Hints and Tips

A

Applique - make sure your fabric isn't too soft. Your edges will ravel.

B

Borders - borders that are cut on the lengthwise grain of the fabric will have less stretch than borders cut crosswise. This could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on whether you are hand- or machine- quilting. ~ Doris B.

C

Colors - according to Women First Magazine, a teaspoon of ground pepper in the wash will prevent colors from bleeding or fading. ~ Ann M.

E

Ergonomics - a 25-cent paperback book from a garage sale placed under the back edge of your sewing machine will tilt is just as well as those expensive tables. Be sure it isn't interferring with the gears of the machine. ~ Tammy F.

U

Unsewing - According to Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting, if you have to rip a seam more than twice, it is better to discard the pieces and recut them. There is a good chance that the pieces have stretched or were cut wrong in the first place. ~ Tammy F.

W

Wrinkles - Here's a tip for getting wrinkles out of prepackaged batting. Spread your prepackaged batting out on a bed for 24 hours before using to allow the wrinkles to relax. If you are in a hurry, place the batt in a warm dryer and fluff it for about 5 minutes to remove the creases. From Bee Happy Quilting ~ Charlene O.

To submit a hint, e-mail it to shinerquilts@gmail.com.