Does anyone else find layering their quilts a chore. I LOVE LOVE LOVE cutting new quilts, constructing the top, when it is finished I really dislike layering the quilt!
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Does anyone else find layering their quilts a chore. I LOVE LOVE LOVE cutting new quilts, constructing the top, when it is finished I really dislike layering the quilt!
Yep, it's why I have a stack of UFOs sitting in the corner!
Yes. I decided that this would be the weekend I sandwich tops I have completed. I absolutely hate this part of quilting. Since I like to do big quilts it is really a pain, literally. It hurts my shoulder. I usually call in a group to help me, but this time I am going it alone. I am working on a 52x52 quilt right now.
I think if I had the proper space to do my layering I wouldn't mind it so much. I don't have floor space big enough (and would probably take a week to stand up straight again after crawling around) nor do I have a large enough table area to do it. The last couple I did I taped to my kitchen wall, but can't do over a twin size there.
I have made a bigger table by taking two pieces of wood from the hardware store that are about 2-3 ft wide and 5 ft long and putting a hinge between them so they can be folded one on top of the other.... then you lay that on a card table or something smaller so that you can have a bigger table top to layer your quilt on but that can be folded and stored under a bed or something when you aren't using it.
Definatly not my favorite part of the process. Didn't mind so much when I was only hand quilting cuz I could fix the back as I went along. My patriotic quilt was a real booger to do because of the size 50" x 58". And like so many I cannot crawl around on the floor. Most of the baby quilts are pretty easy to do on my island tho. Guess when I get to my DGK's quilts for Christmas, I will tackle them one at a time, lol
The quilt that I am currently working on will be interesting to layer since we now live in a motorhome. 54 x 67 is a large area but I'll get it together somehow :)
I no longer layer my quilts because I taken them to the FMQ. There is still an element of laying out the rows of blocks and then later making the backing and laying it out on the floor to get it the right size...all of this wears me out and hurts my back. I'm no good at crawling around on the floor anymore - especially the getting back up part!!
Just an idea, but my local quilt shop allows anyone to come in and use their classroom to sandwich your quilts, which has a very large table. And the kicker is it's free! All you have to do is call ahead first and make sure there isn't any classes or someone else using it. It's a great thing if you dont have the space at home. Ask your local shop, if they have a table. It will be easier on your back and your knees.
I keep thinking one of these days I'm going to invest in 3 10-foot folding tables. I could probably set them up in the back yard side-by-side and I'd have quite a large set-up. For now I just use clamps and painter's tape and do a section at a time. A large work surface sure would make the job go faster. I can't imagine I'll be making many large quilts but those tables would sure come in handy not only for making quilts but drapes as well. I've had customers give me some pretty large jobs and the floor is no fun at my age! One customer had me make huge outdoor drapes. That was quite an undertaking without a huge work surface.
I have two cutting tables, one is very old and the other one I got from JoAnns with a coupon. They fold down to a decent size when you aren't using them, I set them up in the middle of a downstairs bedroom (shove everything else out of the way), I've marked them to match the centers, and they are big enough to do queen quilts on, at least the center with a little hanging over the edge. I clip my backing on to them with carpenter's clamps, and then lay my batting and tops over them. I can sandwich very well on these. I'm still using pins to sandwich, I've just ordered some 505 spray to try (my JoAnns doesn't carry it). This has worked exceedingly well for me. No back aches from crawling on the floor. Since they are narrow when folded down, I can shove them up against a wall when I'm not using them, freeing up the room for its intended purpose, a GUEST ROOM! Guests need to call ahead to make sure I'm not sandwiching while they are visiting!
I'm getting ready to switch play rooms with DH and he's leaving the pool table in it....I've used it before and it works out really well. I have arthritis in my knees and crawling around on the floor hurts.
A local church will often have an area with big tables for events that they might let you use for this.
Our quilt guild has made a deal with a local church to use their family life center once a month for "sit and sew", we each donate $5 to defray the cost of electricity, etc.
The floor would kill my back and I would be out of the hobby after one quilt.:o
I have a canvas topped table made from a plywood sheet that I use for everything, cutting, laying out, ironing, sandwiching, don't know what I would do with out it. It was made to accommodate my now closed drapery business and has a layer of homosote [compressed cardboard], a layer of foil, a layer of thick felt then the canvas. It is a back saver for sure. I do have to put a self healing mat on it to cut.
Shirley,
You sound like me and my DH. We both have playrooms. I have a cable hook up in mine tho lol.
Claire---sounds like you have the perfect work surface!
I am thinking this sandwiching thing would be impossible with my huge Ca. king size that I am working on, so I guess it will be time to take a breath and learn that quilting machine. No layering if I can stretch the fabric on the frame in the right order and the correct side up! I am thinking of labeling the leader bar rollers (or whatever they are called) once I figure it out!
I think that's my problem, at 70 I just have too much problems crawling around and lifting. Bringing them to store is a great idea, also expensive and a trip from where I live, but I have thought of that as a solution. Thanks for all the advice.,
If you have a garage, you could set your tables up there for the sandwiching detail, then take the tables down so the cars can fit back inside. Not good when it is 107 or zero below zero, but it could work for a quick sandwich session.
It is no problem for me to layer everything since I just set it up on my frame. The top is rolled on one roller, the batting on another, and the backing on yet another. I do remember the days of laying down on the floor, taping the backing to the floor, spreading out the batting and then the quilt top. I spent a lot of time going around it and pinning. These days they have basting spray. Short of buying a frame, I would suggest buying some folding tables so you don't have to get on the floor, even if you have to do it outside.
Folding tables will still led to back problems, because you have to lean over--that's why I use cutting tables, they are just the right height, no back aches afterward.
Not my favorite part at all. I don't have the room to do it, and my back rebels at bending and crawling around on the floor trying. The best part of it is packing it up and sending it out to be quilted and she does all the parts I hate. I love the getting the quilt back and sewing the binding on. I love the hand sewing of the binding I find it very relaxing.
If you do get some folding tables to use I suggest you put them on bed raisers. Jean is right, you have to bend over and it kills your back, or mine at least, but if the raisers are under it then the hight will be much better.
I was going to suggest the same thing as Donna. Our local quilt shop offers the same thing. I'm don't enjoy crawling around on the floor either but the 505 spray sure makes things go a lot easier. I put a piece of plastic down on the carport floor, tape down my backing, spray, add batting, spray and add top.
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Originally Posted by Donna F
I do too Cathy!! I love to sit and sew the binding! Just the layering thingy gets to me. Well I've have a lot of solutions to think over. Great advice,. thanks all.
I started quilting back in the day when everyone hand quilted. To baste a quilt we used thread and sewed the layers together. That was back-breaking and time consuming work! I always had friends over to help and we often basted the quilt right to the carpet. What a pain! Now that we live in a small farmhouse I have to take the kitchen table out of the kitchen to baste a quilt larger than a baby quilt. DH helps me tape the quilt back to the floor and fold back the layers to spray baste. With a willing helper it doesn't take much time at all. I am glad the days of thread basting and pinning are over for me.
We both have cable hook ups in ours and wireless internet LOL.....times are changin'Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna F
Put the folding tables on bed risers. That's an easy fix for back troubles. I found mine at Home Depot. Just ask if you can't find them. I forget which aisle. I also purchased a small folding table that has adjustable legs and raises quite high. I use that one at the foot of the bed in the flat for cutting and ironing. I bought that at Sam's Club.
A quilt instructor from years ago would use a room at the library to baste her quilts. The tables are large and movable. I believe she would book a room and baste away. Don't know how it would be with spray adhesive and concern with the odor.