carolstickelmaier

Have you cut the binding on the bias or straight of grain. If making curves (circles) you should have binding cut on the bias. If not it will not lay flat. Be careful with stretching and pin, pin, pin before sewing.

Prism99

Just in general, it sounds as if the edges of your fabric stretched as you worked. Heavily starching the fabric before cutting helps prevent this kind of distortion, as does working very carefully. Edges cut on the straight-grain of the fabric have more stability. As soon as cuts are not on the straight-grain, they are bias and highly likely to stretch and distort. You mentioned a circle in the middle of your tree skirt. A circle is always going to be on the bias in some way, even if made in pieces.

Posting a photo would definitely help with figuring out your best course of action at this point.

gn9009

Thank you for taking the time to help. I will try and post a pic as soon as I can.

gn9009

Thank you for your suggestions. I will try and post a pic soon.

gn9009

yes I cut the binding on the bias, it was ok but the skirt itself is the problem. Some how there is too much fabric.

gn9009

Thanks for the advise. I am going to try and post a pic. I don't get around on this site very well.

gn9009

I stay stitched around the circle but I must have stretched it. I thought about making a ruffle there and no one would know the difference. I almost think the circle is not accurate and that may be the problem. Thank you for your help.

gn9009

This sounds like a lovely idea. Thank you.

gn9009

Oh you will laugh the pattern make would be me. I cut a large circle and one in the center. I appliqued 3 large pieces on and sewed through all 3 layers. I will never understand how I made such a mess. Thanks for replying.

cjsews

Lay the quilt on a nice large flat surface so it will not pull itself. Try to spray starch it and holding the iron above the quilt, steam it well. This may help bring it back in shape. Before you put our binding on, do a quick stay stitch around the edge to prevent stretching while you put the binding on. If this does not help, I would go with Tartan's idea. Love to see it when you finish.