@@TheSewingChannelI did notice the trunk show! 😁 But the first time I was concentrating on what you were saying, so I cdn’t absorb & enjoy the quilts as much. So I had to go back and watch again just to review all your lovely quilts! Fantastic job and it was nice to have another visit with them! 😊
Thank you Tracy for the awesome tips!! Love all the quilts on your wall. I'm going to see if I can find the one with the half square triangles I really like that one.
Pre-wash to get rid of allergens from the fabric, decrease 'bleeding color' in the finished product, pre-washing gets rid 0f the shrinkage later, wash & press then cut. I did not pre-wash and had unpleasant experiences later, glad I found that advice and followed it~
I know I'm crazy old fashioned, but I treat every new piece with retayne, and then restarch my fabric with cornstarch and boiling water in a big pot and hang to dry then press just like my great grandma did. I LOVE the heavy starch finish for cutting and sewing. Then I wash before gifting.
I don't prewash my fabric and haven't had issues with bleeding fabric. I also like how, after the quilt is quilted, the shrinkage makes a nice old fashion finish.
Finally!! A realistic quilter. Not a fabric, thread snob. There are so many "quilt police" or "quilt bullies" that shame anyone that doesn't do it "their" way. You are reaffirming that we can use what we like or can afford.
Funny story about measuring. When I first started sewing I was using a cute pink dollar store tape measure. Seams werent matching, and I had lots of wierd issues. I finally checked that tape measure and discovered it was not marked true. The inch measures were a 1/8" off. So that down the tape it was really off! People, check that your measuring tools are correct!
Oh those blinding yellow lines! I thought it was me. Thanks for mentioning that problem that I've never heard ANYONE address before. These days I reach for those pricey but worth it clear white marked rulers. Thanks for all your tips. Your teaching style is most agreeable.
May I ask where you purchase your clear rulers? I find a few here & but the rulers I find all have solid lines on each inch mark. I would like to find a clear ruler with dashes or longer lines. I hope this makes sense.
Oh my goodness...The "Why are you back stitching???" I handle, move, take a break, sew like crazy, drag it all over this earth to work on it 😂 I now back stitch especially on my scrap blocks...love all your content ty
Thank you for all of these wonderful tips. I’ve been quilting for 17 years. I’ve been so intimidated by the quilt bullies and quilt police all these years. I finally decided this year to do what works for me and I am so much happier and enjoy quilting so much more. Ironically every tip you gave is what I now do and I feel so free!!!! Thank you again!!
Tip 21: Quilt with the fabrics you can afford to quilt with, don’t fall into the trap of listening to the quilt police, most of the are wanting you to buy their fabrics. You can get some very good fabrics at Wal- mart and Joanne’s, you can tell which fabrics are good by feeling them. About 25 years ago I bought a package of precut quilt blocks from WM, in the pattern of Rose of Sharon, to this day, 25 years later that quilt is still going strong, my daughter has it and it’s been well loved, there’s been no fabric fading, no coming apart at the seams or any bad thing you worry about happening to a Walmart quilt. And last but not least if you have any name brand fabrics it’s ok to mix box store fabrics with the name brand….just feel the fabric before buying it, you can tell the difference by feel. Do what you can afford, don’t give up on quilting just because you can’t afford the high end fabrics the quilt snobs tell you that you HAVE TO buy…you do you and all will be fine. By the way, Pioneer Woman fabrics from WM are really really good fabrics. What goes on in your sewing room stays in your sewing room, you or your recipient will love the quilt(s) you make…..I promise.
So true! I have several quilts my Grandma made that were not from “quilt shop quality fabric”. They were from scrap fabrics from clothing, blankets, etc and they are beautiful and still going strong. 💕
As a quilt fabric shop owner, and you might refer to me as a “snob”, I can tell you that if you want a quilt to last, especially if it is going to be well-loved and washed frequently, you want to use high quality quilting cotton, not what you find at JoAnn’s or WalMart or Hobby Lobby. That’s my PSA.
@@andianderson7203 my Depression-era Grandma made quilts during that time that are still around today. And she did not use quilt shop quality fabric. I have seen fabric from quilt shops that were thin and frayed horribly, and fabric from Hobby Lobby and Joann’s that have been good quality. It is a personal preference to buy and use what you can afford and I personally cannot always afford some of the prices that quilt shops charge.
Thank you for letting all new quilters know about back stitching and stay stitching. I learned the hard way. It keeps everything together. And I’m like you… who wants to sew the same seam twice …not me. I really enjoy your channel. Keep it up 😀
Tracey I would like to mention one thing that kind of contradicts one of your points. 98% of the time I agree. Learn from my mistakes (yes more than once, it takes me awhile sometimes) and ALWAYS wash your fabric together in one load before you begin IF there is any chance that you are not certain of even one pieces quality. I use almost anything when I am quilting. Thrifted sheets, thrifted clothing, fat quarters from everywhere including Dollar Tree, given to me by someone else, etc… Here is one example of why. Once, a really long time I bought one fat quarter in a Halloween print and used it to make a bandanna for one of my dogs. Everyone who saw it loved and asked where I got it and I always answered with “oh, it’s just a fat quarter. That unintentionally created a monster. Probably every person who has ever met me has given me at least one fat quarter in a Halloween print. Some still do every year. ( and things with Snoopy on them). I also have been gifted yardage and scraps from others projects. The first 3 quilts I made were disasters. I use a little of this and a little of that. The quilt top looks great when it’s finished. I assemble it into the quilt, quilt it and bind it. Then I wash it. Three times in a row some of that material shrank. It distorted it. Badly. No amount of ironing could fix.
I had no idea that there was such a difference in thread/needles. I've been using a 10 needle for every thing with any old thread I could find. Ordering new thread and needles now. Thanks!!
I believe the yellow grids lines on the rulers are for when you’re using dark fabric so you can see the lines better. The dark lines are used for lighter fabric.
It’s actually just their brand… they do yellow lines so you know their products, it’s just something they chose… not for dark or light fabrics specifically
Back in the day we were instructed not to back stitch for two reasons. 1. The extra thread creates bulk in the seam 2. As you sew your units/blocks together, another seam will cross over and secure the other seam. That is how I was taught so that is how I sew. Have I ever had a seam lose a couple stitches at the ends? Yes, but it's not very often. I don't like fixing it either, but I do. I use a 1.8 stitch length unless I am sewing small pieces then I will reduce to 1.5. Just a bit of history FYI.
Same here, I was taught the same & use a smaller stitch length so I rarely have seams coming undone & ALWAYS stay stitch a very scant 1/4” around the entire quilt when the top is done.
Hi Tracey, What I do instead of backstitching is to hold my fabric from moving forward so it makes a few stitches in place. It is easier than trying to stitch backwards to lock the stitch in place and you don't run the risk of causing a lump if your stitching is a little wonky. Love your videos!
I have never been told about stay stitching my quilts !! It makes perfect sense when I think about it as I always stay stich different areas when sewing clothing. Wow I have been fortunate so far to not have totally whacky quilts. From this point on, stay stitching is my friend, stay stitching is my friend.🤔Thank you !!
Thank you!!! I thought I was going crazy believeing I could feel the thread dragging in my machine! I feel so much better just knowing somebody else can feel what is going on with their machine too! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beautiful quilts hanging behind you on the wall; the one with the floral squares and a beige trim ring is my favorite, followed by the one with the large beige rectangles. Oh my goodness, I'm in LOVE! Your quilts are spectacular. The vinyl scrap bags are like having a rainbow of scraps on your wall. Too cool!
As a beginning quilter I so appreciate your tutorials. I’m glad you have brought to an end the many problems that could arise if I continued with some of the habits I need to unlearn. Thanks Suzanne
Tracey, your tips were spot on! If/when you buy a new machine, talk to your dealer, they'll give you tip on what to use & not use with your machine (one brand of needles is a defective no no with my machine! A very experienced quilting friend of mine suggested using variegated thread to piece with, especially when sewing with busy, colorful fabrics & to use 50 weight thread. Thanks for your tips! I didn't have my hearing aid in during the entire video, I'm bad😊
I start on a scrap piece of fabric, very small stitch to start seam, then adjust to regular stitch length, do not have the fabric catch & bunch as sometimes happens with backstitching~
Great tips as always Tracy!!! I heavily starch my fabric to prevent fraying and use my pinking shears and blades for trimming and cutting! However, I do backstitch as well. I lower my presser foot down, just past where I want to begin stitching, reverse stitch first and then stitch to end of seam and reverse and cut thread.💕🧵
I've been sewing 3 years now and seeing this video kind of took me back to things I used to do too! Really made me think and realize how much I've changed about how I quilt in just a few short years. Great video! Definitely going to try some things from this too.
Same with the machines - I use 3 different stitches - that's it. I don't quilt yet, but sewing machines Plus had a sale on needles from Germany - not Schmetz. I use double needles a lot and the needles I got from JoAnn fabrics would break, sometimes after only 1 tote bag, usually 3, but almost always after 5 bags. Am still using the same needle from that sale - amazing and pretty sure it was less than the Schmetz needles - well definitely because it's been years now. And you're right about the thread. TY for this.
#14, I totally hear you but I went to harbor freight with my husband years ago and came across a suction cup holder that works perfectly and when I’m done it pops right off. Only one problem, I have to hide them so my husband doesn’t swipe them!!
I learned the hard way too and now do many things differently. I have another area for your next don't/do video. When I first started quilting I got "quilting pins". Yes those thick pins with the big yellow heads. I did so much better matching seams by not pinning. If I pinned, I was always off. It was the thickness of the pin. I noticed that you use the fine fine pins as I use now. I do one thing differently on pinning. I leave that pin you used to match the points on your half square triangle blocks in, then put one in for sewing, (well actually I do one on both sides of the seam) and then pull out the pin I matched the tips with. I am an experienced quilter but am still learning. I think that is what makes it fun. Thank you for your videos. Your videos will help many including me avoid frustration.
Love the poly thread use. I’ve also been “breaking the rules” and using the cotton covered poly thread in my stash from garment sewing. Makes sense to use what works. Thanks for this vid.
I believe the yellow lines on the rulers are for when you are measuring on dark fabric like black or navy bc you won’t be able to see the black lines on those. So, you might want to hang on to those rulers for those times. 🌷
@@TheSewingChannel The yellow lines on dark fabric help you “see” the black lines. But I agree that they are harder to see on light fabrics. Omnigrid was made to work with their green mats. It used to be the only ruler available but there are better choices now. I like the rulers with both black and white lines.
It’s funny how different we are in terms of what rulers work for us. I find the Creative Grids rulers to be confusing with the black and white numbers and the fact that they are numbered in both directions. I make fewer mistakes when I stick to my old Omnigrid rulers. I find the yellow easier to see.
I loovveee how you jumped right into the topic! I do not quilt but this video was so helpful! Number 3 hit me hard 😂. I just be sewing any seam allowance because I'm good at "eyeballing" it. I'm going to do better! I've learned that I've been using the scant quarter inch because I always use my presser foot lol. Thank you for this video!
Thank you for this information. I have encountered many of the issues you brought up. I have also discovered that my machine prefers a certain type of thread for quilting. It isn't particular when I am piecing, but when quilting, it balks at anything but the best quality thread. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you again.
I agree with not washing prior to working with fabric. If we are starching and ironing yardage, that prep is going to provide some shrinkage. And given all the cats in everyone's sewing room (mine too) and because I glue baste AND because I use color setting agents in the first wash, I wash a quilt before gifting. (I also note that it has been prewashed and give washing instruction). I don't make heirloom quilts, but quilts to be used and washed.
Loved the trunk show behind. Yes , you never think to check the screws. Thing is, if knowing how much you need to learn or know before starting can be a turn off. Some times it is best to learn as you go, and having yourself and other creators give tips to help improve, solve a problem and inspire is fantastic. Thank you.😀
As a fabric thrifter I always wash those fabrics. I prewash all new fabrics if they are deep in color, like reds, browns, and blues, to prevent color bleeding after the project is finished. It DOES happen! I always zz the new fabrics at the cut ends before washing. I then iron and re-apply fabric sizing when they come out of the dryer.
This is such a fun video Miss Tracy…sooo many things I “used” to do I don’t do anymore! More times than not, simple is best. Switching to polyester thread and always starching my fabrics are the two biggest game changers for me. Thanks for the honesty and laughs…you make quilting so much more fun and exciting. 😊 Now to go watch the whole tutorial on the snow globe. I wasn’t fully “functionable” last week after injuring my lower rib cage…Lord I don’t EVER want to do that again!! Have a fantastic weekend! 🤗🤗
One of our smart-cookie guild members showed us a 2” roll of very thin iron-on webbing to add to the perimeter of your quilt to keep seams intact. It is so thin that it will not interfere with long arm or home quilting. I really love it for scrappy borders or borderless quilts.
sorry about your link being booted...my channel is set up so the spammers don't post links. Type the product name out and I will look it up and post the link...✅
I have three to five projects out at all times. It all depends on how I am feeling. If my hands, neck, knees, or back are stiff and sore, I'm not cutting. If I'm depressed, I'm going to sew scraps into crazy blocks all day. If I'm having a good day, I'm going to finish a project. Old age makes me unpredictable. Sometimes I make repairs and alterations all day. If I start sewing from the point out, then sew from the point out on the other side, it always matches up for me. I prewash old fabric to see what it is going to do (will it bleed, get smaller, change color, fall apart, change texture).
Certainly did notice all the beautiful quilts. I was also told not to back stitch when quilting but have had the same result seams coming apart. I was told that it puts too much bulk in your seams. I have now started back stitching. Love the HST quilt. Will be doing one of them soon as I have a lot 21/2" HST's left from another project. Thanks for the tips. Desley🇦🇺
So true! I only prewash thrifted or recycled fabric these day. Never the brand new from the store. The stay stitch is SO important - I did my first on-point quilt and I should have done a stay stitch before sizing it up as the triangles on the edge are so flexible that it had potential to get real wonky. Lesson learned lol. I do no back stitch a lot. But maybe I should :) I like the clear line rulers better but I'm not replacing my old ones.. yet lol I just use washi tape.
Great job -- I think we all wish we knew then what we know now. Could save us a lot of time, energy and money. I do agree about keeping thread simple. I use white and gray mostly, sometimes cream and black -- that's it and the purple needle. I just have one comment about poly thread. Poly thread is much stronger than cotton. While using the quilt there is strain on each seam you sew together as you wrap it around you here and the kids sit and wiggle on it there. That strain will cause poly thread to actually "rip" the cotton fabric. Where as cotton thread gives and takes with the cotton fabric. Now poly as the quilting thread is another matter as it's not holding seams together. So, it depends upon how long you want that certain quilt to hang around as to what you use -- example, my grand daughter's grad quilt vs. a holiday placemat or a wall hanging. But, in the end, everyone needs to use what is best for them. Thank you Tracy for an informative and fun video.
We have well water which leaves behind salt residue and it hardens. I blew up a $120 iron so I use a mist bottle!! I love wool mats because they really make your seams come out nice. My seams have also gotten more consistent over the past year since I made an effort. I also started stay stitching quilt tops that I know are not being quilted anytime soon. Live and learn Tracy!!
Thank you ! It's not just me who can't stand those rulers with all that yellow :) Tried it once and said no way ! There must be something better and there sure is ! I agree with you about polyester thread :) Mom taught me that :) You do a great job explaining all these great tips and tricks ! Thank you !
Gutermann Sew-All thread for the win! I see you have a Juki-so do I. The man who services and cleans my Juki said that Juki machines just don’t like Aurifil.
I LOVED the quilts you showed behind all the different tips. Thanks so much!!!! In my opinion, not enough quilters show off their quilts LONG enough for us to even absorb them. I know that Jenny Doan gives you about a 3 second glimpse of the finished quilt (without her standing in front of it) and other quilts show even less, sometimes. They are all amazing, and yes, I like your bags of scraps that are color coordinated!
I can relate to most of what you are saying, but backstitching is not going to happen - except at the outside row construction. It was so fun to see all the quilts on the back wall. Thanks for sharing.
Great video as always. As someone who is fortunate enough to own several sewing machines and a long arm, I can say from experience that each of my machines has a preference for a certain type of thread and needle. Therefore, I recommend that if you are not getting the results you want then try another needle or thread type. I prefer cotton thread (aurofil) for piecing and polyester for free motion quilting. I have tried other cotton thread brands and sometimes they are ok, depending on which machine. The really fast machines like the Juki-TL18 or the Janome HD9 seem to do better with a 50 weight thread such as a high quality cotton thread like aurofil or polyester thread because of the lint. But, the most important thing to do to keep your machine happy is to clean out the lint EVERYTIME YOU CHANGE A BOBBIN. Also follow the maintenance for oiling it. Your machine will thank you and you will not have expensive repair bills. Also change your needle regularly.
Thank you for the info on the spray adhesive and still pinning. I love that spray adhesive as it's a true game changer but it's not meant to be permanent so it only makes sense to me to do as you say and continue to pin the elements together also.
Awesome tips! I backstitch because I kept coming across seams that were coming apart and it was so frustrating, so I totally agree with you about backstitching for sure! 💕
This is one of the best tips out there when it comes to quilting. When I first started I bought Omni-grid rulers, I struggled with these rulers, because they have what I call a halo around each mark on said ruler, I struggled to see the lines. Finally ended up donating them all to goodwill and replaced them with MSQC, Creative Grids, or Sew Very Easy rulers, all these have good lines to cut by and no more halos around each line. This change alone made a world of difference in my being able to cut exact cuts. Good tip, jmurphy. 😊
@@rainydaydiva6320 I have trouble with Missouri Star (MSQC) rulers because they slip around. I bought some tacky spray intended for this problem and “Voila la”, fixed it.
Thanks for another informative and entertaining video! I agree 110% about backstitching and staystitching - especially important when pressing seams open, regardless of how short the stitch length is! I really like my 6 x 12 and 6 x 24 Quilters Select rulers for cutting fabric - easy to see through, non-slip, thin lines, and not a lot of dots and dashes that distract me from focusing on what I’m trying to do (admittedly, I’m easily distracted).
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen! I have done alot of these things too. I am 💯 with you on everything, but especially the rulers. I started off with clear and bought those crazy yellow lined ones because I thought I needed a small square ruler… not! Thank goodness I only have 2 of them, which will not be around much longer. Thanks for this content! Love your quilts and your energy! ❤
YELLOW LINE RULER. They're made that way so you can see it on dark fabrics. Otherwise, I also use clear rulers, because the yellow can sometimes hurt my eyes. 😊 I also don't like cotton thread 😅
I love you Tracy, I have a scrap wall of fame too, thanks to you and it too inspires me. You are so knowledgeable, thank you for sharing your talent with me. I finally finished my scrappy quilt top, not a quilt yet just a top LOL.
Great video. I've been quilting 20 years and keep trying new things (and gizmos. I love a gizmo). Good hints here, some of which I do and some I will try. Thanks.
I find that when I’m doing small piecing, I don’t backstitch. But once I start working with larger pieces I do backstitch bc with all the handling they start to pull apart. I also pre wash any cuts of fabric over a half yard. For smaller cuts or precuts I preshrink with a spray bottle and a hot iron and then starch it really well. I find that my fabric handles so much better when it’s starched. Also when I wash the final quilt, I want any shrinkage to be at the same degree.
Have always enjoyed yoyr tips and share them all the time. My favorite is the command hooks on rulers....what a game changer, love it. I only backstitch sewing my rows, for my blocks I use a smaller stitch. I also started sorting my scraps like you and really like it! Thank you!
You really are such a beautiful individual…always so kind with such a positive demeanor. Your videos are very informative and easy to follow. I agree with 19 of your 20 points & heard you before on a previous video of your single thread and needle. Will be checking out your chart as well on needle size/thread weight…soon to match you on all 20 points!❤😊
I use to sew Honda car seats and the backtack as we all called it was measured because it had to be 5 stitches at least, made a huge difference when putting them on a jig the (cars frame as to weather or not it was safe or going to tear out and they would even double needling or topstitching had to be at least 2 back and over 2 they’d come back from months of being on a car and we’d get in trouble it truly does makes a difference yes especially in quilting if you plan to use it and wash it some day! Lol 😅
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Can we just talk about the trunk show you had going on behind you!! You've made some fabulous quilts. Thanks for sharing all your great tips!!
You are the first person to talk about it in the comments Linda....I was wondering if anyone even noticed LOL🤣 Thank you for the kind words too🩷
My favorite is the rose quilt. All are truly lovely.
@@carlaatkins2619 Thank you Carla🩷
@@TheSewingChannelI did notice the trunk show! 😁
But the first time I was concentrating on what you were saying, so I cdn’t absorb & enjoy the quilts as much. So I had to go back and watch again just to review all your lovely quilts! Fantastic job and it was nice to have another visit with them! 😊
Thank you Tracy for the awesome tips!! Love all the quilts on your wall. I'm going to see if I can find the one with the half square triangles I really like that one.
I loved seeing different quilts appear on the wall as she went through these tips
Pre-wash to get rid of allergens from the fabric, decrease 'bleeding color' in the finished product, pre-washing gets rid 0f the shrinkage later, wash & press then cut. I did not pre-wash and had unpleasant experiences later, glad I found that advice and followed it~
I know I'm crazy old fashioned, but I treat every new piece with retayne, and then restarch my fabric with cornstarch and boiling water in a big pot and hang to dry then press just like my great grandma did. I LOVE the heavy starch finish for cutting and sewing. Then I wash before gifting.
I don't prewash my fabric and haven't had issues with bleeding fabric. I also like how, after the quilt is quilted, the shrinkage makes a nice old fashion finish.
Finally!! A realistic quilter. Not a fabric, thread snob. There are so many "quilt police" or "quilt bullies" that shame anyone that doesn't do it "their" way.
You are reaffirming that we can use what we like or can afford.
Thank you...I try to keep it real LOL🤣
Funny story about measuring. When I first started sewing I was using a cute pink dollar store tape measure. Seams werent matching, and I had lots of wierd issues. I finally checked that tape measure and discovered it was not marked true. The inch measures were a 1/8" off. So that down the tape it was really off! People, check that your measuring tools are correct!
Oh my word...now that is funny🤣 I'm so glad you figured it out✅
Oh those blinding yellow lines! I thought it was me. Thanks for mentioning that problem that I've never heard ANYONE address before. These days I reach for those pricey but worth it clear white marked rulers. Thanks for all your tips. Your teaching style is most agreeable.
May I ask where you purchase your clear rulers? I find a few here & but the rulers I find all have solid lines on each inch mark. I would like to find a clear ruler with dashes or longer lines. I hope this makes sense.
Oh my goodness...The "Why are you back stitching???" I handle, move, take a break, sew like crazy, drag it all over this earth to work on it 😂 I now back stitch especially on my scrap blocks...love all your content ty
Thank you for all of these wonderful tips. I’ve been quilting for 17 years. I’ve been so intimidated by the quilt bullies and quilt police all these years. I finally decided this year to do what works for me and I am so much happier and enjoy quilting so much more. Ironically every tip you gave is what I now do and I feel so free!!!! Thank you again!!
Quilting your own way is the best❣️
I'm a low cost quilter, but, Creative Grid products are worth their weight in gold!! Lots of great information and I loved the trunk show!!!
Tip 21: Quilt with the fabrics you can afford to quilt with, don’t fall into the trap of listening to the quilt police, most of the are wanting you to buy their fabrics. You can get some very good fabrics at Wal- mart and Joanne’s, you can tell which fabrics are good by feeling them. About 25 years ago I bought a package of precut quilt blocks from WM, in the pattern of Rose of Sharon, to this day, 25 years later that quilt is still going strong, my daughter has it and it’s been well loved, there’s been no fabric fading, no coming apart at the seams or any bad thing you worry about happening to a Walmart quilt. And last but not least if you have any name brand fabrics it’s ok to mix box store fabrics with the name brand….just feel the fabric before buying it, you can tell the difference by feel. Do what you can afford, don’t give up on quilting just because you can’t afford the high end fabrics the quilt snobs tell you that you HAVE TO buy…you do you and all will be fine. By the way, Pioneer Woman fabrics from WM are really really good fabrics. What goes on in your sewing room stays in your sewing room, you or your recipient will love the quilt(s) you make…..I promise.
Yes...I agree....I have always mixed all the fabrics...I buy what speaks to me...🩷
So true! I have several quilts my Grandma made that were not from “quilt shop quality fabric”. They were from scrap fabrics from clothing, blankets, etc and they are beautiful and still going strong. 💕
As a quilt fabric shop owner, and you might refer to me as a “snob”, I can tell you that if you want a quilt to last, especially if it is going to be well-loved and washed frequently, you want to use high quality quilting cotton, not what you find at JoAnn’s or WalMart or Hobby Lobby. That’s my PSA.
@@andianderson7203 my Depression-era Grandma made quilts during that time that are still around today. And she did not use quilt shop quality fabric. I have seen fabric from quilt shops that were thin and frayed horribly, and fabric from Hobby Lobby and Joann’s that have been good quality. It is a personal preference to buy and use what you can afford and I personally cannot always afford some of the prices that quilt shops charge.
Many quilters but men’s shirts from goodwill for quilts. Some use old clothing, t-shirts etc.
Anything goes when creating a quilt with love.
Thank you for letting all new quilters know about back stitching and stay stitching. I learned the hard way. It keeps everything together. And I’m like you… who wants to sew the same seam twice …not me. I really enjoy your channel. Keep it up 😀
I took your advise on staying consistent. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! What a difference.
Tracey I would like to mention one thing that kind of contradicts one of your points. 98% of the time I agree. Learn from my mistakes (yes more than once, it takes me awhile sometimes) and ALWAYS wash your fabric together in one load before you begin IF there is any chance that you are not certain of even one pieces quality. I use almost anything when I am quilting. Thrifted sheets, thrifted clothing, fat quarters from everywhere including Dollar Tree, given to me by someone else, etc… Here is one example of why. Once, a really long time I bought one fat quarter in a Halloween print and used it to make a bandanna for one of my dogs. Everyone who saw it loved and asked where I got it and I always answered with “oh, it’s just a fat quarter. That unintentionally created a monster. Probably every person who has ever met me has given me at least one fat quarter in a Halloween print. Some still do every year. ( and things with Snoopy on them). I also have been gifted yardage and scraps from others projects. The first 3 quilts I made were disasters. I use a little of this and a little of that. The quilt top looks great when it’s finished. I assemble it into the quilt, quilt it and bind it. Then I wash it. Three times in a row some of that material shrank. It distorted it. Badly. No amount of ironing could fix.
I had no idea that there was such a difference in thread/needles. I've been using a 10 needle for every thing with any old thread I could find. Ordering new thread and needles now. Thanks!!
Lol I was trying to sew corset and wondered why my needle kept breaking! It wasn't strong enough for corsetry! Had to size up!
Cheers
I believe the yellow grids lines on the rulers are for when you’re using dark fabric so you can see the lines better. The dark lines are used for lighter fabric.
I love my omni grid rulers
It’s actually just their brand… they do yellow lines so you know their products, it’s just something they chose… not for dark or light fabrics specifically
Back in the day we were instructed not to back stitch for two reasons. 1. The extra thread creates bulk in the seam 2. As you sew your units/blocks together, another seam will cross over and secure the other seam. That is how I was taught so that is how I sew. Have I ever had a seam lose a couple stitches at the ends? Yes, but it's not very often. I don't like fixing it either, but I do. I use a 1.8 stitch length unless I am sewing small pieces then I will reduce to 1.5. Just a bit of history FYI.
Thank you. I appreciate the thought process on it♥️
Same here, I was taught the same & use a smaller stitch length so I rarely have seams coming undone & ALWAYS stay stitch a very scant 1/4” around the entire quilt when the top is done.
Love the ruler tip.....I have long ago replaced the ones with the yellow lines!!
Hi Tracey, What I do instead of backstitching is to hold my fabric from moving forward so it makes a few stitches in place. It is easier than trying to stitch backwards to lock the stitch in place and you don't run the risk of causing a lump if your stitching is a little wonky. Love your videos!
Omg the rulers with yellow lines!!! SO true!!!😂
I have never been told about stay stitching my quilts !! It makes perfect sense when I think about it as I always stay stich different areas when sewing clothing. Wow I have been fortunate so far to not have totally whacky quilts. From this point on, stay stitching is my friend, stay stitching is my friend.🤔Thank you !!
Thank you Tracy!!
“Bobbin chicken”! That’s hilarious!!!!!😂
🤣
Friday evening I was finishing a project, came to the last 2 inches of finishing sewing the binding on, and my bobbin ran out. Frustrating!!!
Thank you!!! I thought I was going crazy believeing I could feel the thread dragging in my machine! I feel so much better just knowing somebody else can feel what is going on with their machine too! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beautiful quilts hanging behind you on the wall; the one with the floral squares and a beige trim ring is my favorite, followed by the one with the large beige rectangles. Oh my goodness, I'm in LOVE! Your quilts are spectacular. The vinyl scrap bags are like having a rainbow of scraps on your wall. Too cool!
As a beginning quilter I so appreciate your tutorials. I’m glad you have brought to an end the many problems that could arise if I continued with some of the habits I need to unlearn. Thanks Suzanne
Tracey, your tips were spot on! If/when you buy a new machine, talk to your dealer, they'll give you tip on what to use & not use with your machine (one brand of needles is a defective no no with my machine! A very experienced quilting friend of mine suggested using variegated thread to piece with, especially when sewing with busy, colorful fabrics & to use 50 weight thread. Thanks for your tips! I didn't have my hearing aid in during the entire video, I'm bad😊
Not only do I backstitch, I zigzag around finished projects to prevent fraying on cotton fabric if I can’t quilt it right away. 👍🏻
I conscript my serger for this task. It also works well on the quilt sandwich edge.
I need to start doing this!
I start on a scrap piece of fabric, very small stitch to start seam, then adjust to regular stitch length, do not have the fabric catch & bunch as sometimes happens with backstitching~
Great tips as always Tracy!!!
I heavily starch my fabric to prevent fraying and use my pinking shears and blades for trimming and cutting! However, I do backstitch as well. I lower my presser foot down, just past where I want to begin stitching, reverse stitch first and then stitch to end of seam and reverse and cut thread.💕🧵
I've been sewing 3 years now and seeing this video kind of took me back to things I used to do too! Really made me think and realize how much I've changed about how I quilt in just a few short years. Great video! Definitely going to try some things from this too.
I use the “yellow” rulers for darker fabrics. Very much appreciate your tips & suggestions! Thank you!
THE BEST by Far vídeo with tips for quilters!! Thank you VERY much!! ❤❤❤
Same with the machines - I use 3 different stitches - that's it. I don't quilt yet, but sewing machines Plus had a sale on needles from Germany - not Schmetz. I use double needles a lot and the needles I got from JoAnn fabrics would break, sometimes after only 1 tote bag, usually 3, but almost always after 5 bags. Am still using the same needle from that sale - amazing and pretty sure it was less than the Schmetz needles - well definitely because it's been years now. And you're right about the thread. TY for this.
#14, I totally hear you but I went to harbor freight with my husband years ago and came across a suction cup holder that works perfectly and when I’m done it pops right off. Only one problem, I have to hide them so my husband doesn’t swipe them!!
I learned the hard way too and now do many things differently. I have another area for your next don't/do video. When I first started quilting I got "quilting pins". Yes those thick pins with the big yellow heads. I did so much better matching seams by not pinning. If I pinned, I was always off. It was the thickness of the pin. I noticed that you use the fine fine pins as I use now. I do one thing differently on pinning. I leave that pin you used to match the points on your half square triangle blocks in, then put one in for sewing, (well actually I do one on both sides of the seam) and then pull out the pin I matched the tips with. I am an experienced quilter but am still learning. I think that is what makes it fun. Thank you for your videos. Your videos will help many including me avoid frustration.
THANKS for a wonderfully helpful video. The quilts certainly added to your credibility. You know what you are talking about!!!
Those quilts!!! Bee-you-tiful aa
Love the poly thread use. I’ve also been “breaking the rules” and using the cotton covered poly thread in my stash from garment sewing. Makes sense to use what works. Thanks for this vid.
YES!! When it makes sense...do it🩷
I believe the yellow lines on the rulers are for when you are measuring on dark fabric like black or navy bc you won’t be able to see the black lines on those. So, you might want to hang on to those rulers for those times. 🌷
Possibly...they are very thick lines...I may keep a couple🤷🏻♀
@@TheSewingChannel The yellow lines on dark fabric help you “see” the black lines. But I agree that they are harder to see on light fabrics. Omnigrid was made to work with their green mats. It used to be the only ruler available but there are better choices now. I like the rulers with both black and white lines.
It’s funny how different we are in terms of what rulers work for us. I find the Creative Grids rulers to be confusing with the black and white numbers and the fact that they are numbered in both directions. I make fewer mistakes when I stick to my old Omnigrid rulers. I find the yellow easier to see.
It was just their brand choice… you knew the yellow was Omni… nothing deeper than that
I loovveee how you jumped right into the topic! I do not quilt but this video was so helpful! Number 3 hit me hard 😂. I just be sewing any seam allowance because I'm good at "eyeballing" it. I'm going to do better! I've learned that I've been using the scant quarter inch because I always use my presser foot lol. Thank you for this video!
Thank you for this information. I have encountered many of the issues you brought up. I have also discovered that my machine prefers a certain type of thread for quilting. It isn't particular when I am piecing, but when quilting, it balks at anything but the best quality thread. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you again.
15:13 thank you for answering a question I’ve been asking for weeks. ❤
I agree with not washing prior to working with fabric. If we are starching and ironing yardage, that prep is going to provide some shrinkage. And given all the cats in everyone's sewing room (mine too) and because I glue baste AND because I use color setting agents in the first wash, I wash a quilt before gifting. (I also note that it has been prewashed and give washing instruction). I don't make heirloom quilts, but quilts to be used and washed.
Loved the trunk show behind. Yes , you never think to check the screws. Thing is, if knowing how much you need to learn or know before starting can be a turn off. Some times it is best to learn as you go, and having yourself and other creators give tips to help improve, solve a problem and inspire is fantastic. Thank you.😀
You are right. learning as you go...or through trial and error🩷
You are so easy to relate to. Its like listening to a special friend or neighbor.😊😊 Thank you for all your explanations.😊😊
Awe...thank you ..I appreciate that🩷
This was great!!! I loce the Command hooks!
As a fabric thrifter I always wash those fabrics. I prewash all new fabrics if they are deep in color, like reds, browns, and blues, to prevent color bleeding after the project is finished. It DOES happen! I always zz the new fabrics at the cut ends before washing. I then iron and re-apply fabric sizing when they come out of the dryer.
This is such a fun video Miss Tracy…sooo many things I “used” to do I don’t do anymore! More times than not, simple is best. Switching to polyester thread and always starching my fabrics are the two biggest game changers for me. Thanks for the honesty and laughs…you make quilting so much more fun and exciting. 😊 Now to go watch the whole tutorial on the snow globe. I wasn’t fully “functionable” last week after injuring my lower rib cage…Lord I don’t EVER want to do that again!! Have a fantastic weekend! 🤗🤗
Oh my Debbie...OUCH..I hope you are feeling better soon..❤️🩹Rest.
I totally agree about the yellow rulers.
Clear ruler are definitely a game changer!
One of our smart-cookie guild members showed us a 2” roll of very thin iron-on webbing to add to the perimeter of your quilt to keep seams intact. It is so thin that it will not interfere with long arm or home quilting. I really love it for scrappy borders or borderless quilts.
Wow... nice tip❣️
What is the product called? I love this idea.
@@mdmcpresentz Sorry, I’ve replied three previous times but it keeps getting booted. It is a product for patching batting pieces together.
sorry about your link being booted...my channel is set up so the spammers don't post links. Type the product name out and I will look it up and post the link...✅
I didn't mean you were a spammer Cassandra LOL🤣Just a precaution for the whole channel.
I love watching your videos, and learn and laugh so much. Even though I'm already old, lol, when I grow up I want to be just like you! 💜
LOL🤣 Thank you for supporting my channel...I really do appreciate it 🩷
I have three to five projects out at all times. It all depends on how I am feeling. If my hands, neck, knees, or back are stiff and sore, I'm not cutting. If I'm depressed, I'm going to sew scraps into crazy blocks all day. If I'm having a good day, I'm going to finish a project. Old age makes me unpredictable. Sometimes I make repairs and alterations all day. If I start sewing from the point out, then sew from the point out on the other side, it always matches up for me. I prewash old fabric to see what it is going to do (will it bleed, get smaller, change color, fall apart, change texture).
Going to get the clear rulers ! Thank you !
Certainly did notice all the beautiful quilts. I was also told not to back stitch when quilting but have had the same result seams coming apart. I was told that it puts too much bulk in your seams. I have now started back stitching. Love the HST quilt. Will be doing one of them soon as I have a lot 21/2" HST's left from another project. Thanks for the tips. Desley🇦🇺
So true! I only prewash thrifted or recycled fabric these day. Never the brand new from the store. The stay stitch is SO important - I did my first on-point quilt and I should have done a stay stitch before sizing it up as the triangles on the edge are so flexible that it had potential to get real wonky. Lesson learned lol. I do no back stitch a lot. But maybe I should :) I like the clear line rulers better but I'm not replacing my old ones.. yet lol I just use washi tape.
I so appreciate all your tips. I'm a beginner quilter and they are so helpful. Thank you for sharing. ❤❤😊
❤😊 Lov This... Learning Experience as we go Through ❤😊 Keep Rocking Life Beautifully ❤😊
I have sewed for over 60 years but not quilts and this tutorial taught me some very important things, thank you
Wow..💥🎉
Great job -- I think we all wish we knew then what we know now. Could save us a lot of time, energy and money. I do agree about keeping thread simple. I use white and gray mostly, sometimes cream and black -- that's it and the purple needle. I just have one comment about poly thread. Poly thread is much stronger than cotton. While using the quilt there is strain on each seam you sew together as you wrap it around you here and the kids sit and wiggle on it there. That strain will cause poly thread to actually "rip" the cotton fabric. Where as cotton thread gives and takes with the cotton fabric. Now poly as the quilting thread is another matter as it's not holding seams together. So, it depends upon how long you want that certain quilt to hang around as to what you use -- example, my grand daughter's grad quilt vs. a holiday placemat or a wall hanging. But, in the end, everyone needs to use what is best for them. Thank you Tracy for an informative and fun video.
We have well water which leaves behind salt residue and it hardens. I blew up a $120 iron so I use a mist bottle!! I love wool mats because they really make your seams come out nice. My seams have also gotten more consistent over the past year since I made an effort. I also started stay stitching quilt tops that I know are not being quilted anytime soon. Live and learn Tracy!!
Right...I lived..and learned for sure...That's horrible about your iron!!😵💫
Thank you ! It's not just me who can't stand those rulers with all that yellow :) Tried it once and said no way ! There must be something better and there sure is ! I agree with you about polyester thread :) Mom taught me that :) You do a great job explaining all these great tips and tricks ! Thank you !
Gutermann Sew-All thread for the win! I see you have a Juki-so do I. The man who services and cleans my Juki said that Juki machines just don’t like Aurifil.
I LOVED the quilts you showed behind all the different tips. Thanks so much!!!! In my opinion, not enough quilters show off their quilts LONG enough for us to even absorb them. I know that Jenny Doan gives you about a 3 second glimpse of the finished quilt (without her standing in front of it) and other quilts show even less, sometimes. They are all amazing, and yes, I like your bags of scraps that are color coordinated!
Thank you very much🙋♀️👍🏻
I can relate to most of what you are saying, but backstitching is not going to happen - except at the outside row construction. It was so fun to see all the quilts on the back wall. Thanks for sharing.
Great video as always. As someone who is fortunate enough to own several sewing machines and a long arm, I can say from experience that each of my machines has a preference for a certain type of thread and needle. Therefore, I recommend that if you are not getting the results you want then try another needle or thread type. I prefer cotton thread (aurofil) for piecing and polyester for free motion quilting. I have tried other cotton thread brands and sometimes they are ok, depending on which machine. The really fast machines like the Juki-TL18 or the Janome HD9 seem to do better with a 50 weight thread such as a high quality cotton thread like aurofil or polyester thread because of the lint. But, the most important thing to do to keep your machine happy is to clean out the lint EVERYTIME YOU CHANGE A BOBBIN. Also follow the maintenance for oiling it. Your machine will thank you and you will not have expensive repair bills. Also change your needle regularly.
I agree ...different machines like different things...✅
Brilliant! You are absolutely Brilliant!
You are kind..thank you for the encouragement❣️
A post script . I did notice your beautiful quilts but was listening so hard I forgot to say about them. Sorry they are all beautiful x
Love clear rulers. I’m with you. Why in the heck does Omnigrid put yellow lines on theirs? Makes it so hard to cleary see the measurements.
Right!!!💥
Definetely clear rulers all the other really busy ones do my head in.
Very interesting, thank you, all the best to you.
OMG this is the most important video !
I actually put the handles on my rulers and the really help! Thanks for that tip! There are many hacks you have showed us! Thank you!
Thank you for the info on the spray adhesive and still pinning. I love that spray adhesive as it's a true game changer but it's not meant to be permanent so it only makes sense to me to do as you say and continue to pin the elements together also.
Awesome tips! I backstitch because I kept coming across seams that were coming apart and it was so frustrating, so I totally agree with you about backstitching for sure! 💕
Tip #13 - and find rulers with thin lines! Sometimes your measure can be off 1/16th to 1/8th inch with every cut if the lines on the ruler are wide!
I agree❣️
This is one of the best tips out there when it comes to quilting. When I first started I bought Omni-grid rulers, I struggled with these rulers, because they have what I call a halo around each mark on said ruler, I struggled to see the lines. Finally ended up donating them all to goodwill and replaced them with MSQC, Creative Grids, or Sew Very Easy rulers, all these have good lines to cut by and no more halos around each line. This change alone made a world of difference in my being able to cut exact cuts. Good tip, jmurphy. 😊
@rainydaydiva6320 that's a great way to describe those yellow lines..."HALO"...✅
@@rainydaydiva6320 I have trouble with Missouri Star (MSQC) rulers because they slip around. I bought some tacky spray intended for this problem and “Voila la”, fixed it.
I so appreciate your input into my quilting journey! I love your practical advice and your work is beautiful!💚💚💚 Thank you for sharing with us!!!
Oh My GOSH !!!!! Thank u VERY VERY much, hugs & luv to you
Great tips, I always back stich
Thanks for another informative and entertaining video! I agree 110% about backstitching and staystitching - especially important when pressing seams open, regardless of how short the stitch length is! I really like my 6 x 12 and 6 x 24 Quilters Select rulers for cutting fabric - easy to see through, non-slip, thin lines, and not a lot of dots and dashes that distract me from focusing on what I’m trying to do (admittedly, I’m easily distracted).
✋🏼I'm raising my hand to being easily distracted too haha😵💫
Oh my! There needs to be a special quilter RUclipsr who does "Quilting for the easily distracted" . Can you imagine!!😂
Thanks for getting going immediately without all the unnecessary chatter!😃
This is one of the best videos I’ve seen! I have done alot of these things too. I am 💯 with you on everything, but especially the rulers. I started off with clear and bought those crazy yellow lined ones because I thought I needed a small square ruler… not! Thank goodness I only have 2 of them, which will not be around much longer. Thanks for this content! Love your quilts and your energy! ❤
Wow...thank you so much for the kind feedback!!! Those rulers...grrrrrrrr LOL🤣
Love this tutorial. I always come away from any tutorial Wirth new info. Thank you and all the other quilters who do tutorials
This was so informative! Thank you so much. I was told you don't back stitch in my quilting class.😮
I discovered a lot of these same truths as I gained experience too. Thank you for sharing!
YELLOW LINE RULER.
They're made that way so you can see it on dark fabrics. Otherwise, I also use clear rulers, because the yellow can sometimes hurt my eyes. 😊
I also don't like cotton thread 😅
I love you Tracy, I have a scrap wall of fame too, thanks to you and it too inspires me. You are so knowledgeable, thank you for sharing your talent with me. I finally finished my scrappy quilt top, not a quilt yet just a top LOL.
Awesome...I love you too❣It will be a whole quilt soon...KEEP GOING🩷
Totally agree about the yellow line rulers. I much prefer the Creative Grids ones.
Great video. I've been quilting 20 years and keep trying new things (and gizmos. I love a gizmo). Good hints here, some of which I do and some I will try. Thanks.
I’m with you on all these!!! We lived and learned!!!!
I find that when I’m doing small piecing, I don’t backstitch. But once I start working with larger pieces I do backstitch bc with all the handling they start to pull apart. I also pre wash any cuts of fabric over a half yard. For smaller cuts or precuts I preshrink with a spray bottle and a hot iron and then starch it really well. I find that my fabric handles so much better when it’s starched. Also when I wash the final quilt, I want any shrinkage to be at the same degree.
Thank you! This is so helpful and to the point.
I agree, I wish I had bought only clear rulers now. I have invested a small fortune in rulers.
I really like your scrap bags I think that would work well for me. Also the husky table I have one and I love it.
I don’t understand which yellow lines give you so much trouble? I learned so much from you! You are very very good at what you doing!
Have always enjoyed yoyr tips and share them all the time. My favorite is the command hooks on rulers....what a game changer, love it. I only backstitch sewing my rows, for my blocks I use a smaller stitch. I also started sorting my scraps like you and really like it! Thank you!
You really are such a beautiful individual…always so kind with such a positive demeanor. Your videos are very informative and easy to follow. I agree with 19 of your 20 points & heard you before on a previous video of your single thread and needle. Will be checking out your chart as well on needle size/thread weight…soon to match you on all 20 points!❤😊
Thank you so much for the kind words🩷
I use to sew Honda car seats and the backtack as we all called it was measured because it had to be 5 stitches at least, made a huge difference when putting them on a jig the (cars frame as to weather or not it was safe or going to tear out and they would even double needling or topstitching had to be at least 2 back and over 2 they’d come back from months of being on a car and we’d get in trouble it truly does makes a difference yes especially in quilting if you plan to use it and wash it some day! Lol 😅
Thank you for that awesome illustration✅
I am so looking forward to the video!
Sis,my favorite tip is ironing without steam. Makes so much sense and I'm going to use it. Thanks 💙😀
Right!!!💥
Nothing more sad and annoying than forgetting to empty an iron, then while using it getting a spurt of yuck water on a pristine piece of fabric!
@@auntdello5286 I know right? I've done this too many times 😬😀
I just absolutely love that flag quilt you have done. I watched that video and think it’s amazing. One of my goals is to try that pattern.
Thank you for these tips. Appreciate this video.
Thank you for these tips! And the quilts hanging behind you are gorgeous!