Hand Quilting and Batkis
#1
Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 895
I have just finished a single irish chain in two colors of batiks. I have enough left over to piece together a backing also in batiks. I was going to machine quilt, but now would like a winter hand quilting project. Has anyone ever hand quilted with batiks on both the top and back? I have not sandwiched yet, so I can change the backing to a regular cotton.
If you have quilted with both and you have any suggestions I would appreciate it....
Thanks, Laura
If you have quilted with both and you have any suggestions I would appreciate it....
Thanks, Laura
#2
You may be in for a struggle (not saying you can't do it) as batiks are more tightly woven.
Maybe make a little practice sandwich to see how you like hand quilting two layers? :D:D:D
Maybe make a little practice sandwich to see how you like hand quilting two layers? :D:D:D
#4
I haven't used them for both the top and the back, but when I was doing applique with batiks, I was warned it was difficult to needle because it is so tightly woven. I only had to experiment with 2 or 3 needles before I found one I was happy with. If you are going to do a whole quilt, you might even find your needles dulling faster than you would think.
Good luck!
Good luck!
#5
I have no problem hand quilting batiks when I use them in my quilt top. In fact, I love how they show the hand quilting stitches.
However, I volunteered to hand quilt a top for a friend. She pieced the backing, and used batiks in some spots. I used a cotton batting, and the parts where she has the batiks on the back are much harder to quilt.
I'd put a different backing on the quilt, and quilt away.
However, I volunteered to hand quilt a top for a friend. She pieced the backing, and used batiks in some spots. I used a cotton batting, and the parts where she has the batiks on the back are much harder to quilt.
I'd put a different backing on the quilt, and quilt away.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,345
To be honest: I don't like to quilt batiks because they are quite hard to needle, especially with top and backing. No question, they look beautiful and the the stitching looks great! Maybe be hands are not strong enough to handle them for a longer time.
I would second Amma's suggestion: a little practice sandwich will show how it works for you.
I would second Amma's suggestion: a little practice sandwich will show how it works for you.
#7
Originally Posted by Borntohandquilt
To be honest: I don't like to quilt batiks because they are quite hard to needle, especially with top and backing.
One thing you can do to make it easier to needle is to lessen the tension in the hoop, and quilt on the bias - the stretch makes it easier to stitch.
I use plain muslin on the back of my quilts because it gives the back a wholecloth effect. Plus, the muslin doesn't add too much bulk.
#9
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 895
Thanks for all the advice...I really want a relaxing hand quilting project for the long cold months of January and February. If it is going to be frustrating I don't want to do it. I will make a practice and see how I feel about it. It is easy to change up now as nothing has been done about the backing. I can also change up and dig out a lost lonely unfinished quilt top that could use some hand quilting.
Thanks again...
Thanks again...
#10
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 895
Well I tried the practice sandwich with batiks on both sides and it was not fun. It would go along fine and then it would be very difficult. So, I am off to the fabric shop to get new backing fabric. Thanks again and hopefully I will get this quilt done this winter and I will post a picture..
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