4:1
Quilting
Piecing the quilt top
Cut out the pieces of fabric for your quilt top using templates. A
seam allowance of ¼” (6 mm) should already be included in the
templates. Snap on the optional ¼" quilting foot. Sew the pieces
together following the design instructions to piece the quilt top.
The seam allowance of quilts are usually pressed towards the
darker fabric side. Baste the completed quilt top to the batting
and backing. In traditional quilts these three layers of material
are then sewn together by hand with small stitches. However,
it is quicker and more practical with your Pfaff expression, e.g.
with stitch 30 (26/2038) using mono
fi
lament thread on top and
regular or decorative thread in the bobbin.
When the quilting is
fi
nished simply bind the edges or make it
into cushions, wearable art or other smaller projects.
Stitch-in-the-Ditch
One way to hold the quilt top, batting and backing all together
is using the stitch-in-the-ditch method of quilting. Stitching in
the Ditch means following the seams in the quilt blocks.
Set your expression with a straight stitch (1), stitch length 2.5,
center needle position, IDT engaged.
Begin by pin basting your quilt through all layers – starting
from the middle of your quilt and working out. Place a safety
pin about every 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm).
To begin quilting, start sewing from the middle of the quilt and
continue out. Starting from the middle and sewing out will help
keep layers in place. Plan which seams you will actually follow.
This stitching will not only hold the quilt together, it will also
create the pattern on the quilt back. You do not need to follow
every seam in the quilt, sew every 3 – 4 inches to keep the quilt
in place. Of course, you can sew more to create a decorative
pattern for the back.
Tip:
Use stitch 30 (26/2038) to make your stitch-in-the-ditch look
handsewn.
Tip:
Change to a quilting or jeans needle when sewing through thick
quilts. Test sew to ensure balanced stitching before starting to quilt.
4. Quilting