What method do you use to piece your crazy quilt background?

[Elaine Wilding]

I know there are several ways to piece the background I usually use the antique method? I am interested in how and why each of you use your method. And do you love this process as much as the stitching.  I do because i love fabric also. Touching and handling it for it's different textures are part of my love of stitching also.  I hope some of us will learn something new from this thread as there are stitchers of all levels  here. And I am sure some the newer stitchers would love to listen to the pros speak about this. So interesting. We all have so much to offer. Hugs Elaine

[Carol DeLater]

Hi Elaine

I'll be really interested in the answers you get here and hope that comments DO include why stitchers prefer each technique.  I made a quilt many years ago using the antique method and really did like it for the same reasons you do.  However, I am really anxious to conquer new techniques.  I made one block so far using the stitch/flip method and it was a disaster.  However, today I perservere on.

[Elaine Wilding]

Good for you carol there are alot of really great stitchers on here I hope we get some input also.

[Tahlia]

Lately I almost always use the stitch-and-flip method on a fabric foundation-- it is quick and relatively precise. The speed of the technique lets me progress to the embellishment phase much sooner.

But my favorite method is the antique method, where each piece of fabric is laid on top of the existing fabrics and then the edges are turned under and stitched down. I like this method best because it allows for curves and overlaps and textural manipulation of the cloth patches in a way that the stitch-and-flip method doesn't. I use it less frequently these days simply because I haven't had as much time available for stitching, so I've needed to target my work differently to accomplish my priorities.

Once upon a time I made a crazy quilt by just stitching the fabric patches to each other, antique method style, without a foundation of any kind beneath the patches, and *that* was a royal mess. The biasing of the fabric patches skewed the whole quilt terribly, causing puckers and strain that were not part of the original plan. Now I always use a foundation cloth beneath my patches and am much happier with the results, regardless of what piecing method(s) I use!

[Donna Abrams]

I use the stitch and flip on a foundation piece.  I like it best because I have my base already cut to the size I want and it is just a matter of stitching the pieces to it and when I get to the edge, I know I am done.  Then I can start embellishing.  I also like the stability of this method as it doesn't go wanky with bias edges.  I also prefer cotton fabric instead of the heavier fabrics.  The heavy fabrics are hard to work with and ravel a lot.  I like all one kind of fabric in mine.  I am doing fairy frosts and love the color choices, the nice sheen and they are light weight. 

[Elaine Wilding]

I love the comments. Thanks for adding your 2 cents in. I love discussions like this because there are always new things to learn. And stitchin fingers is such a wonderful place full of wonderful  talented people. Hugs Elaine

[Laurie Nuske]

Good Morning Elaine! I use both methods, depending on my project.  I love the antique method for a big project that's just one block, that way I can add more visual interest.  I do use the sew and flip a  lot also, it's quicker for projects with multiple blocks.

[Elaine Wilding]

Thanks for all the in put ladies so much fun to hear from everyone Hugs Elaine.

[Connie Smith]

HI,

 

What is the antique method.  I just know how to do the flip and stitch method.  I would love to learn a new way.

[Elaine Wilding]

@ Connie  it looks like Tahlia has explained the antique method just above. The antique method is a lot more of a fiddly method as it is done all by hand. Laying down each piece and tucking under the edges then hand stitching with tiny stitches. This is my favorite method because i love the needle and thread. These piece are put on a muslin  fabric one at a time. I usually do  about four five pieces then I hand stitch them in place. and then begin again laying and tucking under the edge until the size I want is completed. I hope this helps some. 

[Gin9912G]

I prefer the 'antique' method since I also enjoy the 'sewing' part, even if it is by hand. It's therapeutic and with the stereo on, the world outside doesn't exist while I sit happily in my CQ world, lol. I also use CQ on different projects so the methods will most likely vary too. I used 12" squares for my sons quilts which took me 2 yrs to finish and now up the squares to 16" which makes the CQ come together quicker. :) 

[Margaret]

good to get this info for a beginner, I have only tried the stitch and flip way which is very quick, the book I bought to help gives 10  different ways to patch a CQ, do not think I will try them all but I do prefer to hand stitch so will have a go with the antique way 

[Elaine Wilding]

Good for you Margaret. I prefer the antique method it s a little more fiddily then the other way but I am a really hand stitch type girl so it is best for me. I have tried a few other methods though. Happy stitchin Hugs Elaine