Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Facing a Large Quilt

I've done facings before, but tried a combination of two new methods (new to me) this time for My Mountain. Because this quilt is large and heavy, I wanted something strong to hold it. This was easy and I really like the results. The steps are as follows. I hope the pictures correspond, but if not, they will be in the right order.

1. Cut four 2-3" squares. Fold in half diagonally and press.
2. Cut four strips of fabric 4-5" wide and the length of the sides and ends of the quilt, less 2". Fold in half lengthwise and press.
3. Cut 4 strips the same length of fusible web. I used Stitch Witchery.
4. Sandwich and quilt the quilt. Do not trim the edges. Instead, using rulers, mark where they will be trimmed with a pencil, fabric marker, etc. where you will be trimming off the excess batting and fabric.
5. Lay the triangles on the right or top side of your quilt, matching the corners. Pin.
6. Lay the strips on the edges with the folded side toward the center of the quilt and the ends just overlapping the triangle. Try to have them meet just at the triangle's fold line. Also, line the raw edges with your marked trimming line. Pin in place.
7. Use walking foot, sew 1/4 inch seam all around, through all layers and pivoting at the corners.
8. Turn the facing pieces out, and press them open. Stitch around through the facing and the seam allowances under it, going as close as you can to the corners. (The triangles will prevent you from going right to the corners.) This is a dressmakers tip to make facings stay inside and not show on the outside.
9. Turn the facings to the back. Press and make sure the edges are straight, then slide a piece of fusible under each facing and press again, fusing the facing to the back of the quilt.
10. Hand stitch. This might not be necessary on a small quilt but it was on this big one - that has a lot of quilting and is heavy!
Enjoy!

5 comments:

Joan said...

Quilt is looking wonderful. I have never made a quilt this way...how long has it taken you...I love it.

Elsie Montgomery said...

The quilt took years (can't finish them when they are stashed in a drawer - LOL) but the facing only took part of an afternoon. It turned out so nice and keeps the edges of the quilt nice and flat!

Margo in Maine said...

really nice...you must be pleased..

Elsie Montgomery said...

I am, but not overly because I have so many more ideas!

TB said...

Thanks for the instructions on this. I'd like to try it.