Newbbie with some questions

**schellie69** · 08-04-2009, 11:18 AM

I was at a garage sale and in the free box was a small old quilt that looked like someone, had taken apart removed the backing and batting, the front needs some places sewed but I think I could sew them up and then redo the batting and backing has any one done this before and does any one have any suggestion on how to sew the pieces should I hand sew them or use my sewing machine thank you any help

in this matter

**lotsadebt** · 08-04-2009, 01:16 PM

To fix the damage to the front panel, you can either applique over it, or sew up the rips. This will depend on how bad the damage is. Does it have borders on it? If not you can add these in strips around to make the quilt bigger if you want.

To finish it you need batting and backing fabric. The cheapest way to buy the batting is by the yard. I usually wait and use a coupon from Joanne's. Get a piece of backing material that co-ordinates with the colors of the pieced top. The backing and batting should be 2inches bigger all around the top.

Layer the backing fabric with right-side down and tape edges to the floor, this will ensure a smooth back. I use masking tape. Works on carpet as well as hard floors. You can also use a table top if the quilt is small enough. Next layer is the batting, again smooth out the wrinkles. Last is the top, right-side up, smooth out wrinkles.

Now you can either pin baste it together or baste it with sewing, I prefer the pin (large safety pins). If you hand-quilt use the sewing method. Start in the middle of the quilt and work toward the outside. Placing the safety pins through all three layers every 4-6 inches.

Once the layers are secure you can remove the masking tape and you are free to quilt, either by machine, tying it with yarn or embroidery floss, or by hand in a hoop.

Enjoy and welcome to the world of quilting.

**schellie69** · 08-04-2009, 01:22 PM

thank you for the advice I am excited to try I need to go to the craft store...

**schellie69** · 08-04-2009, 01:56 PM

I just thought of another question I have a bunch of fabric that I got free and was not sure what to do with an a old comforter I was wondering can I use the free fabric and the batting from the old comforter would this work then the quilt which is the size you would do for a baby and no it has no boarders I would like to make it a little larger so it will fit my granddaughters bed and maybe she could use it on a toddle bed thanks in advance to any help.

**frugalfranny** · 08-09-2009, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by schellie69

I was at a garage sale and in the free box was a small old quilt that looked like someone, had taken apart removed the backing and batting, the front needs some places sewed but I think I could sew them up and then redo the batting and backing has any one done this before and does any one have any suggestion on how to sew the pieces should I hand sew them or use my sewing machine thank you any help

in this matter

Congrats on the find schellie. Can you post some pics of it? Would be easier to help you too. And......always fun to see pics of the things others are working on.......show us some of the damage you are trying to correct.

Good luck......you can do it, I am sure.

**schellie69** · 08-09-2009, 04:14 PM

Okay I will try will have to get my DS to help me figure out how to post the pics will work on that this week. your right it would help if you guys saw what I was talking about.