Expert: Karen Erickson - 6/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Karen,  I am a quilter and my daughter wants me to make a queen size coverlet with piping with decorator fabric.  My question is if you do it like I have found it is said to be done by layering and then sewing, leaving an opening to turn it, how do you quilt it without it bunching all up once it is closed up?  Or, is there a way to lightly quilt it and then somehow do the piping.  I've been fretting over this too long now - I hope you can help.

ANSWER: I hope I can help, and understand what it is you have in mind.

Yes, if it is a coverlet you would quilt it first to a backing, next you will attach a decortive fabric for the back and then put on the binding, or piping after the fact.

Is this what you are asking...

always
Karen Erickson

www.homefashionsu.com
homefashionu@gmail.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How would a piping be put on if the coverlet is already quilted.  Normally you layer them (from what I understand) sew around with your piping inside and then turn.

Thank You, Lorayne

ANSWER: Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, as I have been in the middle of workshops.

Yes, you would have to do a different application in this case.

Apply as if you are doing banding around the quilt but do this smaller, and insert the weltcord as you would elastic in a pair of pants.  Pulling it through the banded piece. Not an easy task but it can be done.

My true suggestion is to finish with a decorative trim of some sort, this can then be attached with top stitch from the top.  We usually only apply to 3 sides, not to the top of the coverlet as it sometimes is uncomfortable during sleeping.

So you have some choices....

Let me know what you decide.

always
Karen Erickson
www.homefashionsu.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Karen, I hate to be a pain but, just one further question.  Could the piping be done similar to the way you would do prairie points on a quilt?  Having it quilted, then sewing the piping in to the top and turning in the back and it would then have to be hand sewn to together (boy these just seems to get more confusing).  My daughter wants the piping (which is from the same fabric as the back of the coverlet, to show on the front.  This is decorter fabric.  Also what type of batting would you recommend?

Sorry to be a pest but, thank you for all your time and effort.  Lorayne

Answer
Sorry yesteday was our Sewing MeetUp here in Washington, and I had just moved our Teaching Studio so needed to get ready for that.

Yes it can be done that way, as you would prairie points.

What size piping are you going to use?

What type batting would I recommend?  For the coverlett?

That depends on how thick you want it...

I wish there was a standard, but there isn't...

Hope I've helped.

always
Karen
www.homefashionsu.com