Jeanne_O

I am relatively new to quilting but have been sewing for years.

I am doing a block of the month that uses batik fabrics. I have 2 questions:

1. I accidentally stitched a seam in the wrong place on a square within a square. When I picked out the seam, it left little holes where the needle went into the fabric. Is there a way to fix this other than making a new square within a square?

2. Does batik require a really sharp, thin pin?

Quilt30

Dab it with water and press. Sharp pins are easier going through the tight woven fabric

Tartan

Welcome from Ontario, Canada. Batiks have a very tight weave due to the way they are made. Sharp needles and pins are needed. You can run your fingernail along the needle marks and it will help fill the holes back in. Misting it with water and pressing sometimes helps also. Usually when the quilt is washed the holes fill in but on a light coloured batik you may still be able to see them. Can you plan a quilting design to go over the needle marks when you quilt?

Jeanne_O

Thanks for both ideas. I will give it a shot.

I haven't yet advanced to the quilting process. My husband and I took a 4 session class at a local shop where we made a sampler top. We also did a free motion class for quilting, but to be honest, I am a failure! My circles were a mess and the other curves equally bad.

Jeanne S

The holes usually fill in after the first wash. The intermediate steps mentioned above are good too if the holes bother you before you finish it!

Krisb

FMQ takes a lot of practice, and no one has great results in the beginning. Don't worry about it. But my real reaction was to "Husband and I took a four session class". Lucky you!

QuiltnNan

Welcome from western NY and happy quilting

QuiltE

Maybe not!!! ..... he may steal her stash and take her machine captive!!


Jeanne_O ... sharp needles and pins were mentioned as a way to minimize the puncture marks. When I started sewing I was using the yellow headed pins and thought they were great. However, I soon discovered the nicer and finer ones with the glass heads. While I don't use pins as much when piecing, as in garment sewing, it sure is nice to have the fine ones when I do.

Congratulations to you and your husband for starting quilting.
Here's to many good days in the sewing room together!

jmoore

and I use a smaller needle in my machine when sewing batiks...

mojo11

Welcome from Arkansas. This is a great board for help, questions, and answers. Enjoy your quilting!