Have you ever been curious, like me, and measured your quilt at the top stage and then measured it again once the top has been quilted and binding applied?
Well, I did and was totally amazed at the difference of measurements.
Take 'My Crazy Quilt' (from previous post) for instance. The top measured 58” x 66-1/2” and once all quilted up the measurements now are 56” x 64”. And that is just a lap size quilt. For some of my queen size quilts, there have been a 3" loss on all sides!
My fabrics are prewashed and I use mostly polyester batting (prefer it for hand quilting). Washing is done in the machine and line dried. There is a possiblility of more loss if the quilt was dried in the dryer.
Now, I wonder which type of quilting (hand or machine) produces the most size loss?
For our bed, I now know that my top has to measure 97” wide to fit nicely at the sides after being quilted without any bed ruffle.
Just thought you might like to know.
Have a great day!
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6 comments:
This I have never thought about. I prewash all my fabrics and tumble dry to be safe but of course the quilting makes them a little smaller just if you think a little. Thanks.
No, I never measure them after quilting, or after washing. Next time I will though! If you were close to the size you needed that could make a BIG difference!
I have never thought about it, but will check it out...very interesting
No, but now I'm dying to know. I'm throwing on a twin sized tonight. Didn't pre-wash anything. I'll measure and measure afterwards. I'd guess it has to do with how tight or loose your quilting pattern is too. The tighter the stipple the more shrinkage I bet.
I know that it looks like my quilts shrink up a bit after being quilted but haven't ever measured them. I have a queen size quilt that I really need to finish but it is a bit large than the bed already so hopefully it will be fine. Interesting observation.
I've been requilting a piece that I pieced and quilted VERY lightly in 1999. Its been amazing how much it has "tightened" the look and overall shape of it. I wish I had thought to take a "before" measurement!
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