Im 75, been sewing since i was 5, and you just gave me a gob of information i did not know. Truthfully, i must have had my head under a rock, not to know some of those things, but i find the older i get, the more i learn and the less i realize i " know". So thank you! I collect old quilt topa and ill never get them all hand quilted in my lifetime and im not rich enough to have someone else quilt them, so ill take your wise counsel and focus on gettind my favorites off the shelf and back to work! 😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Buying so,instance and a steamer pronto! I’ve been longarm quilting for a couple,of years and from time to time e get aui;ts with a little fullness. Nothing too bad yet, but it’s just a matter of time. I have been misting with water but I think these extra steps will be so helpful.
yes! I totally agree that a hand pieced vintage quilt CAN be machine quilted. It's better to have a finished quilt to use and enjoy than a quilt top stored away in a box. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for this! A dear neighbor just asked me to quilt two tops she had made, hand-pieced, years ago. I didn't sleep much last night for thinking about all the things that could go wrong but you addressed so many of those concerns in this video. I'm feeling a lot more confident now!
This quilt was so lucky to be found by you. I appreciate the talents of longarmers. I discovered the quilt world 3 years ago & never cease to be amazed.
Granny pieced all her spare time. I took lots of tops from her house 20+ years ago, many moldy smelling. Washed a couple but of course they shredded all to pieces. Last year I started culling my house and was about to set the boxes on street. Decided to try washing again. I safety pin into large mesh bags and an having several survivors! The ones that shred or are damaged too much, I mend as possible, cut into small sizes, add borders and back with flannel. Lap quilts donationed to a group who helps elderly. The surviving tops going into a keeper bin...clean!
PHEWWWWWW!!!!! I am out of breath with EXCITEMENT!! I have quilted a few hand pieced tops . . . I was never satisfied because of all of the wrinkles and sometimes pleats!!! YOU have given me permission to do the best I can, with what I have to work with!!!!! Thank you so much!! I just ordered a little steam iron like yours too, to help me as much as possible with the waves, wrinkles and pleats!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!!!
I have 2 vintage quilt tops that need to be quilted. Your video is so helpful as I am worried about doing them! I have a new Amara Longarm and am still trying to get familiar enough with all the process. Probably will be a few more months before I try!!!!!! Thank you so much for the video!!!!!!
I had a quilting business in Pa. For 10 years with APQS longarm in the days before stitch regulators. I did many vintage quilts. Most hand pieced with very bumpy sewing. I stippled them with a pretty back and my customers loved them. I got a lot of business from people who hated the prices of the Amish. Of course Amish was hand quilting( worth the money but very pricey) My quilting created a beautiful,serviceable quilt. Many clients cried when they saw an older relative’s tops made into lovely quilts. I have A Q’nique mid arm now and quilt just for fun and friends- no charge!
Kelly thank you so very much for your video! My grandmother passed and a lot of the quilt tops we did together were not hand quilted as we hand pieced and hand quilted them all. There are a lot of quilt tops left to do so I bought a long arm after I retired so I could actually finish them, and all of mine, before I am gone too. Thank you for passing on your knowledge!! I had no idea where to start, now I do! Happy quilting
Thank you for sharing your experience on quilting vintage quilts. I have 5 that were made by my husband's great aunt and this helps a lot. I can't wait to try these tips to get them quilted and gifted to family members.
Thank you for this video! I’m working on vintage quilts for a customer that her mother made and they are SO full because bless her, her seams are not consistent, and I have been struggling to get them quilted with out so many wrinkles. I will definitely try this.
Thank you for the great demo on machine quilting a vintage quilt. In the past, I have basted my vintage quilts and then hand quilted to work out the fullness. The water/starch/steam combo to flatten is awesome. Your quilt philosophy is much like mine. 😘
This was excellent Kelly! I have done several vintage tops and always have been thrilled with the results. But since your piece was soooo curvy. Your tips and tricks are invaluable! Some I had figured out on my own, but others were new to me! Thank you for this helpful video! Your are most generous with your time and I appreciate it! I put this in my saved folder!!!!! Thank you again!
Thanks Sheri! Glad you found some new tricks. I think we all have them, we just don't know what everyone knows, or doesn't. So this helped to lay it all out!! ;)
I repair vintage quilts and have quilted a few. I have used a few of these techniques but some I have not..will definitely be incorporating them into my quilting.
I agree with you Kelly many of us like to piece a top and not quilt it, mainly since we are not able to figure out the design to quilt, this was my hardest problem to over come, thanks so much for sharing your talents and wisdom.
Thank you so much for this video!! I have picked up a decent amount of vintage quilt tops and blocks from the antique stores in Dodge City, KS and I can’t wait to try this out! I am not 100% on my custom quilting yet so it was nice to see a vintage top with an edge to edge pattern!
You made this seem so do-able! Thank you so much. I have one from my grandmother that I have held onto for years. Now I think I can quilt it with less fear!
Thank you for this video and instructions. I have a quilt top of this same pattern from my great- great-grandmother that is in very good condition (some pieces of feed sack) and I am trying to decide whether to take it to be hand quilted or do it on my long arm. I did not know about the ball point needle. All very helpful info.
I've quilted several vintage quilt tops on my Amara with PS, and I wish I'd seen this before I'd done them. Thanks for a great video with very useful information.
Thank you for such a detailed video. You did a beautiful job. I was actually looking for help to see if I can do something to a quilt I just got back from a longarmer. There are areas where there are puffs. I believe when I gave it to her is was really flat when I pressed with the exception of the center where lots of seams came together. Could I use this starch and steam method on a quilted quilt? It is a Judy Niemeyer quilt that I had hoped to use as a wall hanging.
Ohhhh gosh, that’s unfortunate! Yes, you might try blocking it. Pin as tightly as possible to a carpet with some towels or protection underneath. Then, use spray starch over the whole thing (test an area to make sure fabrics don’t bleed!). That may be enough to take out some puff, but then you can add steam to that and it should shrink up some of the excess. You can add water spray after that first starch to continue the process. Doesn’t hurt to try! Good luck!! K
Absolutely brilliant explanations and techniques you have shared.... thank you for the information on the needles used, I will have to get some xxxxxxxxxxxx here in Australia we have to buy vintage tops form overseas which can be tricky, one day I will have one
Beautiful work! Cline is my maiden name. Thank you for this information. This was very inspiring freeing and helpful to this fairly new to longarm quilter.
That was fascinating. I love your approach to getting quilts done. Perfectionism can be a curse (Or so I hear, no one has ever accused me of being a perfectionist. :) I'd love to see the finished quilt with the binding. I've never heard of "knife-edged binding." I'll be looking that up.
Thanks! I ended up just doing a regular binding on it. You can see the finish at the end of a video here on my channel. It’s under the title, Kaw Valley Quilt Show.
Wow, thank you so much. I will definitely be adding a vintage quilt top to my longarming to do list. Would love to know where you get your molded earplugs? I agree my APQS Lucey is a little loud when she is hard at work. I had never even thought about the water, starch and steaming so thank you for sharing! This will be put to good use! Looking forward to more videos.
Hi Jennifer, yay, save a top! Yes, here are the ones I use. Easy, find on Amazon. They are a putty, you put in your ear, dries in 10 minutes to mold to your ear! amzn.to/3gvRmIx
This quilt was paper pieced that's why it's uneven. Most likely it was the makers first one. It was all hand done, so hopefully you appreciate it more now.
I TOTALLY appreciate this quilt and the hundreds I’ve quilted that are exactly like this. I’m simply here to help others along that finish these beautiful tops. There are techniques to use when you work with a vintage, hand-pieced top and a longarm.
Hello, I love to make tops. It's my mental health break. Several stressful jobs. Once the top is done I'm over it. It has taken me 3 years to half way quilt my 2020 covid quilt. I hate every minute of it. I have donated several tops to charity
Fabulous video! I learned so much in this and you had my attention until the end. Your video will make me a better quilter I'm sure. Thank you so much! Question...how were you holding your camera while you had both hands on the quilt or moving the LA while you manipulated the quilt top or steamed? GoPro or some sort of holder for your phone. Love it.
Such a great video! I have a vintage quilt top that has 2" squares that are laid out on the bias so I'm not sure how much pulling to do as you roll the quilt. Also afraid if I pull too much if it will be wonky at the end. Do I have to anything different since it is on the bias? Any other pointers on completing the quilt? Can you let me know which Homedic steam you use please? Also do you ever add any border or just finish as is? If you use muslin under the top to you use spray adhesive? I have a HQ Simply Sixteed - can I use Handiquilter ball point needles? I don't have a Prostitcher so I will custom quilt. Any pointer(s) will be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Nancy, I saw your email as well but thought I’d answer here so everyone can see the answer. So I always float my vintage tops, they are easier to manipulate as you go. If you use starch and steam, then you won’t need to pull too much. I don’t worry at all about the shape of a vintage quilt. I let it be whatever it wants to be. I rarely try to square them when finished. They haven’t had the steam iron I use in stock for awhile, so something like this would work. amzn.to/3ykBznV I simply finish as is, but you can certainly add a border if you wish. I rarely put muslin under my tops, only if the top is fragile would I do that and you would just float with the top. Do not adhere it. Yes, you can use ballpoints. I use them exclusively, but I use Schmetz brand as I think they outperform the Groz-Beckert. kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles I hope that answered everything! Ask again if you need more help. Thanks!
Hi I have been told by my Handi Quilter dealer to always use the sharp needles and change it with every quilt. And then I have to position it and test it to make sure it is not breaking the thread , HQ said that is just a quirk with diffence lonearm machines have. My question is can I use the ball needle on any fabric? And what size ball need do you use please? I quilt for others and don't want to mess up their beautiful quilts and now you say I don't have to change the needle every time which I love that. I was a garment sewer for 50 years before I started quilting 4 years ago (I was 5 when my grandmothers and my mom taught me to sew) and I only changed my needle when it got dule. And one more question please, what do you think of the Zipper leaders, the quick zip system?
Hi Frida, ballpoint needles are fine to use in Handi Quilter machines and most other longarms. They do not burr like a sharp and only need to be changed 2-3 times per year. I have used the Schmetz needles exclusively in my HQ longarm machines for the last 10 years, they are magic! Size is determined by thread weight. 40 weight thread will use a #16 needle.
@@KellyClineQuilting thank you so much for your answer, this is going to save me a lot of time. Now I am looking at the zipper system to load my longarm with. God Bless you.
I really enjoyed watching this and learned a lot! I have a very similar vintage top I’ve been thinking about trying to get finished, this was very helpful. I’m thinking there aren’t any ballpoint needles that fit my Voyager, if you know otherwise, could you let me know? Thanks for a great video!
Hi there, yes, I don't believe the Schmetz that I sell will work on a Voyager. If you order from a certain place, they should have ballpoints that are equal in size to your sharps. You might ask the dealer.
I have been trying to locate Schmetz longarm needles. I can't find them on the Schmetz website. Could you please share the exact product you are using? I have a HandiQuilter Amara.
What would you recommend for a double wedding ring with the background fabrics being low thread count, therefore it’s trying to separate from the hand pieced quilt pieces? Thank you!
Hi Christine, I would put a layer of muslin under the top to have a sturdy layer of fabric under the weaker fabric top. Quilting densely will keep it held together well!
I wish I had found your video before I loaded this vintage quilt. I have 20" L x10" W to finish it up and the quilting process and I'm ending up with a couple HUGE FOLDS that will happen. Is it too late to water, starch and steam?
Hi Christine, thanks! I sell them in my online shop. I am on vacation beginning tomorrow so I’ll be shutting off my shop for about a week. If you want them shipped tomorrow, please order tonight, thanks! Kelly kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles
I have a 74 year old quilt that has some fabric that is very thin. Is there a size needle I should use on my APQS Millie? I"ve put muslin between the top and batting for extra strength. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
Hi Debbie, needle size will depend on your thread weight. I would suggest a ballpoint #16 with 40 weight thread, something like Glide brand. Check with APQS for a ballpoint needle.
Thanks so much for sharing the video, Kelly! Doesn't have to be a vintage quilt to use some of these great tips. You mentioned molded ear plugs when you are longarming. What kind do you recommend?
You would choose needle size for the thread weight you are using. #16 needle is for 40 weight thread like Glide. I would use #18 on thicker threads like King Tut.
Your video was so very helpful! A friend wants me to quilt her vintage Grandmothers Flower Garden on my HQ 16 Longarm ..I was intimidated, but now feel more confident. Two questions. What don’t you hand wash the top before quilting? Do you think I can do an edge to edge design using a pantograph, since I don’t have a computer?
Thanks! Sometimes I will ‘soak’ a quilt top, but only if it has a smell. This one didn’t, so the cleaning is best done after quilting. Absolutely you can do a pantograph! I do lots of free motion work on vintage quilts, but I would only do this from the front. I wouldn’t work from the back as it helps to be able to manipulate and use your hand to work out some areas with excess fabric.
Hmmm, not really. Just make sure you give it oil after every bobbin and take it in for cleaning and service at least every year or two. They will grease things inside and that really helps the noise.
I have a vintage double wedding top to quilt. It has stains and the maker used a red marker for the placement of the piecing lines. Will the starch and steam set these stains or should I try to clean the top before quilting? I have a product called restoration that might clean it. also, the top is mostly white and the backing is navy blue, what threads should I use?
Hi Lorraine, I would definitely clean with Restoration before quilting. The red marker will be difficult, try rubbing alcohol to remove those. When I'm faced with multiple colors, I tend to go with a silver color thread.
@@maryanne2500 you'll find 4 sizes in my shop. Use the size you currently use in your longarm. kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles
Hi there … I have a question and I hope that either you or maybe a follower can help me. I am working on a 150 year old quilt that requires me to attach a sleeve. The quote backing is due to its age. very fragile, and I would like to see if anybody can help me with some tips on how to attach the sleeve without having the backing rip on me. Thank you very very much for any help with this issue. Just in case you wonder, this quilt is going into a museum and needs the sleeve to be hung.
@@Sabrina1998 I would most likely hand stitch a sleeve through ALL the layers for sturdiness. Maybe it can hide somewhat on the front with same color thread or small stitches.
@@KellyClineQuilting hello 👋🏻 Thank you for your reply. I never thought of doing that. I will have to talk to my friend who owns the quilt if she would be ok with that. I think it’s a good option. What do you think about using some sort of fusible that I attach to the area underneath the sleeve?
Im 75, been sewing since i was 5, and you just gave me a gob of information i did not know. Truthfully, i must have had my head under a rock, not to know some of those things, but i find the older i get, the more i learn and the less i realize i " know". So thank you! I collect old quilt topa and ill never get them all hand quilted in my lifetime and im not rich enough to have someone else quilt them, so ill take your wise counsel and focus on gettind my favorites off the shelf and back to work! 😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@ransomdaniels8395 I’m always learning new things. Glad you had some light bulb moments, love those!
Buying so,instance and a steamer pronto! I’ve been longarm quilting for a couple,of years and from time to time e get aui;ts with a little fullness. Nothing too bad yet, but it’s just a matter of time. I have been misting with water but I think these extra steps will be so helpful.
Thank you!
You bet!
Wow, I've learned lots from you in this video! I can't thank you enough!
Great!!
Just wow. The maker would be thrilled to see it :) I think you will approve that I watched this at 1.5x speed lol
YES! Thanks!
yes! I totally agree that a hand pieced vintage quilt CAN be machine quilted. It's better to have a finished quilt to use and enjoy than a quilt top stored away in a box. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for this! A dear neighbor just asked me to quilt two tops she had made, hand-pieced, years ago. I didn't sleep much last night for thinking about all the things that could go wrong but you addressed so many of those concerns in this video. I'm feeling a lot more confident now!
Great, best wishes!!
This quilt was so lucky to be found by you. I appreciate the talents of longarmers. I discovered the quilt world 3 years ago & never cease to be amazed.
Granny pieced all her spare time. I took lots of tops from her house 20+ years ago, many moldy smelling. Washed a couple but of course they shredded all to pieces. Last year I started culling my house and was about to set the boxes on street. Decided to try washing again. I safety pin into large mesh bags and an having several survivors! The ones that shred or are damaged too much, I mend as possible, cut into small sizes, add borders and back with flannel. Lap quilts donationed to a group who helps elderly. The surviving tops going into a keeper bin...clean!
Great!!!!
I’m always happy to see a vintage or antique quilt saved! I repair old quilts by hand. Takes forever, but it’s worth it:-)
Thanks, love saving them!
I just found this video I love it and its like a walk down memory lane, I see many fabrics my Gramma used in her quilts
PHEWWWWWW!!!!! I am out of breath with EXCITEMENT!! I have quilted a few hand pieced tops . . . I was never satisfied because of all of the wrinkles and sometimes pleats!!! YOU have given me permission to do the best I can, with what I have to work with!!!!! Thank you so much!! I just ordered a little steam iron like yours too, to help me as much as possible with the waves, wrinkles and pleats!!!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!!!
Great!!! So excited you found this tutorial! Good luck and have fun Marti!
I have 2 vintage quilt tops that need to be quilted. Your video is so helpful as I am worried about doing them! I have a new Amara Longarm and am still trying to get familiar enough with all the process. Probably will be a few more months before I try!!!!!! Thank you so much for the video!!!!!!
Just take your time, starch and steam and you’ll have great success!!
I had a quilting business in Pa. For 10 years with APQS longarm in the days before stitch regulators. I did many vintage quilts. Most hand pieced with very bumpy sewing. I stippled them with a pretty back and my customers loved them. I got a lot of business from people who hated the prices of the Amish. Of course Amish was hand quilting( worth the money but very pricey) My quilting created a beautiful,serviceable quilt. Many clients cried when they saw an older relative’s tops made into lovely quilts. I have A Q’nique mid arm now and quilt just for fun and friends- no charge!
Wonderful!
Thank you for a great informational tutorial!
Thank you. I have bypassed tops in the past. Now I will stop and look.
Kelly thank you so very much for your video! My grandmother passed and a lot of the quilt tops we did together were not hand quilted as we hand pieced and hand quilted them all. There are a lot of quilt tops left to do so I bought a long arm after I retired so I could actually finish them, and all of mine, before I am gone too. Thank you for passing on your knowledge!! I had no idea where to start, now I do! Happy quilting
I’m so excited for you, Laurel! You’ll get ‘em done! 😎
@@KellyClineQuilting thanks so very much for your vote of confidence!
Thank you for sharing your experience on quilting vintage quilts. I have 5 that were made by my husband's great aunt and this helps a lot. I can't wait to try these tips to get them quilted and gifted to family members.
Good luck and have fun with them!
Thank you for this video! I’m working on vintage quilts for a customer that her mother made and they are SO full because bless her, her seams are not consistent, and I have been struggling to get them quilted with out so many wrinkles. I will definitely try this.
Fabulous!! It works, good luck!!!
Thank you for the great demo on machine quilting a vintage quilt. In the past, I have basted my vintage quilts and then hand quilted to work out the fullness. The water/starch/steam combo to flatten is awesome. Your quilt philosophy is much like mine. 😘
You are amazing. I was told to watch your videos because of how you managed the puckers/fullness. Beautiful job!
Thanks Cathy! Hope it helped!
This was excellent Kelly! I have done several vintage tops and always have been thrilled with the results. But since your piece was soooo curvy. Your tips and tricks are invaluable! Some I had figured out on my own, but others were new to me! Thank you for this helpful video! Your are most generous with your time and I appreciate it! I put this in my saved folder!!!!! Thank you again!
Thanks Sheri! Glad you found some new tricks. I think we all have them, we just don't know what everyone knows, or doesn't. So this helped to lay it all out!! ;)
Gorgeous Kelly!! Thank you for showing how you do the starch and steam! Thank you so much.
Thank you for doing this video. I'm just learning to quilt and found it very onformative. Love your work.
Thanks Joan! Glad you found it helpful!
Hi, I'm new to your channel. I'm looking forward to your next video. Thanks.
I repair vintage quilts and have quilted a few. I have used a few of these techniques but some I have not..will definitely be incorporating them into my quilting.
Off to buy some starch 🤸♀️ thanks for giving me the confidence to quilt a vintage top!!
Woo hoo!!
I agree with you Kelly many of us like to piece a top and not quilt it, mainly since we are not able to figure out the design to quilt, this was my hardest problem to over come, thanks so much for sharing your talents and wisdom.
Thank you so much for this video!! I have picked up a decent amount of vintage quilt tops and blocks from the antique stores in Dodge City, KS and I can’t wait to try this out! I am not 100% on my custom quilting yet so it was nice to see a vintage top with an edge to edge pattern!
I've done my share of custom work on vintage tops. I really am enjoying finishing them quickly with edge to edge designs! Have fun!
Wonderful demonstration and info 💕 I have 4 Vintage quilt tops and so glad to see this first 💕
I agree, finished is best. I love picking up vintage quilts and finishing them so they are usable. They make great gifts.
You made this seem so do-able! Thank you so much. I have one from my grandmother that I have held onto for years. Now I think I can quilt it with less fear!
Yay, that's what I like to hear!!
This was an awesome video, Kelly! Thanks so much for all your great tips and for your inspiration. Loved it!
You have definitely inspired me to complete a vintage quilt top. I am in the process of finding one for my first project.
Great!! It’s sure possible!
Great video filled with tips for all long-arm quilting. Thanks, Kelly!
Thanks Marilyn!
What great ideas! Thank You!
You are amazing thank you for the great video and the conformation of it is better finished than perfect. Red
HEY Red!!! Thanks, perfect is certainly not in my vocabulary!! ;)
Thank you for this video and instructions. I have a quilt top of this same pattern from my great- great-grandmother that is in very good condition (some pieces of feed sack) and I am trying to decide whether to take it to be hand quilted or do it on my long arm. I did not know about the ball point needle. All very helpful info.
I've quilted several vintage quilt tops on my Amara with PS, and I wish I'd seen this before I'd done them. Thanks for a great video with very useful information.
What a awesome job you did quilting. I’m been long arming for many years and could have used this video . Thanks your the best,
Thanks Lenore!
Beautiful Work! ❤️ This video was exactly what I needed to see!
Thank you for such a detailed video. You did a beautiful job. I was actually looking for help to see if I can do something to a quilt I just got back from a longarmer. There are areas where there are puffs. I believe when I gave it to her is was really flat when I pressed with the exception of the center where lots of seams came together. Could I use this starch and steam method on a quilted quilt? It is a Judy Niemeyer quilt that I had hoped to use as a wall hanging.
Ohhhh gosh, that’s unfortunate! Yes, you might try blocking it. Pin as tightly as possible to a carpet with some towels or protection underneath. Then, use spray starch over the whole thing (test an area to make sure fabrics don’t bleed!). That may be enough to take out some puff, but then you can add steam to that and it should shrink up some of the excess. You can add water spray after that first starch to continue the process. Doesn’t hurt to try! Good luck!! K
Absolutely brilliant explanations and techniques you have shared....
thank you for the information on the needles used, I will have to get some xxxxxxxxxxxx
here in Australia we have to buy vintage tops form overseas which can be tricky, one day I will have one
Thanks!
Какая большая работа, машинка просто космос )
Amazing video! So very helpful!
thanks!
Beautiful work! Cline is my maiden name. Thank you for this information. This was very inspiring freeing and helpful to this fairly new to longarm quilter.
That was fascinating. I love your approach to getting quilts done. Perfectionism can be a curse (Or so I hear, no one has ever accused me of being a perfectionist. :) I'd love to see the finished quilt with the binding. I've never heard of "knife-edged binding." I'll be looking that up.
Thanks! I ended up just doing a regular binding on it. You can see the finish at the end of a video here on my channel. It’s under the title, Kaw Valley Quilt Show.
Wow, thank you so much. I will definitely be adding a vintage quilt top to my longarming to do list. Would love to know where you get your molded earplugs? I agree my APQS Lucey is a little loud when she is hard at work. I had never even thought about the water, starch and steaming so thank you for sharing! This will be put to good use! Looking forward to more videos.
Hi Jennifer, yay, save a top! Yes, here are the ones I use. Easy, find on Amazon. They are a putty, you put in your ear, dries in 10 minutes to mold to your ear! amzn.to/3gvRmIx
This quilt was paper pieced that's why it's uneven. Most likely it was the makers first one. It was all hand done, so hopefully you appreciate it more now.
I TOTALLY appreciate this quilt and the hundreds I’ve quilted that are exactly like this. I’m simply here to help others along that finish these beautiful tops. There are techniques to use when you work with a vintage, hand-pieced top and a longarm.
Hello, I love to make tops. It's my mental health break. Several stressful jobs. Once the top is done I'm over it. It has taken me 3 years to half way quilt my 2020 covid quilt. I hate every minute of it.
I have donated several tops to charity
Fabulous video! I learned so much in this and you had my attention until the end. Your video will make me a better quilter I'm sure. Thank you so much! Question...how were you holding your camera while you had both hands on the quilt or moving the LA while you manipulated the quilt top or steamed? GoPro or some sort of holder for your phone. Love it.
I have a phone holder with a flexible arm that I can wrap around my neck. Works when I need it to! ;)
Such a great video! I have a vintage quilt top that has 2" squares that are laid out on the bias so I'm not sure how much pulling to do as you roll the quilt. Also afraid if I pull too much if it will be wonky at the end. Do I have to anything different since it is on the bias? Any other pointers on completing the quilt? Can you let me know which Homedic steam you use please? Also do you ever add any border or just finish as is? If you use muslin under the top to you use spray adhesive? I have a HQ Simply Sixteed - can I use Handiquilter ball point needles? I don't have a Prostitcher so I will custom quilt. Any pointer(s) will be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Nancy, I saw your email as well but thought I’d answer here so everyone can see the answer. So I always float my vintage tops, they are easier to manipulate as you go. If you use starch and steam, then you won’t need to pull too much. I don’t worry at all about the shape of a vintage quilt. I let it be whatever it wants to be. I rarely try to square them when finished. They haven’t had the steam iron I use in stock for awhile, so something like this would work.
amzn.to/3ykBznV
I simply finish as is, but you can certainly add a border if you wish. I rarely put muslin under my tops, only if the top is fragile would I do that and you would just float with the top. Do not adhere it. Yes, you can use ballpoints. I use them exclusively, but I use Schmetz brand as I think they outperform the Groz-Beckert.
kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles
I hope that answered everything! Ask again if you need more help. Thanks!
Thank you for this video. What kind of threat are you using?
Hi Barbara, Glide 40 weight
Hi I have been told by my Handi Quilter dealer to always use the sharp needles and change it with every quilt. And then I have to position it and test it to make sure it is not breaking the thread , HQ said that is just a quirk with diffence lonearm machines have. My question is can I use the ball needle on any fabric? And what size ball need do you use please? I quilt for others and don't want to mess up their beautiful quilts and now you say I don't have to change the needle every time which I love that. I was a garment sewer for 50 years before I started quilting 4 years ago (I was 5 when my grandmothers and my mom taught me to sew) and I only changed my needle when it got dule. And one more question please, what do you think of the Zipper leaders, the quick zip system?
Hi Frida, ballpoint needles are fine to use in Handi Quilter machines and most other longarms. They do not burr like a sharp and only need to be changed 2-3 times per year. I have used the Schmetz needles exclusively in my HQ longarm machines for the last 10 years, they are magic! Size is determined by thread weight. 40 weight thread will use a #16 needle.
@@KellyClineQuilting thank you so much for your answer, this is going to save me a lot of time. Now I am looking at the zipper system to load my longarm with. God Bless you.
I really enjoyed watching this and learned a lot! I have a very similar vintage top I’ve been thinking about trying to get finished, this was very helpful. I’m thinking there aren’t any ballpoint needles that fit my Voyager, if you know otherwise, could you let me know? Thanks for a great video!
Hi there, yes, I don't believe the Schmetz that I sell will work on a
Voyager. If you order from a certain place, they should have ballpoints that are equal in size to your sharps. You might ask the dealer.
I have been trying to locate Schmetz longarm needles. I can't find them on the Schmetz website. Could you please share the exact product you are using? I have a HandiQuilter Amara.
You’ll find them in my shop below.
kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles
Kelly, very informative video, thank you. You mentioned the ballpoint needles you use, are these the Schmetz 130/705H SUK needles? Thank you
Thanks! No, they are SES 134 system needles, for a longarm machine. kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles
What would you recommend for a double wedding ring with the background fabrics being low thread count, therefore it’s trying to separate from the hand pieced quilt pieces? Thank you!
Hi Christine, I would put a layer of muslin under the top to have a sturdy layer of fabric under the weaker fabric top. Quilting densely will keep it held together well!
I've wondered how to attach a scalloped edge quilt . Also, I don't know what a "knife" edge is. Would you please explain that to me? Thank you.
Also known as a facing. A finished edge by turning the edge inside out.
OH Thank you
I wish I had found your video before I loaded this vintage quilt. I have 20" L x10" W to finish it up and the quilting process and I'm ending up with a couple HUGE FOLDS that will happen. Is it too late to water, starch and steam?
Not at all. Start the process and you may eliminate one of the folds! 🤞🤞🤞
Where do you get your ear plugs? And your quilting stitch length for your pattern? 8 or 10?
Stitch length is 14-16 SPI.
www.amazon.com/Radians-CEP001-P-Industrial-Safety-Plugs/dp/B004MFRKSE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=119XRQ93C2QKC&keywords=radians+ear+plug&qid=1689805656&sprefix=ear+plug+radia%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-3
Excellent video. Where do you get Schmetz ball point needles?
Hi Christine, thanks! I sell them in my online shop. I am on vacation beginning tomorrow so I’ll be shutting off my shop for about a week. If you want them shipped tomorrow, please order tonight, thanks! Kelly kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles
Which needles do you say you use? I have the same long-arm you do.
kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles
Also...question. What size was the ball point needle?
I use a #16 with 40 weight Glide thread.
I have a 74 year old quilt that has some fabric that is very thin. Is there a size needle I should use on my APQS Millie? I"ve put muslin between the top and batting for extra strength. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
Hi Debbie, needle size will depend on your thread weight. I would suggest a ballpoint #16 with 40 weight thread, something like Glide brand. Check with APQS for a ballpoint needle.
How is a steamer better than a steam iron? I have a good steaming iron, should I get a smaller steamer?
You can use either. I have both, just find the steamer lightweight and easier to handle.
@@KellyClineQuilting yeah, my iron is quite heavy. I'll look into getting a steamer. Thanks for the clarification!
Thanks so much for sharing the video, Kelly! Doesn't have to be a vintage quilt to use some of these great tips. You mentioned molded ear plugs when you are longarming. What kind do you recommend?
Hi Elaine, yes, here they are.... amzn.to/3tTZrKN
@@KellyClineQuilting Thanks!
What size ballpoint needles do u use?
Needle size depends on the thread weight you are using. I use a number 16 with Glide 40 weight thread.
@@KellyClineQuilting thank you Kelly i will order some up 👍❤️
Whats the difference between a 16" Ballpoint and the 18" Ballpoint?
You would choose needle size for the thread weight you are using. #16 needle is for 40 weight thread like Glide. I would use #18 on thicker threads like King Tut.
Your video was so very helpful! A friend wants me to quilt her vintage Grandmothers Flower Garden on my HQ 16 Longarm ..I was intimidated, but now feel more confident. Two questions. What don’t you hand wash the top before quilting? Do you think I can do an edge to edge design using a pantograph, since I don’t have a computer?
Thanks! Sometimes I will ‘soak’ a quilt top, but only if it has a smell. This one didn’t, so the cleaning is best done after quilting. Absolutely you can do a pantograph! I do lots of free motion work on vintage quilts, but I would only do this from the front. I wouldn’t work from the back as it helps to be able to manipulate and use your hand to work out some areas with excess fabric.
I started to order ball point needles and it said only for using with a 134 needle system. What does that mean?
Hi Cindy, a 134 system is most longarms. Check the needle package you are currently using. You should see the numbers 134.
Your machine is SO QUIET. I have a fusion and it is very loud........any ideas?
Hmmm, not really. Just make sure you give it oil after every bobbin and take it in for cleaning and service at least every year or two. They will grease things inside and that really helps the noise.
I have a vintage double wedding top to quilt. It has stains and the maker used a red marker for the placement of the piecing lines. Will the starch and steam set these stains or should I try to clean the top before quilting? I have a product called restoration that might clean it. also, the top is mostly white and the backing is navy blue, what threads should I use?
Hi Lorraine, I would definitely clean with Restoration before quilting. The red marker will be difficult, try rubbing alcohol to remove those. When I'm faced with multiple colors, I tend to go with a silver color thread.
@@KellyClineQuilting Thank you so much for your advise. Sorry for the delay , life got in the way
How long did whole process take?
About 6 hours.
Do you use ballpoint for every type of longarming? Do you ever use a sharp?
Hi Maryanne, ballpoints with all quilting. I never use a sharp. :)
Kelly’s ball point needles are the absolute best!!!
What brand needle do you use?
@@maryanne2500 you'll find 4 sizes in my shop. Use the size you currently use in your longarm. kellyclinequilting.bigcartel.com/category/long-arm-machine-needles
Thank you so much for this video and your lessons! What type of backing fabric do you typically use for vintage quilts?
Hi there … I have a question and I hope that either you or maybe a follower can help me. I am working on a 150 year old quilt that requires me to attach a sleeve. The quote backing is due to its age. very fragile, and I would like to see if anybody can help me with some tips on how to attach the sleeve without having the backing rip on me. Thank you very very much for any help with this issue. Just in case you wonder, this quilt is going into a museum and needs the sleeve to be hung.
Hi Sabrina, I would call and talk to someone in the museum that might guide you. They would have resources of folks to help I’m sure!
@@KellyClineQuilting hello .. unfortunately they were not able to guide me or assist me with this question.
@@Sabrina1998 I would most likely hand stitch a sleeve through ALL the layers for sturdiness. Maybe it can hide somewhat on the front with same color thread or small stitches.
@@KellyClineQuilting hello 👋🏻
Thank you for your reply. I never thought of doing that. I will have to talk to my friend who owns the quilt if she would be ok with that. I think it’s a good option.
What do you think about using some sort of fusible that I attach to the area underneath the sleeve?
I would not use a fusible, it won’t come off. 😬 Stitching through all the layers will hold it I’m sure.