I am an impatient person but the difference when you starch for cutting accurately, sewing without stretching and the wonderful end results are worth the effort.
I don't remember giving you permission to use me in this comparison. I AM the group who don't do the right things. Can you imagine not doing the 7 correct things on the same block. I wonder why I can. I love your videos. I am so lucky to have found your youtube channel. The disappearing 9 patch is one of my favorite designs. I can not wait to do one correctly.
I DON'T STARCH NOR DO I PIN AND MY INTERSECTIONS MEET PERFECTLY. IT'S TOTALLY A PREFERENCE. SOME PEOPLE CAN MEET SOME NEED TO PIN, EITHER WAY IS PERFECTLY FINE. YOU CLEARLY STATED YOU DIDN'T PIN PROPERLY IS WHY YOU DIDN'T HAVE PERFECT INTERSECTIONS, THAT CLEARLY SHOWS THAT EVEN PINNING YOU CAN MESS UP YOUR INTERSECTIONS SO AGAIN IT'S PREFERENCE AND WHATEVER YOU'RE COMFORTABLE WITH. YOU SAID THAT YOU DIDN'T CUT CORRECTLY IS WHY YOU HAVE OVERHANG, AS LONG AS YOU'RE INTERSECTIONS MEET UP YOU SHOULD BE OK WITH A LITTLE OVERHANG BECAUSE YOU'RE GOING TO CUT THAT BLOCK DOWN TO SIZE ONCE IT'S FINISHED😬 WHETHER YOU STARCH OR NOT YOU CAN EASILY STRETCH YOUR MATERIAL IF YOU DO NOT IRON CORRECTLY. YOU SHOULD NEVER USE HEAVY PRESSURE OR DRAG YOUR IRON ACROSS THE MATERIAL. PRESS AND LIFT. EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY YOUR PREFERENCE, YOU CAN MAKE MISTAKES CUTTING WITH IT WITHOUT STARCH, YOU CAN MESS UP INTERSECTIONS WITH IT WITHOUT PINNING.
Starching my fabric has been a game changer or me. Mt blocks come out so much better. I d spray with diluted staflo liquid starch. It is much cheaper that way.
I tend with you said that you do not use a started of tail when sewing a seam, but, if you can use scraps for the starter you will be making progress on your crumb blocks.
A lot depends on whether you are making a "sleep-under" quilt or one that looks like it was machine printed. Sure, pin the joins, but a thread off in either direction can make you crazy if you let it. What is your final product? How critical is thread-for-thread join? Do you unsew and resew 4 or 5 times to make it "perfect"? The making should feed your soul as much as the sleeping under.
I always assumed I was the problem. Now I know it’s the process not the operator. Lol. I’ve been doing a deep dive to more precision quilting and this video was very clear. Thank you!
I definitely agree with starching! And spray starch is great (LOVE your handle attachment hack). But I would also recommend trying liquid starch for bigger projects. Vano is a good brand. Water it down according to how light or stiff you want your final product, then dunk the whole cloth in there, squeeze it out, and iron it dry. I like a pressing cloth to prevent any starch build-up on my iron.
I'm in a small online group of lady quilters, and the question of using a clapper or not has been asked. The general consensus is that they're too expensive. Your clapper is freaking GENIUS. It's bigger than normal ones and is only a few bucks. Thank you for this bonus tip!!!!
Great video. Through trial and errors, I have learned that starching and pinning are essential for precision. I use liquid starch. Very cheap. I dunk fabric in diluted starch, squeeze excess and either hang outside to dry or put in dryer on LOWEST temperature. Lovely stiff fabric to work with. Also, I LOVE your clapper. I have avoided using them because of the expense and if they are just blocks of wood, why can't I just use wood I already have.
Here is the link Debbie to make the exact same clapper I use in this video th-cam.com/video/ZJDknsneC84/w-d-xo.html Thank you so much for your starching tips! I appreciate you sharing them💛
Very helpful, however, if you want to stitch in the ditch when quilting, you wouldn't iron your seams open as you would be stitching in thin air, instead you would have to stitch 1/4 inch away from the seam either side.
Additionally, STID is generally done in the "ditch" caused by pressing allowances to one side rather than directly into the seam. The stitch is done on the lower side or opposite direction from the pressed seam allowances.
@@mariettedemarest5173 sorry but aren't you being a little pedantic. Either way, if your seams are open I wouldn't use this method of stitching and instead stitch 1/4" either side of the ditch for security, instead of this method. That is my point.
@@carolynnecp Clarification please, because I'm a newer quilter and confused by your comment. If the seams are ironed open, when you stitch in the ditch, you are only sewing the opened seam allowances to the top fabric which is on either side of the piecing seam - which wouldn't secure the piecing seam. So I'm struggling to understand what you mean by "stitch 1/4" either side of the ditch for security". How would stitching the seam allowances to the top fabric make the piecing seam more secure? Thank you for the help.
Thanks so much! Have recently been realizing starching is a key and have discovered StaFlo. Like your handle for the starch. Will order from your link. Also thanks for the great tip about needle down for starting!! I was using a starter piece and recently saw a tip about simply holding the thread which I like better than the starter piece but needle down is even better!! Thank you!!
I was taught to hold the two thread ends before you make your first stitch, holding the threads prevents nests. I have seen a case made for using a thick leader of you are sewing a thick layer of fabrics to bring the presser foot level with your work.
I bought a tiny ruler with a hole at the 1/4”. I put this under my presser foot and move the needle until it fits in the hole. Works great and is accurate. The only down side is it is only about 2” long, so I am constantly looking for it. Bought it at the quilt store.
That is such a great idea for a clapper. If anybody missed it, her clapper appears to be the front of a drawer or small cabinet door with a handle on it. That is awesome and much better price and size than a "clapper" from a quilt store. Thanks
Most tips are helpful, especially dropping the needle, however, if I spent this much time on a quilt top that honestly, after quilting and washing the quilt won't even be noticeable, I would not enjoy it nearly as much. I won't be starching, or opening my seams, but I do use pins and will double check my seam allowance. I believe that if you had pinned both blocks you would have seen almost equal precision.
While the fast quilters one sees in online tutorials may get things done with stunning speed, we only see the production, not the actual way they quilt. Nevertheless, I have always felt bad about pinning and starching -- especially pinning. I have really beaten myself up about it. My quilts generally come out about 95% perfect. But after watching this, I will be pinning, starching and clapping!
Hi Tracy, I've just sewn 476 hexagons on my new Juki. I dropped the needle, held the thread & raised the needle to pull up the bottom thread, and then keeping a hold of the top thread started to sew. It was the only way to consistently not get tangles. Y seams are great, right? ;-;
But the real question is which of the steps really had what impact... was it the starch? The not pinning? Not setting? Not trimming? So many things happen because of different things.
LOL Elisabeth!!! I did have it spelled right in other places though...LOL thanks for alerting me LOL....God has a way of keeping me humble I suppose LOL😂 I appreciate you telling me💛
As a huge fan of your wonderful informative videos, I’ve a question. What is the major difference between using starch and the other pressing aides such as Best Press? Thank you, Joyce G
Good question! Aerosol spray starch contains "wax particles"...when the wax dries it creates a hardness over the fabric making it really stiff and easy to work with✅ The best press...(in my opinion) is mostly made up of water and fragrance and does not make the fabric as stiff as I would like. Now that being said....some people love Best Press....🤷🏻♀️ But spray starch is superior when it comes to piecing fabric to reduce shifting❤️
@@TheSewingChannel Thank you, Tracy. I’ve been sewing since I was a preteen. Needless to say that was long ago. Always said I’d never quilt but in the last 15 yrs the bug has bitten. Love the wonderful info I gain from you. Thank you for your sharing and teaching. You are amazing.
Alllll these years. Literally 20. I've just been ballparking the 1/4". My machine has to be at 5.5 , which I thought was a zigzag. Talk about a light bulb moment
ope. I don't starch. trued it once and used up my bottle in jig time, and it would have taken several bottles for the one project. Can't say it made any difference.
I'm not a pinner, but I'm a glue baster....and glue means no distortion--but a non starter for quilters who like to press their seams open.. It is endemic to my work process. I starch--and I use both spray (if I find it at my local salvage store for .99) or use 50:50 stayflo in a spray bottle that finely mists. Love the sprayer gadget (I think I have one). It also protects the top of your sprayer from falling and having the button snap off and leaving much product stranded in the can. I don't and won't press open. I find that pressing seams open to be additional work. But I do use teflon sheets for pressing, and I spin my seams for flat joins. Do I get as flat as open seams? Maybe not, but I don't have any need to..Thanks for sharing these great tips.
As a scientist, if you want to give more confidence that starching made the difference in the final product, all other steps should have been done the same way for both starched and unstarched fabrics. As it is, all 7 or only 1 to 6 of the 7 variables could have made the difference in the finished product.
Thank you for this demonstration.it is so helpful to me. I stopped quilting except for scraping. Now I will go back and check everything you reviewed in this video. I never even gave thought to the idea my needle could be the problem with accurate stitching. Thank you so much will use all these tip with my next quilt😊❤️👍🙏
Hello! Another fun chat to listen to while I hand quilt! I just want you to know how much I enjoy your channel's content. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Thank you for sharing this video and your time.
I'm binging on your channel as I piece. I disagree with starters when chain piecing. 9mm machines will suck the fabric in, even with straight stitch needle plate. The fabric goes in through the feeddogs. I have experienced this on the Janome 9450 and the Bernina 880. I'm enjoying your tips and tricks! Please keep up the good work.
I was thinking of you yesterday when I began sewing together a 25 piece block. I had very carefully trimmed the half square triangles and they were ironed. ( I don’t have starch yet.) I was so careful with my seams. I was careful with the needle when I started sewing each seam. I am not finished yet but I am impressed that most of the points and seams line up so well, and the one or two that are off, are just by a tiny bit really. I saw the fabric “bend” a few times. This project wants to be carefully done because it is navy blue and white half square triangles arranged in a star within a star pattern. Everything shows. Thanks for encouraging me to be more careful when it matters. 😁
I never knew that I should be starching. I honestly thought I was doomed to always be just ever so Slightly wonky! Lol I can't wait to be more accurate now! Thank you Tracy
Great video! It changed some of the things I was taught from when I was told I should be making quilts with a sewing machine. When pricing by hand we always pressed seams open, always measured seams, always pinned. Then quilting by machine became popular- seams pressed to one side to lock pieces, other things were to save time. I still like hand piecing, but my hands don't LOL! You bring back the quiet of quilting not rushing, thank you.
I,come from,the time when hand piecing was the only was to piece - and we were told to ABSOLUTELY never iron seams open! We pressed them to one side. I have learned that I can actually press seams open and not have the quilt police come after me!!! Because I now piece by machine (but I still enjoy hand piecing😄😄👍).
Definitely use a water mister when I press my fabric, but have never used spray starch (even though I do have some on my shelf). Guess it's time to try it out!
Hi tracey, I have a handle for my spray cans also ,home depot has them for around 8dollars I have been using mine for years ,I love starch ! Thanks for sharing and I'm glad we're on the same page ,😇🌞
I love how you show everything and how to pin. I wanted to know why you starched at the beginning and had them wet and let them dry. Why is this done? I have starched a couple of fat quarters and sprayed and pressed right away. I am only learning things. I know starching clothes you press right away.
I saturated with the starch which makes them extra wet...you shouldn't iron over really wet items....when you let it dry then the wax in the starch leaves a nice dry coating over the fabric...then when when you press it...it comes beautifully stiff💛
I think all of your tips are reasonable, though some big assumptions were made without foundation. EG: There's no way to know if the starch or the pins or the open seams really made that big of a difference since you either did all three or none. I don't starch and I only press open or pin in specific situations. I get great results. There are many other factors to be considered...from machine foot pressure & clogged feed dogs to thread weight & the sewer pulling or pushing fabric, etc. A combination of one or more of these things may be exactly what is needed by any given quilter to get great results AND enjoy the journey.
You’re spot on, Kathryn. Other important variables include the quality of the fabric and whether the grain is straight. For precision work sans starch and pinning Donna Jordan’s videos are stellar.
I could just kiss you! I've tried and tried to become more precise and no matter how carefully I measured and weighted my rulers on the end, I was failing so my blocks were not perfect. Your method has given me new hope! Bless you forever and ever.
I am a self-taught beginner. I have watched so many of your videos and especially love this one! You make the viewer feel like a next door neighbor dropping in for a visit. (Wish I was your neighbor 😁 do not mean to sound weird ). Do you travel and do live classes?
All of these things I have done and not done, except the leader- and it depends how I’m feeling, who it’s for, and the size of the pieces, weight of the fabric, too. I’ve seen my fair share of older quilts where people think by hand was always precise - but I’ve seen that not to be the case. I think it has to do with the skills of the quilter/sewer as well.
I'm confused about starching. I always spray my fabric with starch and then iron right away when it's still completely wet. Are you saying I should spray it really well and let it dry, then press?? Have I been doing it wrong for the last 20 years?!?
Well Jennifer LOL😂 I want you to do a side by side test.....drench one and let it air dry and then press. Prepare your other test example like you normally would. Then cut a few blocks out of each and sew like normal...then come back to the comments and tell me your results???
I do enjoy leaders and enders though, just because I like crumb piecing. For me it's an opportunity to organically build little bits without thinking about it or taking much time. I have a small scrap container handy, and run random pairs through as fresh leaders/enders all the time when I sew.
I agree for this reason. I sew on a vintage machine, not a computerized one and so using the leaders and enders saves thread, saves my thread from nesting and just makes the journey more pleasant. No fusing with pulling on the threads to the back of the machine before each block. I love your videos, Tracy. Keep them coming.
Is this quilt police? I make quilts to use and love and keep warm. If a seam is a super smidge off, the person trying to stay warm is not going to refuse the quilt because of that. I never make quilts to show and never be enjoyed. Sorry, just my own opinion.
About using a starter scrap: reasons to use them: you don't have thread ends that you need to cut off and deal with. Just snip between units. You can seam small units (scraps squares work great) in place of the scrap, and before you know it you are halfway to another quilt! (This is called "leaders and enders".) On many machines you are sewing with a large zigzag hole in the face plate of the machine and lightweight (especially garment or fancy crazy quilting fabrics) can easily be pulled down into that and cause trouble or even be damaged..
I'm very grateful for my sister, who started quilting years before me, taught me every one of these tricks, but one. I never knew to check my cuts after, but still I did pretty good overall. She taught me much more tho, like glue basting, about frixion pens and washable markers, etc. I'm going to have to remember this one too. I'm blessed to learn from her and others, thank you!
You can us stay flow starch in your washer and starch your fabric and throw it in your dryer just like starching a shirt at home the bottle has direction on the bottel
Great video. I always prewash my fabric first. I would rather know about the bleeding, etc before I make a quilt. I heavily starch on the wrong side and lightly massage the starch while wet to ensure I have the starch on all the fabric. When it is time to press I press on the right side. If I buy fabric at a store who cuts I buy extra. Then when I get home I tear one side to make sure the fabric is on the grain. I do this before I prewash because the fabric usually goes on the tear line without any issues. I only use open seams when required by multiple seams hitting at the same point. Love my clapper and ensuring I have the quarter inch seam.
Great video, saving a big piece of cardboard for starching. I'm glad you addressed the leader/ender issue. If you have a drop in bobbin, like most modern machines it is not necessary but I definitely use them on my other machines. I ordered the can handles and the forceps. Take care.
Thank you Chrystal for the kind feedback. People with newer machines than me are using leaders and enders 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe they do it because they see others do it so often🤷🏻♀️ Those handles are a game changer ✅ and I love my needle nose, grippy, plastic medical forceps💜 Have a great weekend 🌸
right is non starched. I wont use fabric till I starch it with heavy starch. I like it to feel like I am sewing a piece of paper. much better results I even starch (not as heavy) for hand pieced work.
I’ve always starched. I have an old machine. I have problems with my 1/4 inch so I use the tape ledge from Just Get It Done quilts. I never pin. Too many stray pins have accidentally stuck kids in my family. They have thrown them all away. What do you think about the quilting clips you can buy a big bucket of? I make a lot of disappearing 9 patches. They are very forgiving of the occasional tiny over hang. TFS
If you can't move your needle to the correct place, try a 1/4 inch seam foot. I have a similar machine to The Sewing Channel so I can move my needle. However, every time you turn off the machine it goes back to the factory setting. I would have to check the seam every time I turned the machine on or changed to a different stitch and then went back to a straight stitch. Therefore, I just use the 1/4 inch seam foot.
@@TheSewingChannel when you are sitting between your tables everything seems to me so functional. So, I will move next month and I want to place every table like yours. Thanks for your good informations and the idea for my tables.
How did you make your quilt walk, the one you refer to when putting the top fabric, onto the batting and backing. It’s on your wall and I’ve never seen that done and live the idea! Do you have a video on that, I could not find it.
Thank you. This video is excellent. I’m new to quilting. I started with a couple of very forgiving rag quilts. I’ve made a few foundation paper piecing blocks for baby bibs. (Mistakes not a problem - the baby doesn’t seem to mind ;-). I love using freezer paper & stitch in the ditch so I can reuse my FPP designs. My big big projects will be the quilts I am planning to make using my Angel Daughter’s clothing. Because there is an absolutely finite fabric supply, I’m working on gathering old cloths from other folks to make some practice quilts. Having different weighted fabrics will be a challenge. I suspect the starch will be very helpful. I plan to appliqué some heavier or decorative clothing parts onto my quilts. It will not be a typical memory quilt. So much to learn.
I had thought about that this week Jenny LOL 😂 I was lol looking at them in the store....I almost bought one to try....the only reason I didn't was because I noticed glue in between the the slats where they had to connect....I couldn't see the glue but I knew it was there because you can tell they are not all one piece. A clapper should be 1 piece of wood with no coating on it.✅
Well I definitely learned something about my machine that I never realized before. I learned that I do have needle positioning. I've been sewing for over 60 years and I keep learning all the time. Thanks for teaching me.
Lots of good tips, Tracey. Without starching, I really to make a mess of things! I’m just too old to cut well without a little starch. Thanks for always providing good tips and well-organized tutorials. Pat Berne
I have a Brother machine like you but the next model down. I never knew that I could change my needle position like that! I'm such a ninny for not reading that in my manual lol! Thanks so much! ❤️
I like to use Best Press but I don't starch large pieces. I've been sewing for eons and why did I not know to put the needle down before I start a seam??? I use leaders and enders just to avoid the birds nest. Geesh, where have I been?? I also swear by using a clapper and I tend to pin on longer seams or where there are a lot of intersections. Thanks for an enlightening video!
I don’t starch because I’m always in a rush. I’m going to start now. I hear so many quilters say “oh I never use pins!” This is wrong on so many levels...I consider it a form of shaming. I’m a pins or clips girl and proud if it. A very good video.
Your videos are great! I am a beginner who use to steam press, but you start me to starch & press . I love ❤️ starch and get less lint or dust in the bobbin case and flatter blocks. Thanks🎉
I am an impatient person but the difference when you starch for cutting accurately, sewing without stretching and the wonderful end results are worth the effort.
I don't remember giving you permission to use me in this comparison. I AM the group who don't do the right things. Can you imagine not doing the 7 correct things on the same block. I wonder why I can. I love your videos. I am so lucky to have found your youtube channel. The disappearing 9 patch is one of my favorite designs. I can not wait to do one correctly.
Are you spying on me in my craft room? I am going to try and do better. Thank you for the video. 🙂
April
Lol 😂 naw you’re doing great without my tips lol 😂 thanks for stopping by April💖
❤All of my BEST of the BEST Quilting Hacks
in 1 playlist. CLICK HERE: th-cam.com/play/PLZjN5JtxJR542ZMphsN5MpZpoyNDTNGFM.html
I DON'T STARCH NOR DO I PIN AND MY INTERSECTIONS MEET PERFECTLY. IT'S TOTALLY A PREFERENCE. SOME PEOPLE CAN MEET SOME NEED TO PIN, EITHER WAY IS PERFECTLY FINE. YOU CLEARLY STATED YOU DIDN'T PIN PROPERLY IS WHY YOU DIDN'T HAVE PERFECT INTERSECTIONS, THAT CLEARLY SHOWS THAT EVEN PINNING YOU CAN MESS UP YOUR INTERSECTIONS SO AGAIN IT'S PREFERENCE AND WHATEVER YOU'RE COMFORTABLE WITH. YOU SAID THAT YOU DIDN'T CUT CORRECTLY IS WHY YOU HAVE OVERHANG, AS LONG AS YOU'RE INTERSECTIONS MEET UP YOU SHOULD BE OK WITH A LITTLE OVERHANG BECAUSE YOU'RE GOING TO CUT THAT BLOCK DOWN TO SIZE ONCE IT'S FINISHED😬 WHETHER YOU STARCH OR NOT YOU CAN EASILY STRETCH YOUR MATERIAL IF YOU DO NOT IRON CORRECTLY. YOU SHOULD NEVER USE HEAVY PRESSURE OR DRAG YOUR IRON ACROSS THE MATERIAL. PRESS AND LIFT. EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY YOUR PREFERENCE, YOU CAN MAKE MISTAKES CUTTING WITH IT WITHOUT STARCH, YOU CAN MESS UP INTERSECTIONS WITH IT WITHOUT PINNING.
Starching my fabric has been a game changer or me. Mt blocks come out so much better. I d spray with diluted staflo liquid starch. It is much cheaper that way.
Game changer for me too Rhandi✅
Yes, I like the faultless concentrate.
I tend with you said that you do not use a started of tail when sewing a seam, but, if you can use scraps for the starter you will be making progress on your crumb blocks.
A lot depends on whether you are making a "sleep-under" quilt or one that looks like it was machine printed. Sure, pin the joins, but a thread off in either direction can make you crazy if you let it. What is your final product? How critical is thread-for-thread join? Do you unsew and resew 4 or 5 times to make it "perfect"? The making should feed your soul as much as the sleeping under.
This video was mainly for the "fussy" quilter LOL I say "let it all go" and create!!!✅
I always assumed I was the problem. Now I know it’s the process not the operator. Lol. I’ve been doing a deep dive to more precision quilting and this video was very clear. Thank you!
Yes Cindy....sometimes it is not always the operator....it's the process and how it's done✅ Well said my quilty friend!!!!!💛
I definitely agree with starching! And spray starch is great (LOVE your handle attachment hack). But I would also recommend trying liquid starch for bigger projects. Vano is a good brand. Water it down according to how light or stiff you want your final product, then dunk the whole cloth in there, squeeze it out, and iron it dry. I like a pressing cloth to prevent any starch build-up on my iron.
Thank you so much for more starching tips Marialla✅
Thanks for the pressing cloth tip.
I'm in a small online group of lady quilters, and the question of using a clapper or not has been asked. The general consensus is that they're too expensive. Your clapper is freaking GENIUS. It's bigger than normal ones and is only a few bucks. Thank you for this bonus tip!!!!
Wish I had seen your tip a month ago, before I got a clapper
Great video. Through trial and errors, I have learned that starching and pinning are essential for precision. I use liquid starch. Very cheap. I dunk fabric in diluted starch, squeeze excess and either hang outside to dry or put in dryer on LOWEST temperature. Lovely stiff fabric to work with. Also, I LOVE your clapper. I have avoided using them because of the expense and if they are just blocks of wood, why can't I just use wood I already have.
Here is the link Debbie to make the exact same clapper I use in this video th-cam.com/video/ZJDknsneC84/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much for your starching tips! I appreciate you sharing them💛
I think starching well is very key to helping bias cuts not stretch, and helping straight cuts not fray.
agreed!✅
It's all in the ironing, if you use pressure instead of press and life you will stretch the material whether bias or not.
Very helpful, however, if you want to stitch in the ditch when quilting, you wouldn't iron your seams open as you would be stitching in thin air, instead you would have to stitch 1/4 inch away from the seam either side.
Thank you for the info CP✅
Additionally, STID is generally done in the "ditch" caused by pressing allowances to one side rather than directly into the seam. The stitch is done on the lower side or opposite direction from the pressed seam allowances.
Stitching in the ditch is not "in" the ditch, it is just to the side, about 1/8 inch.
@@mariettedemarest5173 sorry but aren't you being a little pedantic. Either way, if your seams are open I wouldn't use this method of stitching and instead stitch 1/4" either side of the ditch for security, instead of this method. That is my point.
@@carolynnecp Clarification please, because I'm a newer quilter and confused by your comment.
If the seams are ironed open, when you stitch in the ditch, you are only sewing the opened seam allowances to the top fabric which is on either side of the piecing seam - which wouldn't secure the piecing seam. So I'm struggling to understand what you mean by "stitch 1/4" either side of the ditch for security".
How would stitching the seam allowances to the top fabric make the piecing seam more secure?
Thank you for the help.
Thanks so much! Have recently been realizing starching is a key and have discovered StaFlo. Like your handle for the starch. Will order from your link. Also thanks for the great tip about needle down for starting!! I was using a starter piece and recently saw a tip about simply holding the thread which I like better than the starter piece but needle down is even better!! Thank you!!
I was taught to hold the two thread ends before you make your first stitch, holding the threads prevents nests. I have seen a case made for using a thick leader of you are sewing a thick layer of fabrics to bring the presser foot level with your work.
I have listened to this 3 times all the way through and this time went to how to set the needle for my 1/4 seam. Very helpful!
Wonderful! Your doing great Phyllis if it only took you 3 times✅ Takes me much longer to hear what I need to do and then to do it LOL😂
I bought a tiny ruler with a hole at the 1/4”. I put this under my presser foot and move the needle until it fits in the hole. Works great and is accurate. The only down side is it is only about 2” long, so I am constantly looking for it. Bought it at the quilt store.
That is such a great idea for a clapper. If anybody missed it, her clapper appears to be the front of a drawer or small cabinet door with a handle on it. That is awesome and much better price and size than a "clapper" from a quilt store. Thanks
I noticed that too. Going to have to try that. I noticed a clapper has made more of a difference in my seams than a wool pressing mat did.
Most tips are helpful, especially dropping the needle, however, if I spent this much time on a quilt top that honestly, after quilting and washing the quilt won't even be noticeable, I would not enjoy it nearly as much. I won't be starching, or opening my seams, but I do use pins and will double check my seam allowance. I believe that if you had pinned both blocks you would have seen almost equal precision.
Thanks for sharing Wendy!💛
While the fast quilters one sees in online tutorials may get things done with stunning speed, we only see the production, not the actual way they quilt. Nevertheless, I have always felt bad about pinning and starching -- especially pinning. I have really beaten myself up about it. My quilts generally come out about 95% perfect. But after watching this, I will be pinning, starching and clapping!
Hi Tracy, I've just sewn 476 hexagons on my new Juki. I dropped the needle, held the thread & raised the needle to pull up the bottom thread, and then keeping a hold of the top thread started to sew. It was the only way to consistently not get tangles. Y seams are great, right? ;-;
But the real question is which of the steps really had what impact... was it the starch? The not pinning? Not setting? Not trimming? So many things happen because of different things.
All of the above...keep in mind though....most of us are not "show quilters" ...so all of the tips may not be for you💛
OMG!!!! Drop the needle down…..this literally changed everything!!!!
From my Florida friends I have learned that bugs love to eat fabric that has been sprayed with starch. For that reason, they use Magic Sizing instead.
Thank you for that info✅
I had a laugh when I saw the video title: „percision quilting“ - not precision spelling 😃
LOL Elisabeth!!! I did have it spelled right in other places though...LOL thanks for alerting me LOL....God has a way of keeping me humble I suppose LOL😂 I appreciate you telling me💛
English is my first language, but being perfect is impossible. Thank you Tracy for all your wonderful video’s and help you have given all of us.
I NEVER double check my cutting. But this shows just how big a difference it makes! Wow
As a huge fan of your wonderful informative videos, I’ve a question. What is the major difference between using starch and the other pressing aides such as Best Press?
Thank you, Joyce G
Good question! Aerosol spray starch contains "wax particles"...when the wax dries it creates a hardness over the fabric making it really stiff and easy to work with✅ The best press...(in my opinion) is mostly made up of water and fragrance and does not make the fabric as stiff as I would like. Now that being said....some people love Best Press....🤷🏻♀️ But spray starch is superior when it comes to piecing fabric to reduce shifting❤️
@@TheSewingChannel Thank you, Tracy. I’ve been sewing since I was a preteen. Needless to say that was long ago. Always said I’d never quilt but in the last 15 yrs the bug has bitten. Love the wonderful info I gain from you. Thank you for your sharing and teaching. You are amazing.
Alllll these years. Literally 20. I've just been ballparking the 1/4". My machine has to be at 5.5 , which I thought was a zigzag. Talk about a light bulb moment
My machine makes nests uf I don't hold the thread tails. I use a starter fabric to prevent the machine from eating my blocks.
ope. I don't starch. trued it once and used up my bottle in jig time, and it would have taken several bottles for the one project. Can't say it made any difference.
I'm not a pinner, but I'm a glue baster....and glue means no distortion--but a non starter for quilters who like to press their seams open.. It is endemic to my work process. I starch--and I use both spray (if I find it at my local salvage store for .99) or use 50:50 stayflo in a spray bottle that finely mists. Love the sprayer gadget (I think I have one). It also protects the top of your sprayer from falling and having the button snap off and leaving much product stranded in the can. I don't and won't press open. I find that pressing seams open to be additional work. But I do use teflon sheets for pressing, and I spin my seams for flat joins. Do I get as flat as open seams? Maybe not, but I don't have any need to..Thanks for sharing these great tips.
Thank you Leisa for sharing all your great tips with us🌸💛
Omg! I LOVE that handle!! Genius!!! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing all you do!
You are totally welcome Tiffany✅ The handle is a game changer in starching quilting fabric🌸
As a scientist, if you want to give more confidence that starching made the difference in the final product, all other steps should have been done the same way for both starched and unstarched fabrics. As it is, all 7 or only 1 to 6 of the 7 variables could have made the difference in the finished product.
Thank you for this demonstration.it is so helpful to me. I stopped quilting except for scraping. Now I will go back and check everything you reviewed in this video. I never even gave thought to the idea my needle could be the problem with accurate stitching. Thank you so much will use all these tip with my next quilt😊❤️👍🙏
Thank you so much for this video. I changed the needle setting to 6.5 and perfect 1/4 inch seams now.
Wonderful! That is so awesome...it's the little things that make a big difference💛
Hello! Another fun chat to listen to while I hand quilt! I just want you to know how much I enjoy your channel's content. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Thank you for sharing this video and your time.
Thank you for stopping by Brenda. I appreciate it very much✅💛
I'm binging on your channel as I piece. I disagree with starters when chain piecing. 9mm machines will suck the fabric in, even with straight stitch needle plate. The fabric goes in through the feeddogs. I have experienced this on the Janome 9450 and the Bernina 880.
I'm enjoying your tips and tricks! Please keep up the good work.
Did you know that a recipe card lines are exactly 1/4" apart. I use that to place my needle on. It works.
WOW Arlene! Great tip!!!✅
I was thinking of you yesterday when I began sewing together a 25 piece block. I had very carefully trimmed the half square triangles and they were ironed. ( I don’t have starch yet.) I was so careful with my seams. I was careful with the needle when I started sewing each seam.
I am not finished yet but I am impressed that most of the points and seams line up so well, and the one or two that are off, are just by a tiny bit really. I saw the fabric “bend” a few times.
This project wants to be carefully done because it is navy blue and white half square triangles arranged in a star within a star pattern. Everything shows.
Thanks for encouraging me to be more careful when it matters. 😁
Wow Patty...a 25 pc block is no joke!!!!
Sounds like you really took your time.....
that makes a big difference in the outcome for sure.
Way to go!!!🎉
@@TheSewingChannel ♥️♥️♥️
I never knew that I should be starching. I honestly thought I was doomed to always be just ever so Slightly wonky! Lol I can't wait to be more accurate now! Thank you Tracy
You’re welcome Amanda💛 we will all keep learning together 🌸
I don't use starter fabric, I just keep my finger on both threads and go slow on the first three stitches - all good.
You bet I will take all of this advice. I hate to work on something and have to do a do over because I was lazy or ignorant.
Muy útil video. Voy a probar inmediatamente bajar la aguja antes de comenzar la costura. Muchas gracias y felicitaciones! Great work!
Patricia- ¡Muchas gracias por apoyar mi canal! Realmente lo aprecio 💛
Great video! It changed some of the things I was taught from when I was told I should be making quilts with a sewing machine. When pricing by hand we always pressed seams open, always measured seams, always pinned. Then quilting by machine became popular- seams pressed to one side to lock pieces, other things were to save time. I still like hand piecing, but my hands don't LOL! You bring back the quiet of quilting not rushing, thank you.
That is awesome that you love to hand sew Cynthia💛 and thank you for the kind feedback.....I enjoy the quiet of quilting too🌸
I,come from,the time when hand piecing was the only was to piece - and we were told to ABSOLUTELY never iron seams open! We pressed them to one side. I have learned that I can actually press seams open and not have the quilt police come after me!!! Because I now piece by machine (but I still enjoy hand piecing😄😄👍).
Good to know what you should do. Doesn't mean you always have to. ;-)
You're absolutely right Patricia....Step by step add in tips to your projects and before ya know it.....quilting like a pro✅
Definitely use a water mister when I press my fabric, but have never used spray starch (even though I do have some on my shelf). Guess it's time to try it out!
Yes..give it a go✅
why don't you suggest ironing with the starch still wet?
Hi tracey, I have a handle for my spray cans also ,home depot has them for around 8dollars I have been using mine for years ,I love starch ! Thanks for sharing and I'm glad we're on the same page ,😇🌞
Awesome Neva! Great minds think alike they say! Lol 😂
I love how you show everything and how to pin. I wanted to know why you starched at the beginning and had them wet and let them dry. Why is this done? I have starched a couple of fat quarters and sprayed and pressed right away. I am only learning things. I know starching clothes you press right away.
I saturated with the starch which makes them extra wet...you shouldn't iron over really wet items....when you let it dry then the wax in the starch leaves a nice dry coating over the fabric...then when when you press it...it comes beautifully stiff💛
I think all of your tips are reasonable, though some big assumptions were made without foundation. EG: There's no way to know if the starch or the pins or the open seams really made that big of a difference since you either did all three or none.
I don't starch and I only press open or pin in specific situations. I get great results.
There are many other factors to be considered...from machine foot pressure & clogged feed dogs to thread weight & the sewer pulling or pushing fabric, etc.
A combination of one or more of these things may be exactly what is needed by any given quilter to get great results AND enjoy the journey.
Thank you for sharing all your info with us Kathryn✅Much appreciated💛
You’re spot on, Kathryn. Other important variables include the quality of the fabric and whether the grain is straight.
For precision work sans starch and pinning Donna Jordan’s videos are stellar.
Fantastic video. I am going to use all your suggestions especially the starch before cutting. Thank you
Thank you Lupie....starching is a huge game changer in quilting✅
I could just kiss you! I've tried and tried to become more precise and no matter how carefully I measured and weighted my rulers on the end, I was failing so my blocks were not perfect. Your method has given me new hope! Bless you forever and ever.
Glad I could help Frances💛 have a great weekend 🌸
Thank you! I had been wondering about the difference in starching clothing and starching quilting fabric. You've given me courage to try this out!
Wonderful Fran...give it a try for sure....You will even feel the difference in the fabric as you handle it....game changer✅
I am a self-taught beginner. I have watched so many of your videos and especially love this one! You make the viewer feel like a next door neighbor dropping in for a visit. (Wish I was your neighbor 😁 do not mean to sound weird ). Do you travel and do live classes?
Not weird at all!! I actually taught a "live" class today at a quilt retreat...so much fun.❤️
All of these things I have done and not done, except the leader- and it depends how I’m feeling, who it’s for, and the size of the pieces, weight of the fabric, too.
I’ve seen my fair share of older quilts where people think by hand was always precise - but I’ve seen that not to be the case. I think it has to do with the skills of the quilter/sewer as well.
I agree with you Skeptic Grandma✅
I'm confused about starching. I always spray my fabric with starch and then iron right away when it's still completely wet. Are you saying I should spray it really well and let it dry, then press?? Have I been doing it wrong for the last 20 years?!?
Well Jennifer LOL😂
I want you to do a side by side test.....drench one and let it air dry and then press. Prepare your other test example like you normally would. Then cut a few blocks out of each and sew like normal...then come back to the comments and tell me your results???
I do enjoy leaders and enders though, just because I like crumb piecing. For me it's an opportunity to organically build little bits without thinking about it or taking much time. I have a small scrap container handy, and run random pairs through as fresh leaders/enders all the time when I sew.
If you enjoy it then absolutely keep on doing it✅
I agree for this reason. I sew on a vintage machine, not a computerized one and so using the leaders and enders saves thread, saves my thread from nesting and just makes the journey more pleasant. No fusing with pulling on the threads to the back of the machine before each block. I love your videos, Tracy. Keep them coming.
Yes unfortunately with the vintage machines there Is a definite need for leaders and Enders ✅
Is this quilt police? I make quilts to use and love and keep warm. If a seam is a super smidge off, the person trying to stay warm is not going to refuse the quilt because of that. I never make quilts to show and never be enjoyed. Sorry, just my own opinion.
No quilt police here✅ this video is for quilters who want this type of info💛
This was a great video...I definitely learned a few things today..thank you 😁
About using a starter scrap: reasons to use them:
you don't have thread ends that you need to cut off and deal with. Just snip between units.
You can seam small units (scraps squares work great) in place of the scrap, and before you know it you are halfway to another quilt! (This is called "leaders and enders".)
On many machines you are sewing with a large zigzag hole in the face plate of the machine and lightweight (especially garment or fancy crazy quilting fabrics) can easily be pulled down into that and cause trouble or even be damaged..
I'm very grateful for my sister, who started quilting years before me, taught me every one of these tricks, but one. I never knew to check my cuts after, but still I did pretty good overall. She taught me much more tho, like glue basting, about frixion pens and washable markers, etc. I'm going to have to remember this one too. I'm blessed to learn from her and others, thank you!
What do you do if you have a machine where you can't change needle position? My machine does not have that option.
My new Juki doesn't have that option either🤷🏻♀️
Excellent presentation! Your quiet calm approach is soothing in our chaotic world. Thanks:)
So nice of you to comment Molly....thank you so much for the feedback💛 Have a great weekend!🌸
Both depends on what I’m doing.
Brand new quilter here! Thanks so much for your tips! What kind of starch do you use?
I use cheap dollar general starch...it's the best...I think the generic name is "true living"✅
Thanks for sharing 👍 😊 enjoyed your video and content. 🥰
Thank you so much Teresa!!!🤗 And thank you for supporting my channel🌸💛 I appreciate it so much!!!💛
Where did you get the big clapper? Did you have it made? It’s much bigger than mine and I like the size
I made it...I have a video on my channel on how to do it✅
Homemade clapper? Awesome.
Thank you for all the great quilting tips. I'm so impressed with your knowledge.
Wow Ann. Thank you!!! 💛 it’s more like I’m a “sewing/quilting nerd”! Lol 😂
You can us stay flow starch in your washer and starch your fabric and throw it in your dryer just like starching a shirt at home the bottle has direction on the bottel
Thank you for the tip CK!✅
I can’t believe starching makes that much difference! Thank u for showing us
Yes it does for me Katie✅ Try it and see how you like it.....keep me posted💛
We use to wash our fabric before taking to your sewing room. Times change n now we want that sizing in our fsbric
I know Peggy...it all seems to circle around eventually....soon enough we will all be pre washing again LOL😂
Great video. I always prewash my fabric first. I would rather know about the bleeding, etc before I make a quilt. I heavily starch on the wrong side and lightly massage the starch while wet to ensure I have the starch on all the fabric. When it is time to press I press on the right side. If I buy fabric at a store who cuts I buy extra. Then when I get home I tear one side to make sure the fabric is on the grain. I do this before I prewash because the fabric usually goes on the tear line without any issues. I only use open seams when required by multiple seams hitting at the same point. Love my clapper and ensuring I have the quarter inch seam.
Thank you for sharing Nancy💛
How do you feel about scant quarter inch seams?
All for it✅
Oh my gosh. I love your clapper. What i
Wood did you use? I love all your ideas.
I made it😃 Here's the link to my video on it-click here: th-cam.com/video/ZJDknsneC84/w-d-xo.html
this video is a joke right? ....... this can not be serious????
Not sure I understand your question? This is indeed a serious quilting tip video✅ **
Hello
How did you hang the boards behind you and what are you using it for
Very sticky stickies...lol🤣
Not sure about those open seams.
If I don’t leave use the leader thing it will eat my fabric sometimes
Yes it totally happens sometimes ✅
Great video ! Got to try this stitch ! Thanks! Xox 💚
Sorry my friend ! This was was for a crochet stitch video I just finished watching ! 😢
I'm guilty on all charges. I will incorporate all the techniques you shared with us quilters Thank You!!!
Well I'm so happy you learned something new Rich! Yay..we all learn together💛
Great video, saving a big piece of cardboard for starching. I'm glad you addressed the leader/ender issue. If you have a drop in bobbin, like most modern machines it is not necessary but I definitely use them on my other machines. I ordered the can handles and the forceps. Take care.
Thank you Chrystal for the kind feedback. People with newer machines than me are using leaders and enders 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe they do it because they see others do it so often🤷🏻♀️ Those handles are a game changer ✅ and I love my needle nose, grippy, plastic medical forceps💜 Have a great weekend 🌸
right is non starched. I wont use fabric till I starch it with heavy starch. I like it to feel like I am sewing a piece of paper. much better results I even starch (not as heavy) for hand pieced work.
I’m with ya Judith✅ starched fabric is much more predictable ✅
I use a hair dryer to dry my starch
I’ve always starched. I have an old machine. I have problems with my 1/4 inch so I use the tape ledge from Just Get It Done quilts. I never pin. Too many stray pins have accidentally stuck kids in my family. They have thrown them all away. What do you think about the quilting clips you can buy a big bucket of? I make a lot of disappearing 9 patches. They are very forgiving of the occasional tiny over hang. TFS
I’m always afraid my granddaughter will find one of my pins 😕 I like clips… I sorta wish they would make the binding clips more narrow and flat🤷🏻♀️
My eyes have been opened! Thank you for doing the side by side comparison. More, please!!!
✅ Thank you for the kind feedback Mary💛
I can't move the needle on my machine because it will sew a zigzag a stich instead of a straight line. WHAT DO I DO..
It’s hard to help without being there. So sorry.
If you can't move your needle to the correct place, try a 1/4 inch seam foot. I have a similar machine to The Sewing Channel so I can move my needle. However, every time you turn off the machine it goes back to the factory setting. I would have to check the seam every time I turned the machine on or changed to a different stitch and then went back to a straight stitch. Therefore, I just use the 1/4 inch seam foot.
I have a HV 95Q and it nests so I do need starters and enders 🙄 despite always using needle down
Definitely keep doing what works for you Cecilia✅
Can you show us your sewing room??
Sure...maybe in a future video✅ Not much to see though LOL😂
@@TheSewingChannel when you are sitting between your tables everything seems to me so functional. So, I will move next month and I want to place every table like yours. Thanks for your good informations and the idea for my tables.
Can you tell me what you were using as your clapper?
Absolutely! I made it...I have a tutorial on it...here's the link Alicia✅ th-cam.com/video/ZJDknsneC84/w-d-xo.html
How did you make your quilt walk, the one you refer to when putting the top fabric, onto the batting and backing. It’s on your wall and I’ve never seen that done and live the idea! Do you have a video on that, I could not find it.
Quilt Wall, sorry
It’s called a “super board”. It’s attached to the wall✅
Thank you. This video is excellent. I’m new to quilting. I started with a couple of very forgiving rag quilts. I’ve made a few foundation paper piecing blocks for baby bibs. (Mistakes not a problem - the baby doesn’t seem to mind ;-). I love using freezer paper & stitch in the ditch so I can reuse my FPP designs.
My big big projects will be the quilts I am planning to make using my Angel Daughter’s clothing. Because there is an absolutely finite fabric supply, I’m working on gathering old cloths from other folks to make some practice quilts. Having different weighted fabrics will be a challenge. I suspect the starch will be very helpful. I plan to appliqué some heavier or decorative clothing parts onto my quilts.
It will not be a typical memory quilt.
So much to learn.
I have never thought of foundation paper piecing bibs before Beth...that is a really great idea✅ Have fun quilt making🌸
Would a wooden cheese board do the same job as a "clapper"?
I had thought about that this week Jenny LOL 😂 I was lol looking at them in the store....I almost bought one to try....the only reason I didn't was because I noticed glue in between the the slats where they had to connect....I couldn't see the glue but I knew it was there because you can tell they are not all one piece. A clapper should be 1 piece of wood with no coating on it.✅
I use 1/4" graph paper to set my seam allowance
Great tip Bonnie ...thank you!🎉
Well I definitely learned something about my machine that I never realized before. I learned that I do have needle positioning. I've been sewing for over 60 years and I keep learning all the time. Thanks for teaching me.
Lots of good tips, Tracey. Without starching, I really to make a mess of things! I’m just too old to cut well without a little starch. Thanks for always providing good tips and well-organized tutorials. Pat Berne
I have a Brother machine like you but the next model down. I never knew that I could change my needle position like that! I'm such a ninny for not reading that in my manual lol! Thanks so much! ❤️
It's ok Janis...I'm still learning too.✅
Lol ..I JUST found the beginning tack stitch on my little Brother machine... after 2 years!
I seemed (seamed) to have missed something. Plastic medical forceps are listed in the description. Where were they used in the video?
time stamp 11:09 it's quick but it's in there LOL🤣
Thank you so much for the quick response! I am loving your channel BTW!
I like to use Best Press but I don't starch large pieces. I've been sewing for eons and why did I not know to put the needle down before I start a seam??? I use leaders and enders just to avoid the birds nest. Geesh, where have I been?? I also swear by using a clapper and I tend to pin on longer seams or where there are a lot of intersections. Thanks for an enlightening video!
Your welcome Cindy ✅ I’m happy it was helpful to you💛
I don’t starch because I’m always in a rush. I’m going to start now. I hear so many quilters say “oh I never use pins!” This is wrong on so many levels...I consider it a form of shaming. I’m a pins or clips girl and proud if it. A very good video.
Your videos are great! I am a beginner who use to steam press, but you start me to starch & press . I love ❤️ starch and get less lint or dust in the bobbin case and flatter blocks. Thanks🎉