X’s and O’s – part 3 – 2021.02.01

In my previous post, I had removed all the freezer paper templates, and was ready to cover the raw edges with bias tape (or maybe couching or zigzag stitching). My original plan was to use pre-fused 1/4″ black bias tape. Then I thought that gray would look better against the black background. I auditioned some gray macrame cord – I liked the color but not the thickness. Then, I actually tried making my own gray bias tape (I’ve owned that little bias tape maker for years, but this was the first time I’ve actually used it!). Again, I liked the color, but didn’t like the way my stitching looked – click on the image below to see a larger image).

In the end, I used the pre-fused black bias tape. The fusible gives me more control over the placement of the tape, and my stitching with black thread is almost invisible. (Even though it is fused in place, I always stitch both edges of the bias tape.) Sometimes I stitch the tape before layering with batting, and sometimes after layering. In this case I layered the quilt first then stitched the bias tape in place.

Edited to add: Usually I spray baste my quilts. This time I used Mistyfuse to layer the top to the batting. The first step was to pre-fuse one side of my batting with Mistyfuse, covering it with parchment paper to protect my iron. Then I smoothed the quilt top over the batting and fused them together. I really liked how smoothly the top adhered to the batting. I did use spray to baste the backing fabric to the batting.

My next decision was the overall quilting. I had been thinking about straight line quilting in an X shape. I was a little concerned about keeping the lines straight, and the challenge of quilting over the bumps created where several bias tapes overlapped.

But then it occurred to me that I could quilt from the back, following the lines of the design on the backing fabric. I had selected this fabric because the colors coordinated well with the front, and because I had a piece the right size. So it was a happy accident that I could use the design as my quilting pattern.

I quilted along every other vertical and horizontal curved line, with dark gray thread in my bobbin, which is what shows on the front of the quilt. I love the end result! I’ve quilted from the back on a couple of other quilts, using a striped fabric as my guide. I will definitely look for more backing fabrics that I can use this way.

And here is a full view of the finished quilt, which is 21 x 28 inches. I couldn’t think of a creative title for it, so it called ‘X’s and O’s’.

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Thanks for stopping by.  I will be linking up with these blogs – click on the links below, where you’ll find many other creative and inspirational projects.
~ Love Laugh Quilt Monday Making
~ Quilt Fabrication Midweek Makers
~ WIP Wednesday @ The Needle & Thread Network

• Nina-Marie’s Off the Wall Friday
• Can I get a Whoop Whoop? by Confessions of a Fabric Addict