Great tip! Yes - I do have a video on testing for color fastness and bleeding.
studio.ruclips.net/user/videoDOcfi5it4Nk/edit
There is a little black button on the left back of your "J" presser foot. When you come to a thick seam like many fabric layers or hemming jeans, you can push that little button in to help your presser foot rise over the thickness. There are little gadgets called "hump-jumpers" that can help you do that, but why not use the built-in one? When you get past the thickness, the presser foot will return to its normal height automatically.
Maybe I got a bad batch of those titanium blades, but mine skipped and got dull very quickly. I love all the rest of these tips but going back to Olfa Endurance blades, expensive as they are.
do seam rippers need to be sharpened or disposed?
Hello From Alaska, I hope you can assist me with my next project. I have my (40yrs old) wedding dress I would love to cut and incorporate it into quilt. Maybe a wall hanging using a few beaded pieces as the Accent pieces or blocks and using just the fabric with no embellishments for a throw quilt for my sewing room. Do you have any recommendations when working with this type of material? Should I use stabilizer on the back before cutting? I have been looking for blocks or patterns to use to incorporate the wedding dress. Any tips or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hi Lena! Welcome to our Joyful and Merry Quilting Community! It sounds like you have a beautiful quilt in the making! The closest I have come to making a quilt using clothing is a t-shirt quilt and that's not even close to what you're doing! I did a little research and came up with the following information. I hope it helps.
When working with delicate materials like wedding dress fabric-especially if it has some age to it-there are a few important tips that can help:
Stabilize the Fabric: Yes, using a lightweight stabilizer can help immensely. Delicate fabrics, especially those that are silky, thin, or have a bit of stretch, benefit from extra support to prevent them from shifting or puckering during cutting and sewing. You might try a fusible stabilizer, which will adhere to the fabric without much bulk. It can be especially helpful if your dress has satin, lace, or delicate netting.
Select a Suitable Needle: For fine fabrics, a sharp, microtex, or universal needle in a smaller size (like 70/10 or 75/11) is ideal. This will help you sew cleanly without creating snags or runs in the material.
Use a Foundation or Backing for Beaded Areas: If you’re incorporating beaded pieces, you might want to use a foundation fabric, like muslin, to support the weight of the beads. You can attach the beaded pieces by hand to the foundation fabric first, which makes it easier to sew the pieces into your quilt top.
Choose a Simple Block Design: Since the fabric from the dress is likely very different from typical quilting cotton, simpler blocks will help you keep the focus on the beauty of the fabric without overly complicated seams. A classic pattern like a Log Cabin or Nine-Patch could work well to frame the pieces, or you might even consider a Shadow Box effect to emphasize those beaded sections.
Consider Using Appliqué: For any intricate or heavily embellished areas, appliquéing them onto a block can give you more control. You can cut out specific sections, like lace motifs, and use a product like HeatnBond or a similar fusible web to secure them in place.
I hope these tips help you get started!
@@joyfulandmerryquilting WOW!! Thanks so much for this information!! This does give me a jumping off point as to where to even begin. I do appreciate you taking the time to research and respond to my questions. Thanks so very much!!
So how do I access the video about the 1/4" seam? I subscribed and my subscription was confirmed but I didn't get an email with a link?
Once you've subscribed, just go to www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com and click on "Library". The workshop is available there. Just click on the tab and it will take you to the handouts as well as the videos on each of the subjects. Thanks for subscribing Jeannie!
Do you wash your fabric before you store it or cut it?
As a general rule, I don't pre-wash. I do test any fabrics that look like they may bleed and then prewash those if needed, but I don't wash every piece. Here's a link to my video about prewashing fabrics if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/DOcfi5it4Nk/видео.html Thanks for watching, Alice!
Where do you get the pressing markers from?
I bought mine on Amazon. If you go to the video ruclips.net/video/VlEfbD_HQLI/видео.html the link to purchase is in the description.