Dreaming

What different sizes do you make a practice sandwich for quilting?

Onebyone

I have taken a lot of machine quilting classes and the average size to practice is about 18" square. Every one of the award winning teacher classes the most important part was getting everyone to use the best for practice. Quality batting, quality fabric, quality thread.

ManiacQuilter2

I use what ever size of scrap fabric and batting I have on hand. Practice with something maybe 18" x 24 and when done, bind it and give it to your local animal rescue. They can always use a quilt for bedding and dogs are picky about your quilting skills.

MadQuilter

Leah Day uses relatively small pieces for her daily quilt pattern practice. Wanna say 6"+

For me, it is whatever off-cuts of batting I have laying around.

joe'smom

I have set aside some ugly fabrics to use in practice sandwiches. I like to work with a 1 yd. piece of fabric, and I'll sew two half yard pieces together if necessary. I don't bother stitching together the binding scraps if they aren't the right size. This gives me an ample amount of space to experiment, and once I've determined my design, to practice it before I start the quilting on the quilt. I usually buy my batting large so there is leftover and I can practice on the same batting that is in the quilt I'm practicing for.

Boston1954

Are we talking about machine quilting? I'm not good at it so it would probably be the size of a placemat. :-)

Bree123

I do 18x24" and make changing pads. I hate to waste fabric even if it is to help me improve my quilting. No one cares about quilting on changing pads.

cindi

I use the quilt tops I've made but don't like. It's amazing how a fugly quilt can turn so pretty with practice stitching!

DOTTYMO

I agree dogs are picky mine love sleeping on poly batting not w and n .

If you make enough 18x24 and keep them you have the making of quick quilts.

juneayerza

Are you talking about just practicing in general or setting up for quilting a project you have been working on. If it is for general practice, all the above answers work. However, if you are asking about a test run for a project you are going to quilt then it is a different story. The test run should be done using the exact fabrics, batting and thread the finish project will have. This way any tension issues or thread issues can be addressed before you start the quilt. The sandwich should be big enough to be able to do at least one complete set of motifs you will be using. This way it will give you a chance to change color of thread or even batting and or backing if you are not happy with the way it looks.