The Charlotte Quilt Week 7 - Finishing Your Quilt
We are done! Ok, well we are done with the quiltalong — most of us (including me) aren't done with our quilts yet but we are so close.
If you have questions about any step in the finishing-your-quilt-process, I think I have an answer for you in this post so check out all of these resources.
Constructing Your Backing
Backing the Charlotte Quilt is straightforward. For the lap size quilt, cut your backing yardage in half to create two pieces measuring about 65” x WOF (width of fabric). Trim one of those pieces down to about 65” x 30”, then sew the two panels together along the long edge to create your full quilt backing.
When preparing quilt backing, always allow for at least 4” of extra fabric on all sides of the quilt top. This is especially important if you plan to send your quilt to a longarm quilter, since the additional fabric ensures your quilt can be loaded onto the frame and quilted smoothly.
Recommended Supplies
Scotch Painter's Tape for Hard to Stick Surfaces
Safety Pin Tool - I use a Kwik Klip, but these can be difficult to find because they are no longer produced. You can also use a Hera Marker, butter knife, or something similar.
Basting
I will be pin basting my Charlotte Quilt, which is how I baste all of my quilts. If you are looking for a step-by-step tutorial on pin basting as well as recommended supplies and batting, you can find it right here.
Quilting
This is your chance to add texture and personality to your quilt. The Charlotte Quilt pattern lends itself well to all kinds of quilting styles:
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Straight-line quilting emphasizes the geometric design.
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Free-motion quilting can soften the structure and add contrast.
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Longarm quilting is always a beautiful option if you’re sending your quilt out.
If you’re quilting it yourself, take it slow, baste thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to mark lines or sketch out your plan first. A walking foot is your best friend!
Quilting Tips
- Try different stitch lengths. I prefer a longer stitch length when straight line quilting - my machine defaults to 2.2 and I usually increase it to 3.7. I think the stitches look prettier at that length. It's the sweet spot for me, but you might prefer something different.
- Decrease the presser foot pressure if that is an option on your machine - my machine has a knob on the top above the presser foot. I am not talking about the tension knob, that is on the front of the machine. The pressure knob is on the top. I decrease it just a little bit which helps prevent the quilt top from shifting. I have found that if I decrease it too much, my stitches don't look as good.
- Use a walking foot
- Make sure the tension on your machine is balanced - you shouldn't be able to see the top thread from the bottom of the quilt or the bobbin thread from the top of the quilt.
- Change your needle regularly - I buy these Schmetz bulk needles.
- Use thread that works well with your machine. Not all machines like all threads - I like Aurifil 50 wt and have also had good luck with Mettler.
Looking for more tips? Check out these videos that I have shared on Instagram.
Binding Tips
Once your quilt is quilted, it's time to bind. Here are a few helpful reminders:
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Lots of people dislike binding, but this is one of my favorite parts! Take the time to learn to add the binding in a way that works for you and hopefully we can help you learn to love it.
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Binding can be cut just about any width, so don't feel confined to 2.5" if you prefer a more narrow or a wider binding. I cut my strips 3" wide.
I usually attach binding to the front of the quilt by machine, then hand sew it to the back. But if machine binding is more your style, go for it!
Finishing Touches
This is a great time to:
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Add a label
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Take final photos
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Give it a good lint-roll or trim threads
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Share your finish with the quilting community!
Looking for tutorials?
- Making your binding
- Starting your stitches when big stitch binding
- Quilter's knot tutorial
- Finishing your stitches when big stitch binding
- Mitered corners - part 1
- Mitered corners - part 2
- Mitered corners - part 3
- Mitered corners - part 4
- Big Stitch Binding Tutorial
- Big Stitch Binding Tutorial Video
- Big Stitch Binding - Supplies Recommendations
Next Quiltalong?
I am hoping to squeeze in one more quiltalong this year so watch out for more info!
Pam Morrow on
I finished my top well ahead of the herd, but have stalled at the quilting stage. I loved your little minimalist leaf motif and attempted it, but somehow mine have ended up all curvy and more controlled. I guess I don’t have it in me to be minimalist. Pity. My quilt is a bit over one third quilted, but I’ve lost the will to continue. It’s so big and heavy, I am wishing I’d opted for either straight line quilting or embroidery in-the-hoop quilting. But … I will get it done and fingers crossed sooner rather than later. As with all your patterns, Erica, it was a relatively easy make but with enough “quirk” to make it stand out from the crowd. I did not follow your recommended technique for choosing fabrics, but went scrap with a consistent solid navy Grunge (which is code for every block was pretty much bespoke) and lost some of the wonderful woven effect, much to my disappointment. However I don’t think the quilt’s recipient will notice or be bothered by it. Perhaps that’s my cue to make another Charlotte another day? Where are the quilt photos to be posted? IG??
Erin M on
I have never had much success with finishing a quilt, so I’m going to take finishing the top as my “finish line”, for now. Also it will give me time to practice quilting on some smaller scrap projects.
Congrats to all, no matter where you’ve finished! Can’t wait to see everyone’s pictures! <3