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Intermediate sewing filter: Questions about batting. [more inside]
posted by Melismata on May 7, 2021 - 6 answers

My wife has recently taken up a hobby of quilting, and has told me she needs some high quality scissors, rotary cutter and a (self-healing???) cutting mat. A few more details inside, but I'm generally just looking for recommendations of some high quality equipment to buy for her. [more inside]
posted by noneuclidean on Nov 29, 2020 - 32 answers

Can anyone help ID this mystery fabric? Probably cotton canvas or quilting cotton, possibly from a Japanese fabric company as the original source is a sewist located in Europe who likes to use Japanese fabrics.
posted by serelliya on Oct 5, 2020 - 2 answers

How can I restore 20+ year old "no-sew" applique (using fabric paint to seal the edges) to a usable and washable condition, preferably using traditional sewn applique for durability? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by oblique red on Sep 29, 2019 - 2 answers

I have a story in my head but I don't know if it's true. When europeans came to central and south america in the 16th century, they found gold used as a decorative foil because the natives had no use for it besides decoration. Buildings were covered in it. At the same time, textile was one of the most expensive commodities in europe because it was incredibly time consuming to make. What might be the comparative cost of gold to the incas vs. textile to the spanish? [more inside]
posted by rebent on Aug 14, 2019 - 6 answers

I’m an “advanced beginner” in quilting (I’ve made a handful of completed quilts, know the lingo, follow a fair amount of social media), and I’m having trouble finding enough quilt patterns. Quilters of MeFi, what are your sources? [more inside]
posted by itsamermaid on May 14, 2019 - 12 answers

My wife is intermediate level at sewing, mostly making quilts and small simple garments (think pet clothes). Her cheap Singer sewing machine broke, and now she's having "analysis paralysis" trying to decide on a new one. Help! [more inside]
posted by primethyme on Feb 12, 2016 - 24 answers

I love sewing small burp cloths and baby quilts for friends. But I'm hitting a wall, where friends are having babies faster than I can churn out little quilts. If you have some experience sewing or quilting, can you help me figure out a better method with decent results? These aren't meant to be heirloom pieces, just heartfelt and unique small blankets or quilts to welcome a new baby and brighten their days. [more inside]
posted by barnone on Aug 22, 2015 - 12 answers

Can I use any old free-motion presser foot with my sewing machine, or do I need to stick with the same manufacturer? If the former, can you help me figure out which kind I'm looking for? If the latter, can you tell me where to find one that's not part of a kit? [more inside]
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel on Apr 27, 2015 - 8 answers

I made a quilt, my second ever. I have no idea what colour thread to quilt it with. [more inside]
posted by makonan on Jan 5, 2015 - 16 answers

I would like to make a person a quilt for Christmas. I have basic sewing knowledge but I have not done any quilting beyond sewing squares together to make pillows. Is this a feasible project, and where do I start? [more inside]
posted by chaiminda on Nov 12, 2014 - 21 answers

i'm making my first quilt and would like to hear input on various batting options. this is a non-patchwork quilt meant to emulate all of the luxury bedding i've lately become obsessed with but can't afford to buy. i want the softest most luxurious quilt i can get. non-pieced, straight forward top with simple quilting and ties. i'm in the shopping stage now and will be using linen, silk or a linen/silk blend for the top and backing and i want an equally soft batting. [more inside]
posted by Conrad-Casserole on Oct 8, 2014 - 7 answers

During the Missoni for Target craze a few years ago, I managed to score the most coveted item--a quilted fleece throw. I only got one. There are three inhabitants of our house fighting over it, including the cat, who is usually the one who gets to use it. Help me find or make something similar. [more inside]
posted by payoto on Feb 2, 2013 - 7 answers

What color thread should I use to quilt this quilt? [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster on Mar 2, 2012 - 16 answers

Sewing and Curtains [more inside]
posted by pakora1 on Oct 4, 2011 - 11 answers

I am looking for a good sewing machine brand/model to start sewing with. [more inside]
posted by pakora1 on Aug 16, 2011 - 14 answers

Crafters, please help. What I'm trying to do is apparently called "applique" and "embroidering," as part of a quilt project. I'm totally clueless and kinda need to finish today. [more inside]
posted by slidell on May 22, 2010 - 10 answers