The Helen QAL Week 7 - Finishing Your Quilt
It’s Week 7 of the Helen Quiltalong, and we’ve officially made it to the finish line! Whether you've been sewing along in real time or catching up at your own pace, this is the week to complete your quilt. That means quilting, binding, and getting that final satisfying finish.
If your quilt top is still in progress, no worries at all. These final steps can wait until you're ready!
Prep Your Backing
Backing for this quilt is straightforward. For the lap size, you’ll need a backing piece that measures 72” x 84”, which you can create by sewing together two 2-yard cuts of fabric (WOF).
If you would like more information about making your backing, check out this post with info on quilt sizes and backing fabrics for all quilt sizes.
Basting
I will be pin basting my Helen 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 Your Helen Quilt
This is your chance to add texture and personality to your quilt. The Helen 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!
Longarm Quilting Discounts
A big thank you to the longarm quilters who are generously offering a 20% discount on edge-to-edge quilting for anyone who finishes their Helen Quilt top! This is a great opportunity to add beautiful quilting to your project and get it one step closer to finished. The discount is valid through the end of August at each participating shop.
Below, you’ll find each quilter’s business name, location, website, and IG handle so you can explore their work and get in touch. I listed the location of each quilter in case you want to pick someone close to you, but all of these quilters accept quilts through the mail.
Working with a longarm quilter is a wonderful way to collaborate and bring even more artistry to your quilt. Whether you’re new to longarm quilting or looking to try someone new, I highly recommend checking out these talented makers!
Dearly Quilted
Quilter's Name: Ligia
Location: Illinois
Ladyfox Stitches
Quilter's Name: Kara
Location: Fallon, Nevada
Northern Designs
Quilter's Name: Megan
Location: Minnesota
Northern Designs Facebook Page
Threaded Spools Studio
Quilter's Name: Emily
Location: St. Charles, MO
Trace Creek Quilting
Quilter's Name: Lilo
Location: St. Louis, MO
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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A scrappy binding looks amazing on the Helen Quilt, especially if you used a variety of fabrics in your blocks.
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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
Share Your Finish
Seeing your finished quilts is one of my favorite parts of a quiltalong. Whether it’s your first quilt or your fiftieth, take a moment to celebrate your work!
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Post your finished quilt (or even just the top!) using #thehelenqal
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Tag @kitchentablequilting so I can see and share your projects
Thank you so much for sewing along with me! Your creativity, color choices, and enthusiasm have made this quiltalong such a joy.