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Quilt with mixed weight fabrics any tips/warnings?
Liz in Cville   Advanced Beginner VA Member since 5/28/11 Posts: 272	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/12 5:22 PM Hi quilters! I am about to start my first quilt, and realized that I want to use some white fabric in it to make some "frames." I don't have white (or any solid color) quilting fabric, but do have a large stash of white cotton twill. Its listed weight is 8.5 oz, though I don't know whether that is the weight per linear or square yard (it's 58" wide). At any rate, it's heavier than the Amy Butler & Michael Miller quilting fabric I have, though not nearly as heavy as men's jeans. I am also planning to use the same twill for the backing. Does anyone see any reason I shouldn't do either, or know of any issues I should watch out for? I did buy some sewing machine needles made for quilting and am hoping they won't have trouble going through all the layers. I plan to use a cotton batting, and of course a few spots will have twill on both sides. If the heavier fabric isn't an issue, I think it could really look great. Thanks in advance for your thoughts! I have been nervously planning for quite some time, and would like to get started, hopefully without buying any additional fabric :) ------ Twitter: @SewKnitStash
Mobycat   Intermediate PA USA Member since 8/19/07 Posts: 117	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/12 6:44 PM If you have your heart set on the twill, go ahead and use it. I personally think it may too heavy to quilt the layers. Maybe you could tie it. Charlene ------ Charlene
Honeybee Beginner Member since 11/12/05 Posts: 304	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/12 7:01 PM I wouldn't think it would matter---but I'm also quilting a blue jean quilt whose layers are: blue jean, batting, 100% cotton sheet. I would think your sewing machine makes more of a difference on if it would be able to sew through the layers. The needle will help I think, but test a mock-up swatch and see how it does. I'd cut a small section of the twill, the batting, and twill backing you're going to use, then layer them on top of each other (like when quilting) and then try quilting it and see how your sewing machine does. Good luck!
Liz in Cville   Advanced Beginner VA Member since 5/28/11 Posts: 272	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/12 7:14 PM Thanks for your replies! I will do a test before I cut everything out :) ------ Twitter: @SewKnitStash
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6998	Login to reply to this post In reply to Liz in Cville << 1 member likes this. Date: 11/2/12 7:17 PM If you plan to go ahead, I suggest a size 16 jeans needle. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
Franksdottir   Intermediate Member since 4/25/08 Posts: 2407	Login to reply to this post In reply to Liz in Cville << Like this post Date: 11/2/12 8:54 PM My personal preference is to use the same, or close to it, weights and weave of fabrics, but I have seen mixed weight and types of fabric become beautiful quilts. Let me just ask you, are you a perfectionist? Do you like everything just so, or are you willing to live with imperfection? If you don't mind, I think you will be happier with it than if you are really picky, especially as this is your first quilt. I understand about not wanting to buy more fabric - and may I say - quilting is built on using what one has. Take a look at the quilts of PortlandMaine in this board and you will see the beautiful work he does with what he comes across. But, he is someone who chases his own vision and doesn't sweat the small stuff. ------ Barb
PortlandMaine   Advanced Beginner ME USA Member since 1/29/11 Posts: 1647	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 11/2/12 11:29 PM I was going to HAVE to chime in on this post -- I would say enthusiastically DO WHATEVER YOU WANT! But, I think the person is also right who warns that if you enjoy perfection you may be wise to try a matching weight. I have also learned that sometimes (if you can remember, and its not always possible) to have the heavier weight fabric on the bottom when you sew -- if possible. It will help with better seams (if you care about that sort of thing) Im my sewing world - I really have a thousand rules (I know, hard to immagine..?!) .. one of them is do whatever you like! ------ Drag queen quilter!
Babe B   Intermediate MA USA Member since 10/4/04 Posts: 262	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/3/12 10:31 AM It's your quilt, use whatever you want. However, I do agree with the need to possibly increasing the size of your machine needle to 16 or possibly even 18 jeans needle.
Liz in Cville   Advanced Beginner VA Member since 5/28/11 Posts: 272	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/3/12 4:13 PM Thanks for all the replies, advice, and inspiration. I'm not sure whether I'm actually a perfectionist, but I suppose I don't need extra frustration for my first quilt. So I will try to avoid using the twill, at least on top. And I'll try to remember to do a test swatch before committing to using it on the bottom, too. Thanks again, Liz ------ Twitter: @SewKnitStash

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