I am planning to make quilt squares for guests to sign at my daughter's wedding in October, then will assemble the quilt for her and her husband. Has anyone ever made a signature quilt? Should I wash the fabric before cutting and piecing? I am waiting for one more fabric to arrive, then want to get started. Just not sure if it is best to wash the fabric first. Thank you to anyone that may have some input!
One thing I would suggest is to iron your fabric to the shiny side of freezer paper. That would make it easier for guests to sign and it will peel right off later.
Betty in Pasco
Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts
Posted - Aug 01 2010 : 7:38:33 PM
If I am using bright colors (red, navy etc) I make sure to wash the fabrics. If I am using light colors I don't always bother. Depending on what you are having them sign with might determine if you should wash the fabric. The fabric has formaldehyde as a finish and starches. So it might be best depending on what you are signing with.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer".
gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts
Posted - Aug 01 2010 : 8:41:01 PM
I would wash the fabric you never know what it was finished with and I would hate to have the signatures wash away. Even with some waterproof pens it will happen. This is a GREAT idea what a wonderful keepsake
Make sure they sign inside of your sewing lines or you will lose their signature. I have seen people foreget this & part of the signature is lost in the seam. I alway wash mine & iron it. I like the idea of the freezer paer-would make it easier to write on.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
It would help if you drew lines with a sharpie using a ruler on the back side of the freezer paper (not the shiny side) before you iron it on. If you're using a light color, it would probably show thru and make it easier for the signee to keep the message in a straight line and add some conformity to the quilt squares.
How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. -G. Elliston
I was taught by my home ec teacher eons ago to always wash fabrics before sewing if they will washed, or if you need to make sure the chemicals are gone. And so I do. I know that quilters often take sides on this issue. My friend who quilts never washes her fabric first. But I've had flannel shrink and reds run and chemical finishes smell after a wash but before using. She is much luckier than I.
Yes, prewash the fabric to remove the sizing. Then I would iron and starch it to give it crispness. The freezer paper suggestions are excellent! You might have a little card explaining that the signers need to use the provided fabric pens, so they don't pull one out from their purse. What a beautiful gift you're giving!
Farm Girl Sister #1683 Living Simply & Naturally on our lil Sweet Peas Farmette "Do Everything in Love." 1 Cor 14 http://www.piecemama.etsy.com
Question for Quilters
Posted - Aug 01 2010 : 6:08:33 PM
