Quilting Tips
2011 Amador County Fair in Review
Judges’ Comments by
These are comments that were made by the 2011 quilt judges and are not in any particular order.
More even distribution of quilting.
Don’t use polka dots as binding. Even if the binding is perfectly straight, where the dot goes around the outside curve of the fabric it will appear crooked.
Use color catchers for fabrics with bleeding dyes.
Quilts must have a sleeve to compete for ribbons.
Striped inner borders add interest if running horizontally. If they run vertically they need to be cut with the stripe …not the grain of the fabric…so that the stripes are even.
When possible, borders should be cut on the lengthwise of the fabric so they will lie flat. Borders cut from selvage to selvage are the reason a lot of quilts don’t lie flat …the border gets stretched when applied.
For very large quilts, use tencil, silk or wool batting to reduce the weight.
Quilting starts and stops should not be visible.
Back art is noticed and appreciated. The judges liked pieced backs even when just using up scraps with no design.
Lint caught in the quilting on the back of the quilt can come from the bobbin and can be popped out with a small crochet hook.