I got a several emails about sewing with linen... so here are my tips:
- I wouldn't use raw linen in a quilt but really just because the Essex linen is a blend which makes it softer with a nice drape.
- I don't use starch when I'm piecing with linen. If you pin well and let your sewing machine do the work, linen is pretty easy to work with.
- I typically use a scant 1/4" seam allowance when I'm piecing. But with linen, because the weave is a little looser, I use a true 1/4" seam allowance.
- I don't prewash my linen and I have never had any problems with shrinkage.
- P-R-E-S-S your seams and blocks. Ironing with a back and forth motion will distort your blocks. This is also a good general rule of thumb for quilting with any kind of fabric.
6 comments:
Man. We are supposed to hit 100 degrees here in Austin too. Yuck.
Last week we broke a record at 109 degrees. This weekend it is supposed to be a balmy 86!
I love it! Looks great! I am just getting into solids and they are fun to work with!
I chuckled at your 100 degree comment. Just moved from Denton in January and I do not miss that at all! I hope it is a better summer than last summer! That was brutal!
Great colors ~ I love sewing with linen. Made my son a quilt with it and, after a few washings it's soft and really wrinkly.
It's raining here in the lovely Pacific Northwest!
Have you had any problems in the past with a scant 1/" seam, or is it just precautionary. I just started a quilt with some of this and used a scant 1/4" seam and now I'm worried, but too far along to really go back.
Stay cool!!
I used Essex linen to back a quilt I made for my dad last Christmas and it was just so beautiful to work with. Love it.
Can't wait to see what you do with these blocks!
Post a Comment