quilting silk fabric
08-09-2013, 10:14 AM
#1
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quilting silk fabric
I have to do some quilting on a quilt top made of raw silk. I'll be doing this on a longarm machine. Is there anything special I should be aware of when sewing on this fabric?
The fabric seems thinner than regular cotton fabric so I'm thinking of using a smaller needle. The backing is regular quilting cotton and the batting is Quilters Dream cotton. The silk is a neutral taupe color.
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
The fabric seems thinner than regular cotton fabric so I'm thinking of using a smaller needle. The backing is regular quilting cotton and the batting is Quilters Dream cotton. The silk is a neutral taupe color.
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
08-09-2013, 10:34 AM
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: BC. Canada
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I have a lot of silk yardage, but not plucked up courage to use for quilting yet. Will also be interested to see comments. What sort of weight is it? The dress weight is very fine of course. I have mostly got the heavier curtain weight. That was easy for curtains and it looks gorgeous. At the moment I'm quilting liberty lawn cotton - it's so fine - has pieced ok. I'm wondering how that will quilt. Do hope you show a photo when done.. Good luck.
08-09-2013, 12:05 PM
#4
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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Is it a customer quilt or your own? If it is your own, try a scrap sandwich with a very sharp needle. I find when sewing silky fabrics, you can get a "thread pull" if the needle isn't thin enough or sharp enough.
08-09-2013, 02:44 PM
#5
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Thanks for your responses.
It's a customer's quilt and made from an old wedding dress. It is thin but not as thin as some silk clothes I've seen. It is all one color. I'm doing a pantograph on it of leaves and vines with blending thread. I am concerned about the needle. Maybe I'll plan on changing it frequently just be sure it is very sharp. The quilt is about a twin size.
It's a customer's quilt and made from an old wedding dress. It is thin but not as thin as some silk clothes I've seen. It is all one color. I'm doing a pantograph on it of leaves and vines with blending thread. I am concerned about the needle. Maybe I'll plan on changing it frequently just be sure it is very sharp. The quilt is about a twin size.
08-09-2013, 02:52 PM
#6
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Either way, I would definitely do a sample sandwich. Whether customer or for yourself and make note on it the type material and needle and thread. you may also want to keep it for your records down the line.
08-09-2013, 03:00 PM
#7
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Location: Northern Michigan
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the size of your needle is dependent on the weight of the thread you are using- is not determined by the fabric being stitched. I've made a few silk quilts- the silk may seem thin=but it is much stronger than cotton. make sure you have a good sharp, new needle- in the size appropriate for the thread you are using-lengthen your stitch length and slow down the speed. silk quilts up beautifully.
08-13-2013, 10:24 AM
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: BC. Canada
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the size of your needle is dependent on the weight of the thread you are using- is not determined by the fabric being stitched. I've made a few silk quilts- the silk may seem thin=but it is much stronger than cotton. make sure you have a good sharp, new needle- in the size appropriate for the thread you are using-lengthen your stitch length and slow down the speed. silk quilts up beautifully.
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