Welcome to today’s edition of “Live and Unscripted,” where we’re flipping the script – quite literally! Instead of the usual quilt beginnings and loading, we’re diving into the conclusion of a quilt project. I had to juggle my schedule this week, as I’ll be traveling early tomorrow. Thus, the rush to wrap up this quilt and why we’re here today.

Ending a Quilt with Style

Have you ever found yourself at the business end of a quilt, wondering how to finish it off just right? I’m tackling that today because I don’t think I’ve shown it as much as I should. You know, those final steps like basting the bottom and doing small prep tasks for the next quilt are crucial. It eases the transition when it’s time to dive into a fresh project.

A Lucky Winner Gets Quilted

The quilt in question today is a delightful chevron pattern, from our sewalong Scrappy Strippy Chevron, owned by Pat, a lucky winner from our quilt-along sessions. Pat sent in her quilt, and I’ve been working on it live as a bonus for her participation. While most of her quilt is already finished, we’re at the last part, and I wanted to share how I tackle the final edges, especially since something typically unexpected popped up!

Dealing with Common Quilting Challenges

Despite being beautifully pieced, Pat’s quilt has a little fullness on the last strip’s edge, which can happen with patterns featuring bias edges. I’ll share some strategies to keep the quilt square despite these final hitches. Remember, a perfectly flat and taut quilt when finished requires some clever maneuvering beyond what you might expect.

Thread and Fabric Choices

And speaking of the quilt’s unique features, let’s chat about thread and fabric. I’m using Isacord 48 thread, both on the top and in the bobbin, which complements Pat’s thirties reproduction style fabrics without overdoing it. The versatility of this quilt design allows for so many creative directions – from baby quilts to cowboy-themed creations.

Prep Steps for Success

As I prep for the final stitches, I remind everyone about using a few simple tools like pins to ensure your fabric is handled right and stays square just as you want it to. It’s all about easing in the fullness bit by bit, especially when finishing those edges!

The Magic of Basting and Final Touches

When working on something like Pat’s quilt, these little steps—like securing the edges and ensuring straight parallel lines—build the foundation for a beautiful end result. While I chatter on about the mechanics, don’t underestimate how a little planning goes a long way.