I would like to make a quilt for my grandson's. The fabric I have purchased already has a print on it. I am looking for suggestions on whether or not I should cut the pattern into 12 inch squares or just leave the fabric in one piece and machine quilt or tie the batting and backing to it. Also, if I cut it into squares what should I use a 12 inch solid to join the pieces? Any suggestions would be forever appreciated.

starwars.JPG (16 Kb, 53 downloads)

Ahma I would leave the fabric in one piece and quilt around the squares and maybe highlight some of the action with quilting as well. I have made several one piece quilts for my grandbabies and when the fabric is that perfect for what they want I would just go for it and quilt it as is.

Connie

Thank you, Connie! Your suggestion will make it a lot easier. I have never had luck with the free-motion quilting. Generally, I just try to outline with the machine. Would you try going around each character's shape or would you just stitch (square or retangle)around it?

Ahma I think I would stitch around each square and then echo stitch around each figure. That is stitching just about 1/4 inch outside the figure. That way you can do a general stitch line rather than try to follow all the intricate lines of the figure and it will still make them stand out.

Connie

Hi Ahma4
Welcome to the BC group nice to have you here and I can't wait to see how your quilt comes out I like your idea of a whole quilt. Be sure to cut off your selvege edges from the fabric. Those edges are woven tightly and will not make for a pretty seam. your grandsons are going to love what you are making for them.

Hi Deb,

I'm so glad I found this site. I have quilted before but it's been a while. Confidence is sometimes an issue with me when starting a project. I guess I was making this star wars quilt more complicated than it should be. My backing is blue, now I wish I would have bought black because I thought using black thread would work the best because of the black on the print (top fabric).
One of these days I plan to learn how to do the free motion quilting. I've tried several times and could not control it at all.

This quilt shouldn't take long. My grandson's (ages: 5 and 7)saw the material and they are so excited.

Hi Ahma,

Welcome to BC, nice to have you with all of us. It's a great group here. Like you found any question you have someone will be able to help you

Jody

Welcome, Ahma! Visit often, OK? It's so nice to have you join us!

Gerda
Love isn't what you say, it's what you do.

It will be a nice quilt just doing the outline quilting as Nawma suggests. Welcome to BC!

I think the black thread will look fine on the blue backing too. Trying to think it out too much leaves us not trying anything so go for it!