Today’s Topic: Stabilizing Quilts for Easier Machine Quilting
Welcome to Week Nineteen of The Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.
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Good Morning, Quilters!
To stabilize or not to stabilize that is the question…
Before we get ahead of ourselves, perhaps I should explain….
What is stabilizing as it pertains to quilts?
Unlike garment sewing, stabilizing a quilt does not involve interfacing…
I know you all just breathed a sigh of relief!
Stabilizing a Quilt–Defined
Stabilizing is an invisible or semi-invisible line of permanent stitching that prevents shifting of the layers and distortion of the quilt. It helps outline blocks and provides an infrastructure within the quilt for all other quilting. In addition, stabilizing allows you to quilt any part of the quilt at any time–or in any order. In other words, when a quilt is stabilized, it is not necessary to begin quilting from the center. You can quilt from the edges, in.
How to Stabilize a Quilt
Baste before stabilizing!
To stabilize a quilt, stitch the long axes of the quilt. Begin by stitching all the vertical axes, then stitch the horizontal axes. Stitch from the top of the quilt to the bottom of the quilt and knot off before beginning the next row. Do not rotate the quilt after every row–that introduces shifting. Instead stitch a row, knot off and start at the top again. If the quilt is large, stabilize all of the right sided vertical rows first, then rotate the quilt 180 degrees and stitch all of the left sided rows from the new top to the bottom, again knotting off between each row of stitching. When all the vertical rows are complete, rotate the quilt 90 degrees and stitch the horizontal axes of the quilt in the same way.
Use your stitch in the ditch method of choice: machine guided, free motion, free motion over the ditch or even ruler free motion. (See stitching in the ditch When, Why and How HERE)
Any lightweight thread in a neutral or matching color.
Advantages of Stabilizing a Quilt
There are several advantages to stabilizing. First, it provides a permanent infrastructure within the quilt which keeps the quilt straighter–less distortion. In addition, stabilizing outlines the blocks and creates definition (as does all stitching in the ditch.)
One of the major advantages of stabilizing a quilt is it allows you to quilt in any order. In other words, you can quilt the outer blocks before quilting the center of the quilt. This has real design implications. Most of the time, I don’t know how I plan to quilt the entire quilt, though I may have an idea for the outer border. If the quilt is stabilized, it’s okay to quilt the border before quilting the center blocks. By doing so, you can remove the basting pins and consequently, the quilt will be less heavy and less bulky when you tackle the center of the quilt.
Disadvantages (Sort Of) of Stabilizing a Quilt
Stabilizing a quilt takes a lot of time. It took me 12 hours to stabilize and stitch in the ditch all of the blocks in a queen size quilt. However, it was time well spent. During the time, I let the quilt “talk to me” about design ideas including thread and motif ideas.
PRO TIP: A quilt is more likely to “talk to you” while you are working on it than when it’s folded in a plastic storage box!) I know this sounds facetious, but If you really can’t figure out how to quilt a quilt–start with stabilizing! I promise-by the time you’re done stabilizing you’ll have several ideas!
Quilt Motifs on Top of Stabilizing Stitches
Once the quilt is stabilized, the decorative motifs are added on top-as if the stabilizing stitches were not there. As you can see from the small log cabin example, stabilizing stitches do not interfere with the look of the decorative motifs.
Basting v. Stabilizing
Stabilization is not the same as basting. Stabilizing reinforces the effect of basting. However, basting must be done before stabilizing a quilt and basting is temporary. Basting stitches or pins are always removed. Stabilizing stitches are not removed.
What about YOU?
Have YOU ever stabilized a quilt before quilting it?
Which method of stitch in the ditch do YOU prefer?
Do YOU ever use a combination of stitch in the ditch techniques?
Have you ever made a “wobbly” quilt?
We’d LOVE to hear!
YOUR Stable Quilter–(most days–but not during an October blizzard!)
Neigh, neigh,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thank you!
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53 comments
Mary Macynski
I have to disagree. It is not necessary to take the time, and the thread, to stabilize a quilt–particularly if you want it to be used, not hung on a wall. I have quilted over 60 quilts on my Janome this year–stitch in the ditch only for the inner and outer border. I pin the quilts–and find that excess backing often gets “quilted out.” Even small tucks are no big deal as the quilt gets washed, puckers up and keeps someone warm. I feel that beginner quilters get discouraged at learning that tucks and wrinkles de-value their efforts. I would never, ever stitch ” every stinking seam!” Oh my
Kathie Banks
I read Harriet Hargrave’s Quilter’s Academy #1 when I first started quilting. She details stabilizing exactly as you’ve done here. It makes a world of difference because it’s easier to manage each thread color one at a time across the quilt. I absolutely agree that taking this time to get to know your finished top is really helpful in the quilt design process. As I work, I can see the quilting come alive in my minds eye. Then I take a picture of a block or a shape and go into my computer and draw out the design I envisioned to work out the path. It’s hard to get bored with the process when it becomes a step by step creative venture.
Heather
Thanks for the great information on stabilizing quilts. I just finished stabilizing an on point quilt. May be the last on point quilt that I do! What a task! Walking foot helped immensely.
Kate Smith
Earlier this week you showed the state of Texas & sun rays of different free motion shapes. I want to study the idea for other stated & can’t find the picture again. It is not in the book. Is there any way I can get it??
Thanks Kate
Lori Kennedy Quilts
https://lorikennedyquilts.com/quilting-texas-style/
Here you go! Can’t wait to see what you create!
Kate Smith
I’ll let you know what I manage to do with Vermont for my sister ‘s Birthday .
❣️
Bette
Lori, I think you’ve mentioned stabilizing before, because I started doing it a while back and it makes such a difference! So much easier to machine quilt once the stabilizing is complete.
One of the most gifted quilters in my guild, who I so looked up to when I was a beginner, always said “Your quilt will speak to you” about how it wants to be quilted! So true!
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Love that!
Terry Alm
Am I correct in thinking if you baste with pins then once you stabilize you should have almost all the pins removed and free motion should be easier?
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Many of the pins can be removed-yes! That’s why it’s lighter!
GrrannyH
Arvilla Trag I baste around the quilt edges and then fold the sandwich to the front until I am ready to quilt the border. I have also found that it helps to trim the batting and backing so that they are not excessively larger than the top.
Janice K.
Yes, I believe that’s what she means. You have to have the three pieces “basted” together with the pins before you begin the stabilizing stitching. Hope this helps.
Arvilla Trag
I still leave pins in the borders, because I have had the border backing get cattywhompus (did I spell that right?) under the quilt, requiring me to rip out the quilting. Naturally this only happens when the quilted area in question is the best work I have done.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Yes!
Janet Lorraine Davidoff
I am a new quilter and I never heard of stabilizing before. I appreciate the suggestion and all the reader comments. I went crazy piecing tops, now have 16 to quilt! Struggling with machine quilting, so I am trying lap quilting a la Georgia Bonesteel. It is slow, but at least I enjoy the process (no cursing). Thank you for the information.
Kat Walker
I started quilting about 35 years ago and by using the Georgia Bonesteel lap quilting book I more or less taught myself. So I know what you are saying. There is more control with hand quilting but once you try machine quilting you will love it! Quilting can be very therapeutic for me. I just love the process and the feeling of accomplishment it gives! Machine quilting, like hand quilting can be addictive! I have stabilized my quilts many times but I have always started in the middle and worked my way outward. I will try this new technique I have read about. Enjoyed reading everyone’s input! Happy Quilting everyone!
Kat
Maggie
Just wanted to post that I’ve recently seen videos for using pool noodles to roll out your layers as you baste. I tried it and LOVE it! If you haven’t tried this – it’s amazing!
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Seems like a great idea! I’ll give it a try!
GrrannyH
It is the only method I use…but I use pipe insulation as it has a cut seam that I use to line up the edge of the fabric I am rolling…and I can tape segments of insulation together using Painters tape to make noodles just the length I need.
Marie Auclair
I’m wondering what the back of the quilt looks like. Thanks!
Joanna Perry
Thank you for this post. I learned a few things, such as I’ve been stitching in the ditch in the wrong order:) I’m sure it makes a difference. What’s the point of rushing this part after all of the work of making the quilt top.
Marcia Hicks
Thanks for this tip! I recently basted a quilt with 505 spray (my usual) and I’m still in the process of quilting it with my walking foot. However I am having real problems with the fabric shifting, which I haven’t had in the past. Now I know that I should do some stitch stabilizing before I start in on the “regular” quilting! Fortunately this is a baby quilt and I’m sure he won’t mind a few little tuck here and there!
Sally
I tend to hand-baste the heck out of quilts. When I stitch in the ditch, I always nick the upper piece at some point, and it really shows (which I hate). Does really thin thread not show that? Or do you end up ripping that out? I usually try to work my stabilizing as top-stitch, if I can, but that doesn’t work for all quilts.
GrrannyH
If it really shows, does the thread you are using match the fabric? If it is a different color thread, you can always take a Sharpy permanent marker and “color” your goofs to match the fabric so they won’t be that noticeable. The other thing is to match the thread color to one of the sides of the ditch and sew slightly to the side you have chosen….or use invisible/monofilament thread for SID.
Cora
I love that fall quilt pictured at the very top of your blog today. Is there a whole quilt picture I could look at, or is it a particular pattern?
sunnysewsit
What a great post and great comments! I always stitch in the ditch, whether it is an artsy wall hanging or a bed quilt. I LOVED Cindy Needham’s Craftsy class, but I don’t do ESS!!! I also make a lot of QAYG (quilt as you go) quilts a la Sharon Pederson’s method, and you have a sashing on both the back and front, and if the quilt is not large, sometimes all I do is stitch in the ditch.
Joanna
I had not heard of stabilizing the quilt before beginning the design(s). A question: with many more seams being sewn on the quilt (in the ditch) THEN the actual design, wouldn’t this be bringing in the sides of the quilt top even more closer so that you needed even more than the usual 3-4″ around the whole top?
Joan
A question on the order of quilting after stabilizing. I have always been very reluctant to start quilting with the border first. My experience with stabilizing has been that when I’m finished stabilizing, my borders have developed a subtle “wavy” appearance. I have found that by the time I have finished quilting the main body of the quilt, the borders have significant wave which necessitates some heavy quilting to get them to lay flatter. Am I doing something wrong? I know there is an element of “shrinkage” of the quilt with all the quilting that is done so starting with the borders first seems like I’m asking for trouble! Any insights would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks.
PS: Many of the quilted items I make are large wall hangings so I don’t have the luxury of washing them and blocking them after I’m finished. I need those borders to be nice and flat!!
Ellen
Try using steam. You can hold your iron just above the wavy part (don’t touch the fabric with the iron) and just move it around, letting the steam do its “thing.” I have found this usually causes the fabric to shrink back into shape.
Joan Liboiron
Thanks very much Ellen. I will certainly give this a try.
Arvilla Trag
Cathy – I have never used wool batting. Does it give a lot of loft? I have been very frustrated with the lack of loft in most of the battings I have used (typically warm and natural for bed quilts). I went back to the post on batting from a few weeks ago and I did not see a specific recommendation for which types of batting provide how much loft. What brand wool batting did you use?
Cindy Clark
Welcome to another Minne”snow”ta October day…good day to stay in and quilt. Just yesterday I did “snaky” SID over the ditches of 6″ blocks for my latest Project Linus quilt. Now I can begin the FMQ. It will be nice to not have to start in the middle and work out from there.
Dawn C
I did this with my last two quilts, and didn’t even know it had a name or was a thing! I plan to go back and add the “real” quilting after the busy holidays are over, but this way I can use them in the meantime, as one is a Halloween throw and the other an autumn throw. Planning to use some of your fall / Halloween / leaf motifs, Lori 🙂
Diana B Lassahn
I agree with the stabilizing business. In trying to decide how to quilt I have been looking at the fabric for say the kind of flower, leaf etc to do. I also agree with having it out. Definitely get ideas. My couch is often the place where I preview in my mind how to quilt.
Stef
Thank you. Stabilizing sounds like a great idea. I will give this a try.
Bobbie Elder
I just finished stabilizing a queen size quilt, but I never really knew the order in which to do so. I started with the center seams and rotated 1/4 turn every time. So glad to know an easier, better way to do it. Thank you!
Rhianna Pearl
Hi everyone! I always stabilize in some way, it’s how I was taught. I don’t normally make quilts larger than a twin topper (60 by 40 inches) because I quilt on a home machine. But once a year I make a large twin quilt for a special group. This year is an interesting example. I had such trouble with the stabilizing that I decided a combination method would work better. So, I quilted the three borders with interesting designs, easy to do since I don’t have to roll the quilt. The center is busy enough that fancy quilting won’t work. So, I am going to hand tie the center, which I can do in my lap since I stabilized. I don’t usually stabilize all the blocks, just the major lines. Since I both spray baste and pin (fewer pins than just pin basting), stabilizing all seams isn’t necessary. Hope this helps someone!
GrrannyH
You do know you can “tie” by machine, too, or if your machine has a pattern you like, you can use that. I once used little asterisk stick stars to “tie” a quilt.
Rhianna Pearl
Yup, I do know.
I only tie because my home machine makes it too hard to quilt with a large quilt, so machine tying would also be too hard. Has to do with machine neck size and that rolling the quilt to fit under the neck is just too hard for me. Thanks for your thought!
Arvilla Trag
Stabilizing a quilt helps me keep a pieced backing straight, too. I try to align the vertical seam of pieced backing with a vertical seam on the top. After one vertical row of stabilizing stitches I check my alignment. The very first large quilt I made and quilted (on a tiny little Janome) I had had to piece the backing and didn’t check it for alignment until I had half the quilting done – it was off about 10 degrees and to me it looked horrific. It was a wedding gift for a stepdaughter, too.
Linda
The method you describe is how I always machine quilt. Stabilize first then quilt. The few times I skipped the stabilize step, I had some tucks on the back. Yes, it takes longer but it is pretty mindless and goes quickly. On a very special queen sized quilt, I did ESS. Not fun but it gave me the look I wanted in the tiny pin wheels. Thank you so much for all of your generous sharing of your techniques.
Sandy
I have been quilting for 40 years but have never before seen ESS. What does that mean?
Cathy
“Every stinking seam”! A term I learned in a Cindy Needham workshop. I did that on an intricately pieced quilt I made for our bed. I used wool batting for the first time and I loved the ‘puff’ so much from just SID that I didn’t do any of the free motion I had been planning!
Arvilla Trag
Re getting your quilt to talk to you, I have discovered that if I take a photo of my quilts I see things very differently than if I am just looking at them. I started doing this when I discovered that I could spot mistakes in photos that I never saw “in the flesh”, as it were. I use photos to gauge my color placement because the relationship between the colors is more obvious in a photo (even if not 100% accurately reproduced). My cell phone allows me to show an image in black and white, so I can assess color values. But looking at a photo of a finished top (on a large computer monitor) is indescribably helpful to me in terms of deciding how to quilt it.
I don’t know if this will work for everyone, but it really works well for me.
Lisa
I do this, too! It is a huge help! I also take photos when I lay blocks out on the floor (I don’t have a design wall). That helps when the dog or cats take a running leap into the middle of them–sort of like jumping into a pile of fall leaves, I guess.
Arvilla Trag
Free cat hair with every quilt! I have 7 cats, and one likes to lay on the quilt in progress to watch me while I am doing other things. I suspect my Siamese is sleeping on one of the WIPs every night, too, based on the color of the cat hair.
I may invent a cat hair batting, I have plenty of materials to work with…
Rita Scott
I just finished a quilt for a wedding gift. I had to do quilting that was quick because I got behind because of helping my sister clean up after the storms in Iowa. We spent 2 months helping and still not done. But the rest will wait.
Because the piecing were with using Jolly Bars the blocks were simple. I SID using the stitch in the ditch foot both vertical and horizontal. Then switch to the walking foot and stitched the rest of the straight lines using the guide bar attached to the walking foot. It was easy and quick. I finished the quilt 4 days before the wedding.
Arvilla Trag
I envy you. My walking foot does not have a place to insert a guide bar, which I find exceedingly odd. It’s not OEM because the original one broke when I dropped it one day. So for the quilt I am doing with all the parallel lines each block must be marked. This is the definition of tedious!
Mary Heard
You could try painters tape and stitch beside it then peel and move the tape for the next row
Pat B.
Do you still baste before stabilizing if you use 505 spray to sandwich your quilt?
WordPress.com Support
505 Spray is your basting. So no other basting is required. Thank you for the question!
Kathy Woodcock
LOVE it. I am a snail quilter cause I am always terrified of wrecking my creations. This idea makes sense. Just reading it gave me such a sense of calm and peace. Now I know how to move forward. Slow sewing is me and I want my quilts to talk to me! Just one query. Am I correct in thinking those right vertical rows begin at the centre and move to the right edge? Love your work Lori! And I have all your books and read every column. Thanks for all you do and share.
Kathy from Canada
WordPress.com Support
Yes! Start in the center and move to the edges for the stabilizing stitches!
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