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ritaweeda

Big-Stitch Utility Quilting

ritaweeda
11 years ago

I've decided to do the big-stitch utility quilting thing on this quilt. I've outlined the star with it, haven't decided on how to continue with the rest of the block, though. Just thought I'd show it. To me this quilt has a very rural Texas-Ranch look so that's why I'm doing it this way.

Comments (13)

  • K8Orlando
    11 years ago

    I like it and think it works well on this quilt. I'm really intrigued by this Sashiko style quilting and want to try it. Your stitches look great!

    Kate

  • quiltingfox
    11 years ago

    I think it looks really good. I would do the stars and the same fabric (as the stars) that outlines the blocks with the same utility stitching. I think that would really make it pop.

    Best to you,
    Sandra

  • ritaweeda
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    I was looking at it and thinking that I should have gotten either red or a more ecru-color thread to do it. When I bought the thread it looked ecru but now that it is on the quilt it looks too light. Does anyone else agree? I don't want to do any more until I get some different colors to try.

  • rosajoe_gw
    11 years ago

    I like it, I don't think it's too light! I tried the big stitch on a pillow and had problems and the corners. I have to work on it!

  • nanajayne
    11 years ago

    I like the look for this quilt. Seems to fit very well. The thread is good from my angle. It will blend with the lighter colors and still make the darker ones stand out.
    I wouldn't have much success with the big stitch, old habits are hard to change but I like the look.

  • msmeow
    11 years ago

    I like it, too...it doesn't look too light at all! And once the quilt is washed the stitches will sink into the fabric and be even less noticeable.

    Good choice for the quilting! I agree a line around either the inside and/or outside of the striped sashing would look great. Is the print part of the quilt, too? If so, you could quilt stars (maybe even a star in a cirle) in those blocks with the big stitches to echo the pieced blocks.

    Donna

  • magothyrivergirl
    11 years ago

    Very Nice Stitching! I agree with you Rita. Maybe continue with the white on the stars and use red everywhere else.
    Test the red thread to make sure it is colorfast before you use it.
    It does scream Texas :)

  • ritaweeda
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    I think I'll do what you suggest, I'll stay with the light on the red print and go with the red elsewhere. Yes, the other print is part of the quilt and I planned to do exactly what you suggested, Donna, to echo the block design in those blank alternate blocks. Thanks for your feedbacks. As for the colorfastness, the red already bled onto the other print, it's going to have to stay because I can't afford new fabric. I washed them together when I brought them home, I know, what was I (not) thinking?? Maybe it will just add to the vintage look of the quilt.

  • rosajoe_gw
    11 years ago

    Rita,
    I washed a red fabric, tossed in Color Catchers in the rinse, no sign of bleeding.

    After binding it I washed it in cold water on gentle and it bleeds! I know some would think of it as 'ruined' but I plan to use it myself and I just see it as 'tie dyed' lol!

    I love red but this was not a cheap fabric (of course as always I bought it on sale lol) and I had washed it in Retayne before using it. The rest of the fabric will be used in a denim raggedy!!!!
    Rosa

  • littlehelen_gw
    11 years ago

    I really like this technique with the look / theme of this quilt, it works so well!
    I do not have the patience for the hand work and applaud those of you who do...I really like the look, but it won't happen from my hands.
    V.

  • bev2009
    11 years ago

    The stitching does look perfect for it. It looks like you use something heavier than quilting thread. Embroidery Floss?

  • calliope
    11 years ago

    I use pearl cotton for my big stitch projects.

  • ritaweeda
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    I'm using cotton crochet thread size 10 and a large-eyed needle. I tried some dark red thread to see how it looked and liked it so much, I think I'll use it throughout the quilt. The light one doesn't show up so light in the photo but it was just bothering me. I was going to use both colors as suggested, but then I thought about the back of the quilt and didn't like the idea of how the two different colors would look on that side. (The backing is just tea-dyed muslin which will show the quilting.) I did a previous quilt this way a couple of years back, it was an Amish style lap quilt and I used some real heavy, tightly-woven linen that DH had rescued from a dumpster at a table-linen manufacturer. I backed it with flannel and didn't use a batting. It turned out looking great but my fingers almost didn't make it trying to push that heavy thread through that heavy fabric.

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