Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Batik woes

I just read something that has scared the willies outta me! Turns out that when you quilt a batik the needle actually punctures the fabric rather than having the fabric weave move aside for the needle. Basically, you are punching holes in the fabric and generally those holes remain in the fabric if you have to remove stitches. Additionally, the holes have abrasive edges so that the thread breaks easily as is is being "shredded" by the hole edges.

I love this quilt. The fabric I chose is perfect for my son and daughter-in-law. I am going to be so upset if it turns into a rag because of the quilting.

The suggestion was to slow down with the long arm and loosen the fabric tension. If y'all hear a lot of screaming coming from the East Coast later today, that will be me.

7 comments:

  1. Where did you read this? I'd like to do some research.

    I know that they are tightly woven, I know that they don't ravel. I just want to find out more!!

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  2. I wonder if it is because of all the wax used to create the complex designs. I hope you don't have too much of a problem.

    Hugs,

    nancy

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  3. use a smaller sized needle too. good luck!

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  4. Awww crap!! I hope that my quilt will still turn out OK. Yours too!!!

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  5. Suzan, be sure to use a poly batting with batiks, too. Good luck and I'm sure everything will turn out great.

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  6. Would an extra sharp needle help,like a metallic needle? It's worth a try!
    I hope you finish without too much more trouble.
    be blessed,
    Michelle

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