10 Things I Do That the Quilt Police HATE!

This video might be triggering. LOL not really, but it may ruffle your feathers if you are die hard about pre-washing your fabric or pressing your seams to the dark side.
Today we just have a fun video where I go through 10 things I do all the time that the Quilt Police would have a conniption over.
But here's the deal ... I get fantastic results in my quilts even though I do a ton of things differently than "the way our grandmothers did it."
Part of that is because sewing, fabric and batting technology has changed a whole lot since the 70s when quilting became popular again, so some of the old rules don't apply anymore.
And the other part it, THERE IS MORE THAN ONE RIGHT WAY TO QUILT!!! So if you have a technique that works for you, but it isn't Quilt Police approved, you do what works and don't worry about what other people think.
Let me know in the comments the sewing habits you have that the Quilt Police hate! Maybe we'll have enough for a Part 2.
Products we featured:
Frixion Gel Pen: shop.quiltaddi...
Nifty Notions Mist Spray Bottle: shop.quiltaddi...

[@judymoen674]

I just now ADORE you. I’m 80 with macular degeneration and I keep quilting and thank you so very much for this video, I giggled at most of what you said. I just love you, keep up the great work.

[@djf57]

God bless you

[@NaomiC336]

I had to make sure I hadn’t posted this. That describes me to a T. Age and eye issues. 🤣🤣

[@esthersmith3341]

My friend walks into stores and no one knows she is blind. She has macular degeneration also.she lost her sight at a young age. She can't sew anymore but does everything for herself that she can. Keep doing.

[@agnesdueck9819]

​@@esthersmith33417 b❤

[@geraldineschmidt2947]

Tidying up quilt room found top made 30 years ago when I didn’t know much about quilting made with poly cotton will longer armer not want to quilt this

[@villagesteader3552]

This video is so needed. I belonged to a quilting group that had frequent retreats. These were the nicest bunch of ladies, however as a beginner quilter and coming from an advanced garment sewing background, I did some things differently, they picked apart so many things that I did wrong that I wanted to QUIT QUILTING! I had to move from Florida to Western New York to care for my Mother and now I follow my own rules. My point is if it works for you, don’t let the rules crush your creativity! I was shamed for making my first quilt with curves (drunkard’s path). Well ha ha it was gorgeous! The old timers wanted me to start at the beginning. You do you!!!😂

[@nicolerose4980]

As a “self taught “ quilter, I learned a lot of “bad” habits😂 but they work for me and my family and friends who get gifted with a quilt always appreciate the effort and never ask what rules I broke☺️

[@robinmeadows4758]

I'm 67 and was taught by my Grandma who was in her 70's at the time. We used scraps from other sewing (waste not want not) and old clothes. She taught me to press all seams open and would never have even thought of using starch (starch was only used on my Dad's work shirts) on a quilt. Another quilter's "sacrilege" she committed was using her scissors to cut anything she needed to. She only had two pairs of scissors, a small needlework pair and an 8" pair for everything else. I freely confess to also using my sewing scissors occasionally for cutting (gasp!) paper, ribbon, and yarn if they're the ones within reach. Don't worry about the small things. It is only recently that we've been told (probably by scissors and sewing supplies manufacturers) that we need all the fancy stuff to sew. Vintage sewing machines still sew as well as the newer ones at a fraction of the cost if you're mostly creating quilts.

[@thebeadstop3862]

Taught to sew in Junior High school in the late 60’s to press seams open - I definitely would not conform to the quilt police! Lol😂

[@tammieholland1809]

😂😂

[@kayannahufford340]

Love your videos. Thank you for all you do.

[@kimberlyallen6582]

I stopped hand sewing my bindings. People who receive my quilts as gifts are thrilled and not one of them every notices if the binding is hand sewn or machine sewn. I ain't got time to hand sew those. Thank you for sharing this.

[@lynnenicholson6968]

As someone who is medically blind I totally sew my own way. If the quilt police come after me I’d give them smeared specs with parts blanked out so they had my remaining sight and tell them to go for it. It totally depends on the block I’m sewing how I press. A 4 patch I’ll press to the side for nesting seams but a “kite” block I’ll press open and taper the seam allowance to reduce bulk at the point. I’ve been told by people that die cutting “wastes fabric” but by using my AccuQuilt dies I can independently cut my fabric, and using Bonnie Hunter’s Bonus Buddy Ruler to set a homemade fabric guide permanently on my bobbin cover I can accurately sew my seams… even a drunkard’s path block. Because I can’t see where the pins are as I sew I don’t use pins I line up corners, edges, and seams as I sew. Not only do I ignore the quilt police but I also ignore the disability police who tell me as a blind woman I can’t walk independently and I walk solo in the countryside near my home in the UK (I live a 30 minute train journey north of London). Just do it your way. Let others do it their way.

[@lisaroper421]

Go you! No need to listen to the grump police!

[@AnitaSouthall]

So admire your free spirit. I advocate for disability awareness as I can see but people who see me can't see my non obvious disabilities. Sewing is my lifeline for my mental health too.

[@laurastratton8614]

I LOVE AccuQuilt too! I couldn't quilt without it

[@villagesteader3552]

God bless you for being you! Don’t let anyone undermine that!❤

[@alliefee8596]

❤Love your story! I’ve got essential tremor which is worsening as I get older & there’s many many things I do that these amorphous quilt police wouldn’t approve of. However, if you & I have to modify methods in order to be successful, it’s right for us, right? I’d rather be productive than correct

[@jeniphirtaylor-mcintire81]

I love all of this! I've been a "punk rock quilter" from the day I learned. I am self-taught from a book by Marti Michell called Quilting for People Who Don't Have Time to Quilt, and thanks to that being my introduction to quilting, I have never prewashed fabric; learned strip piecing from the beginning; understood that you can make a million beautiful, interesting quilts without ever cutting a triangle; "finger-press" all my seams to the right as I go (no ironing); and let my mistakes "fall into the seams." I also send my quilts out to be quilted because I enjoy patchwork much more than quilting, and all my bindings are made from the backing fabric, folded over and stitched by machine.

[@pennyobrien5641]

You are my new hero! Love it!

[@JessicaCEP]

Also, there are amazing patterns the quilter can put on it! I can’t do those!

[@lynnettepham9826]

Two things - One thing I hear all the time from the quilt police is, NEVER lick your thread when threading a needle. I do it all the time and I've never had a quilt spontaneously combust! My mother did it, my grandmother did it and that's good enough for me. Secondly, the "press the seams to the side" rule came from back in the day when women hand sewed the entire quilt. You just can't get as tight of a seam as you can with a machine and pressing to the side kept the seams from letting that unbonded cotton batting from travelling out. In that day and time, it made sense. Fun video, thank you!

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

Never lick your thread!?! Who invents this stuff? This sounds like it was filtered thru someone like a sister-in-law I had years ago. She was in weight watchers and would wash and dry each lettuce leaf individually when she made herself a salad as she was taught in the WW class. They actually did it to supposedly allow the dressing to stick to the leaves better. She truly believed she was doing it because without the water the lettuce had fewer calories! Wonder what the quilt police think about me waxing all of the thread I use for handsewing?

[@annajheselton3382]

I actually use some beeswax on my lips to smooth the end of the thread. 😊

[@Triad637]

Beeswax is affordable at our local Ace Hwr. Slid into my pincushion's base slot, a string end swiped needles fast, sews firm, presses clean + works up secure.

[@JessicaCEP]

I lick the needle, not the thread, I don’t remember who I learned that from…maybe the costumer instructor in college… but even with machines, I do that…I just get water on my fingers and pinch the water around the eye of the needle…

[@dwighthill4548]

When the quilt police start buying my fabric and making my quilts for me I will quietly listen to their good and bad points but until then I will do it my way. Great video especially for beginners, no shaming or guilt just do what you love. Advice is only good, if it works for you.

[@MrsGraphiteGal]

I used to follow instructions to the letter when I was learning but now I do what is easiest for me. Do all my seams exactly meet, no, are some of my points off, definitely but I'm not showing quilts and I'm happy. Had no complaints from people I've gifted quilts to. I used to be a perfectionist but I also made far fewer quilts.

[@BEVERLYRANDOLPH-lx4qu]

The most upsetting thing to me about this video is the many, many comments that say experienced quilters were so judgmental with new quilters. I’m so sorry this happened to so many people, and there’s no excuse for it! Creativity in any form is completely personal! Celebrate creators, folks, and support people new to the art! Thanks for this video, Stephanie!

[@nancyh4679]

Am a quilter “wanna be”. Always afraid to start , afraid of making an ugly wonky quilt. Thanks for your video. I loved it! ❤

[@puppiesfollowus]

Love this so much. I’m pushing 60. Self taught quilter that quilts for the enjoyment and it’s my therapy. I am my husnands caregiver who has been fighting cancer and severe vascular disease since 2011. He’s this far beat two five year life expectancy Thru all that we had a situation of a baby we met - no relation and end up adopting. Our son is now 10. Our first family of kids now range 26-36. I need my quilting. My way. What works for me and what I enjoy. I don’t make quilts unless I want to. I don’t commission making quilts. I make quilts for who I want and I don’t ask them what they want. I make what I want to make them and if they love it fantastic. If they don’t - there’s a long line who will gladly take off their hands! I agree with you 100%. Don’t put water in iron - ruins them. Quilt and don’t prepare or prepare your fabric how you want. I keep some scraps from my absolute favorite fabric lines and designers but other then that once I have completed a quilt with most fabric lines - I’m done with it. There are always going to be more amazing and beautiful fabric collections coming out faster then I can possibly quilt. I’m at an age and time of life where I’m actually thinking of not leaving a mess for my kids to deal with. Give yourself permission to let things go and to pass things along where you would look it to go instead of leaving it pile up for someone else to have to deal with and maybe it get thrown out or something awful. Allow someone else to work with the fabrics you have collected and can’t possibly ever use them all 🥰😍

[@donnarae8823]

Her Hee, didn't know the quilt police were still out there. This video was posted two years ago but feels like yesterday . I'm 69 and started quilting about 25 years ago. In the beginning I joined a quilt club thinking I could learn from the members. Not much on the Internet back then. I was put on notice more times than not from the Q. Police. But it was fun having all the members stare and whisper then come and tell me so good😄

[@donnarae8823]

I've seen those quilts that were made with non prewashed fabric then washed when made into a quilt. Looks 200 years old. Fabulous.

[@sueshast9329]

"Do what works for you." Best advice ever. TY.

[@franpatzcraig6713]

I was so sick of replacing my irons so often. Then I saw you use that mister and, I swear, a light bulb flashed over my head! Then I saw you lay your finger beside the seam to keep it straight at the end. Those tips alone would make me your fan, but there have been so many more. Thanks! I've been sewing for 75 years, almost 70 of them on a machine, but this old dog is always willing to use a new trick to make her life easier. And I love, love, love your wry sense of humor. I think you and I would get along famously if we ever sat down for a cup of tea. 😊

[@treeglass]

I just started quilting and found your videos. I don't care how old they are....I love them! Your personality is like........well like my friends....like mine....the honesty, the lack of posturing. Love you. Relatable. Fabulous. ❤❤❤❤

[@MimiLisa1961]

I came into quilting in the early ‘90’s and my quilting bee (of which I was by far the youngest) were horrified to find out I don’t pre wash my fabrics. I love the crispness of unwashed fabric and it just sews up so much nicer. I do have a test if I’m unsure about colorfastness. I cut a square approx 1 1/2” and put it in a white bowl, pour boiling water over it and add a dab of liquid soap. If you see no color in the water, rinse then lay on white paper towel and let it air dry (can be pressed dry on paper). If still no color your good to go. This has saved me on a lot of batiks that bled like crazy!! New subscriber to your channel.

[@jacquehunt4889]

Great idea!

[@donnacaywood6846]

The most freeing feeling came to me when you said you don’t save all your scraps. I have saved so many scraps because it’s seems in the quilting world throwing anyway anything is a sin. I will most likely never in my life use this stuff but felt to be a good quilter I need to save all scraps. This was a great video, thank you !

[@peggycarper4040]

Gramma taught me at age 7 to iron my seams open I’m now 73 and still do it the right way Enjoy your videos 💕😊🌺

[@rebeccakamysz6660]

Here’s my comment-I no longer feel guilt about sewing the binding by machine! What a time saver!

[@francesjackson2511]

Thanks for this great video. I've been sewing since I learned in home ec class back in 1945. To save you some math, I'm 92. I love making quilts to give, and love doing as much as possible on the machine. Your list frees me from feeling a little guilty when I step outside the borders with various aspects of quilting. I think quilt making should be fun and not a source of frustration and worrying about measuring up to someone else's standards. Well done, you! Oh and I've just ordered one of those misters. Much better than spray bottles.

[@cherieadamsdodd256]

I have JUST started setting up to start quilting and have HUGE anxiety that everything must be prefect therefore I don't start... I love this video soooooooooo much!!!

[@djtblizzle]

Confession… I have never had an interest, nor the equipment for quilting. However, I watched this whole video, and subscribed. Because you are absolutely gorgeous! I guess I need to learn how to quilt! Lol.😊😊😊

[@kellybesse7116]

Lol!!! You had me at “I do not prewash my fabric!”

[@marylillico6948]

Life doesn’t settle down when your children get older. It just gets crazier in different ways.

[@stacy889]

My grandma won several quilt entry first prize at county and state fairs back in the 80s and 90s. She would love that you're a "Press the seam open" kina gal. She couldn't stand how her corners looked with any other press. Great video.

[@marytramp5678]

i hate throwing out scrap, but i just dont have the space to save it. If i can't make at least a 5" square out of it or a jelly roll out of it, it has to go. I made a runner for under my sewing machine. on one side it has a roll that i filled on the bottom half with sand for weight and the top half with walnut shells for a large pin cushion. on the other side i made a "pillow" that any scrap of anything corners, thread, cut up old t-shirts, etc, goes into this pillow. this pillow is the size that was given to me by my local vet's office when it gets full i know that i can make bed for inside the kennel for the overnight stay of our little fur babies. when i have enough of the squares and or jelly roll scraps i throw together a small little quilt. Because the animals DON'T care how ugly it may be only if it's warm and comfy. Often times i can get fabric for free and it's not a print that i would ever use and i will whip up a few of these with that as well. This also a great way to repurpose clothing, especially kids clothing that has stains on them that aren't really good enough to donate. cut into as big of pieces as i can and put the rest and the cut out seams in the scrap bag.

[@c.reneehall6840]

After 50+ years of sewing, you never assume you know everything! Thanks

[@SleeplessInOhio1]

I just want to say, “Thank you!” I’ve been wrestling with a memory quilt from my Mom’s clothing. Silly me. I designed it with a lot of triangle points. They were driving me crazy. But, ironing my seams open has miraculously given me perfect points with almost no effort! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@kathydavis5548]

I just came upon your video. I just love you and especially your quilt police list. I have been quilting for over 40 years and I am going to try many of your tips. Going to press all my seams open from now on. You are fantastic!

[@sophiastamatis9235]

100% agree! From garment sewer to quilting allowed me to transfer those skills to quilting. Pressing seams open gives your a thread or two advantage…..it’s called “turn of thread.”

[@MrsBooklover55]

I believe the pressing seams to one side was because ladies hand quilted everything. It is easier to hand quilt in the ditch with only one layer of fabric to quilt through instead of two layers. If seams would not hold , when pressing seams open, , wouldn't all our clothes fall apart? I know some feel, that there is too much stress on the seams, if your quilt is laying on the bed and they are pressed open and someone sits on it. It will pull apart, but again, our clothing gets lots of pulling and stress on the seams and they usually do not fall apart. Especially if you shorten the stitch length as you said in the video. Great advice in the video. Be yourself!

[@archivist68]

Hi! I am a novice quilter but an expert "maker" for over 30 years. I love your video because it highlights one of the failings of guilds, maker communities, etc., and that is the setting of rules. There are best practices, yes. But unconstructive criticism simply holds back the art and the artist. Just look at the many makers over the centuries who broke the rules of their day and created genius work for us to enjoy today! I got a kick out of the rule to press seams to one side, usually the darker one. In sewing the seam is usually pressed open unless a particular seam is required. If pressing the seam open causes a weak seam then my garments should have disintegrated decades ago! LOL

[@suzanneward5131]

Thank you! I don't enjoy working with pre washed fabric. I don't wash fabric, but I also don't tell anyone!😉Thank you for the tips!

[@kasie680]

Haters gunna hate! I love your attitude towards People judging you! And every reason you gave for you doing something made complete sense! ❤❤

[@janicebritt8418]

I feel that quilting is very much a personal thing and when you do what works for you instead of running with the herd you are much happier in the process. I have never buried my thread and do exactly as you do. I don't plan to enter my quilts in a show so the method works great. I love your "violations" and find myself in many of them and the ones i don't do, I plan to try! Thanks much! 😊

[@nancydobbratz8207]

I have used a stapler to attach quilts to my walls when Im in a hurry.......Loved your video!

[@EdnaPapaia]

This is the first time I’ve watched you and I loved it, I have made many quilts over the years. I was a new quilter and made quilts t had no idea was not for beginners, I’ve gotten a lot better over the 20 or so years, I also have30 or so grandchildren and they all have quilts. Will watch you again for sure.

[@donnawilkinson5536]

How absolutely refreshing! I love your tips, and attitude. I am the mistress of my own quilt roommates 🤗

[@kshimer7331]

Omg, I love your attitude. I’m self taught, and probably have been doing it wrong all along, but I have managed some very special quilts. I wish I had had the opportunity to learn properly, I do many of those ten things you just described. Thanks for sharing.

[@Keke0707-x7t]

In your face quilt police! There's a new sheriff in town!! Love it. ❤️ Keep the fun informative videos coming!

[@pamkahmann3833]

I am definitely going to start pressing my seams opens. This old dog (68) can certainly learn new tricks!😁 So many things to try. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Faithfully103]

This is now my favorite video of yours.

[@sandrarose7129]

Wish I new more people who hate small scraps. I love them! Each to their own!

[@lifehappens6447]

My great grandmother taught me to press my seems open. I also only washed my fabric first once, never again. Lol. I use pens, always have. Geesh, guess I just am a rebel. Lol

[@billiesmall8051]

I am so glad you let us in on your 10 little secrets, I too do almost all of these things on the) sly lol., however I wasn't aware of the little mister (sp) thanks for the

[@crisfield4364]

I don't quilt but I love the idea of breaking the rules so I had to watch. Beautiful quilts!

[@robertadzeima5132]

Lmao!!!! I love pressing my seams open. Seems logical to me. One famous quilter talked about the "hidden" mistake the Amish do..(bs!) Thank you.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I don’t think any quilters have to try to make mistakes 😂

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

Steph, this is a miracle video. I’m a pretty new quilter, and these ten subjects cause me no end of anxiety. I’m stressing right now over the scraps I’ve collected. I feel I was meant to see this now. I can’t tell you the relief I’m feeling. I’m taking my first quilt class now after finishing two quilts with six more at the quilter’s. The first class she cut the fabric different from me. I was horrified. Apparently I’ve been cutting wrong for a year. I have been trying to copy her technique but it’s awkward for me. Thank you SO much. I can’t tell you how much better I feel after watching this!!!

[@suzum.9713]

I just made my second quilt and pressed the seams open. The quilt looks SOOOO much more neat and tidy than my first one.

[@bridgettwalker5208]

If you really want to see the quilt police freak tell them you use crayola washable markers instead of chalk or other “disappearing“ pens. They work great, there are a ton of colors to chose from, and have washed out of everything is used them on.

[@beckypetersen2680]

I think they Crayola has way more at stake financially to make sure these things wash out than any quilt pen manufacturers. I also use Crayola washable markers. Never a single whiff of a problem.

[@craftdipper]

Brilliant idea!

[@dinglebat63]

Ooo, I love those things. I also do clothing alterations and turn into a toddler using them. They're brilliant cause everything gets slung in the wash before being handed back. I've never had a marker that didn't wash away.

[@juliamedina1214]

I just this year learned to use Crayola water markers. I love them. I really had a face plant moment when my sister asked me why I didn't use them.

[@alaskatundrakid]

You go, lady, that is all the things I have done ever since I started quilting, DO YOUR OWN THING, it all comes out in the end, and if you find a hole in the fabric, cover it with a patch, no one will know that you did not plan it that way.

[@ddregno1]

I love you. You have removed so much guilt from my quilting. Also, you have excused some or the things I thought I had to do, and I will stop a lot of things. Life is good.

[@jennym007]

I was once told that guilt is a ‘wasted emotion’, a negative that could never be made into a positive. It changed my life. I no longer feel guilty about anything. I try to be a good person and live a fruitful life. So therefore there is absolutely no reason for me to feel any guilt.

[@kj8142]

Great video! I was going to say how much your tutorial on how to get perfect points helped me, but I’m busy ironing out frixion pen marks with my steamless iron. After that I’m going to get rid of a pile o scraps, and admire my heretofore guilty pile of UFOs, and tell the truth about ugly fabric regrets! Now to ponder what to do with that spray starch I no longer need…guess I’ll figure that out after I order my misting bottle. This video is FIRE 🔥🔥🔥

[@janemeyer794]

Love your sense of humor

[@gerbs747]

I’m 70, been quilting for 50 yrs. I took quilting classes because no quilters in my family. I was taught open seams. The quilts do turn out better. For quick quilts, baby quilts, etc. , I fold over. Love the video!

[@Sawsan351]

aren't you the most chill quilter ever 😫😫✨✨👍🏻👍🏻

[@charlavaught2681]

We think alike! I agree with you on everything….but #10.😁 I love my steam in my iron but I am careful about distortion and I love my mister, too. Thanks for your great video. I think we should get to choose what works best for us.👍

[@theresaseyferth7152]

I just happened upon this video. It was awesome. Every tip is awesome. The seams pressed open never thought of it. I use frixion pens, and the iron steam makes sense, I will be stopping that.

[@kmosley0701]

Thank you! These are great and as a self taught quilter I’m already breaking a lot of the quilting rules. LOL! I’m going to try pressing seams open too.

[@andreajamma3635]

Definitely machine stitch my bindings. It’s like blasphemy with experienced quilters, but I have carpal tunnel in my right hand and can’t hand stitch more than a few stitches. The looks I get are priceless. It works for me and I will never be a competitive quilter.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I understand that! Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is painful!

[@angelerobichaud2586]

I started using Crayola washable markers to mark my quilting lines. I always wash my quilts once I’m done the quilting and binding. The marks all came out beautifully even after a year of sitting on my quilt. I was happily surprised. It took that long because I broke my right wrist and couldn’t hand quilt until I got my strength and flexibility back

[@prettycurious141]

I agree. I would rather use something designed to wash out, than a chemical that isn't meant to be used on fabric at all.

[@PattymacMakes]

Love this, and I’m also a quilt rebel! Real life is not the same thing as show quilting. I’m making my stuff for enjoyment and then also to use. I use or gift out everything I make. I have no interest in entering a competition but gifting a friend’s child with a quilt or pillow case Or softie is something I love doing! And a 3 year old doesn’t care if you pressed seams open or used a frixion pen. I love your work Stephanie!

[@deliacandelaria762]

Thank you! I am so relieved with to hear ALL this 😅

[@laurajustice4275]

I absolutely start new projects without finishing all my current projects or "ufo's" because that is part of the fun and joy of creating. I also love completing things and I keep my projects organized like you do, but I do this for the joy it brings me.

[@patriciashattuck9625]

This was a great informative video!! Loved all the tips and especially #4. I will start opening my seams today. Never realized pressing the seams to one side affected the size. Great information. Keep going as there are a lot of people rooting for you.

[@gwenwolff6607]

Stephanie, you made my day! I learned to sew from my grandma in the 1960's. EVERY seam was pressed open, and garment sewing has remained the same over my lifetime as a casual sewist. I've come to quilting recently and was baffled by the idea of NOT continuing that method for flat seams! Love your method of misting instead of steam ironing. My new iron has never held water and now it never will. But most of all, you've reminded us that the point is to experience JOY. Thanks so much!

[@nursekate6772]

I just started pressing my seams open and for the first time in 5 years of quilting my pinwheels are perfect!. I took your advice and lowered my stitch length to 2.0 and haven't had a problem yet. Thanks for the great video

[@emilyvickery8081]

So refreshing to hear someone who also creates how it suits them. Not everybody eats broccoli - not every fabric is appealing to everyone's creative pallet. Thank you! ♥️

[@hollykarlsen1792]

I had to teach myself how to quilt when I was in my 20’s. I had no one to teach me the guidelines and I was so impatient then I might not have followed them anyway. As I’ve grown older and learned so much from books and KZbin I have been able to make quilts that might take longer, but turn out so much better. I think it’s a good idea to learn the “guidelines” or “best practices” first so that you can figure out which ones just don’t work for you and which ones actually help you. I still press my seams open most of the time and I don’t use steam but thank goodness I know how to make a binding now, ha ha!

[@KazM-Made]

0:26 - Prewash? 2:28 - Starch? 4:08 - Pressing seams open 6:29 - Stich-in-the-ditch 7:46 - Friction Gel Pens 9:54 - Scrap management 11:27 - Ugly fabric 13:14 - Thread Tails 14:34 - New Project Syndrome 15:26 - Steam Irons V Spray Misting

[@rsplatt100]

The art of quilting has been revitalized in the last 10 to 15 years by KZbin. And I am grateful to all these instructors who show you how to do things the easy way and make it fun!

[@TheRoxieStone]

Go Zee Bees 😜 That was a fun little surprise as I was watching. (I also went there)

[@karincooks]

I recently saw a tip about using clear, washable Elmers on bindings for table runners and small quilts where binding is sewn down - I was aghast 😅 until I tried it - you sew, flip, glue lightly, clamp, sew. It’s a game changer. And if you want to wash, the glue washes out. Quilt Police heads are exploding as I type!!

[@lizreynolds4554]

Thank you for sharing this information. I am 65, and my Mother and older Sister were big-time quilters. THEY BOTH would get frustrated with me, I am slow, and anxious re: cutting and finishing. They would take it from me and finish it. This only caused more anxiety and less confidence. Quilt Police, Clothing Police, look in the dictionary, you will find their pix. 😅 Truth. So, this makes me feel better, because it gives me a chance. Huggles Always 💖🍀🌹

[@laurar430]

I press my seams open, too! I never told anyone! Thank you for the no-steam iron tip!

[@hootnanny1315]

Great points made, Stephanie. You gotta do it your way. Please let quilting be freeing rather than restrictive! I can't believe I would be the only one that really, really gets the ire up by using polyester thread. Gasp! Yep, hasn't caused a problem, yet, but I don't plan to be around 100 years to find out if it does.

[@aprilmorehouse9639]

Polyester thread? Ooops, I just grab a color I like. Lol I'm in trouble.

[@laurag8641]

more and more of you younger folks (I’m old, lets face it!) are doing it your way in quilting and I LOVE it! We do have to feel good in our own skin and in our sewing techniques and habits. Sometimes I press them open when I think fabric needs to be and other times I press over. Since I have been piecing more often with small pieces I tend to press open. The only thing I differ with in your reasoning on this point is, I tried stitch in the ditch once on pressed open seams and I think and felt like I am sewing over the stitches so I tend not to do stitch in the ditch with open seams. I kept thinking my needle would split the threads under it or at some point through washing over time it would cause a failure in a seam or more. Loved this video, love your attitude and I might try your mister use idea when I iron flat seams

[@tonitoland846]

Thank you!! You mentioned at least 5 things that I do because it was how I was taught and always wondered why they were done that way. Pressing seams open: thank you! Washing first: thank you! Hanging on to ugly fabrics: thank you! And you’re so right about the “younger” generations. I was honored to judge a (national, well known” quilt show

[@tonitoland846]

Typo - sorry. Well-known national quilt show as I am a graphic designer and I sew. One of my fellow judges frequently would chalk off a quilt because it was from a kit, or because it had been machine quilted. I was sort of dumbfounded when what I saw was a beautifully produced piece of art, whether it was “from a kit” or not (I tend away from kits only because I want to choose my own fabrics - another story) but a lot of the things you mention in this video make perfect sense to me - even though I am decades past when the original “quilting rules” where established. I feel the same way about knitting - bunch of old white-haired ladies refusing to move forward! Learn new tricks! Perfect their craft - not do it the same way their grandmothers’ did.

[@pamwaldron2566]

I was taught the reason for pressing seams to the side was so the sean allowance would not show through any lighter colored fabric pieces. I was taught to press the seam to the side that had darker colors, and if you were sewing together a lot of points (Lemoine Star for example) to press them all in the same direction so the points made a little spiral and you were supposed to trim the tips if the points between sewing and pressing to reduce bulk.

[@patcook1280]

Glad u are feeling better

[@pennyleesk]

You are SO practical. Thank you!

[@gwynwellliver4489]

A well known starcher and her best pal, who is not a starcher, say, "Be the boss of your own quilt. You don't have to do it my way. I am showing you what works for me. It might not be for you. That's OK!" That was liberating for me as a newer quilter years ago. My mom, who is 77, went from pooh poohing LAQ to embracing it, because as log as she can afford the LAQ, it allows her to make more quilts and still do the other handwork she loves. Rock on Stephanie!

[@AnitaSouthall]

LAQ, please explain. I know most other things

[@craftdipper]

@@AnitaSouthall I was puzzled too, but it dawned on me... Long Arm Quilting☺️

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

@@AnitaSouthall long arm quilter

[@wendybrown5531]

Thank you for your great video. I was looking to find another video that would show how you pin your points.

[@pattiadams3968]

I store my UFO’s like you do. I do all of the things in this list. Pressing seams open has been a game changer for perfect points. I do like starch, but mainly for bias cut material.

[@kittyhettinger6091]

Thank you! I have been quilting 40+ years and I was taught almost all of the skills you mentioned. I gradually came to realize I could could do the steps in a way that worked the best for me and get the same or better results. I especially agree with not using water in the iron. Misting rarely causes me a distorted block like steam can.

[@cherylsmith3002]

The first time I saw a video where someone said they don't use steam in their iron and that helps with not distorting the blocks, it was like a revelation! I now break so many old rules. Yes, I even started pressing my seams open! This did make me smile

[@joysmith4276]

Thanks for your encouragement and permission to find what works best for me

[@kimdent1637]

Loved this video! I experimented with the Frixion pen on a piece of white fabric. I marked it, pressed it, then put it in the freezer. The line returned faintly. I pressed again then washed and dried the fabric then returned it to the freezer. The lines never returned.

[@cherylwilliams42]

Oh, my! Your UFO bin stack looks like mine! 😂

[@dianeb8067]

Amen for this video! Thank you for saying it’s ok to do what works for you. I’ve always kept all my scraps which take up precious storage space, and I’m not a scrappy quilter. I’m now so happy to give them to other quilters who love having a fresh selection of scraps. A great reminder that quilting should make us happy 😃

[@AnitaSouthall]

I got a bag of scraps and and loving them into table runners and placemats. Small things make me happy. I need to put out my post box address and drive my husband nuts lol.

[@karenprice9132]

Long arm quilting

[@paulaneary7877]

I do love scraps but I am finding the same thing- that they do take up space that could be used to store other things and I am finding I really don't have time to use all my scraps. I get rid of some on a regular basis but I am beginning to rethink saving so many scraps.

[@janetwayment1755]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one who likes to open the seams when pressing! Nice video

[@barbarameehan113]

I love your honesty. You have removed my guilt feelings because I am right on with everything you are sharing. Thank you.

[@chereeh1379]

Omgosh! Thank you for the freedom to not bury my threads! I always wondered where I stood there! LOL

[@carlabales5187]

That pink quilt hanging out in the background is gorgeous

[@theshaleeva]

Hilarious! Lock me up now! I’m guilty of all ten of these offenses, too.

[@nilenethompson-finn9062]

Priceless! 😍😍😍

[@momistaken]

I would love to see more of that fabric cutting machine! As a beginner, a piece of red quilt-shop fabric hurt my quilt, a sad memory. I have an hourglass quilt on my bed right now with lots of bumps because I didn’t take enough care with seam pressing.

[@laniwiens6574]

I can identify with many of these!! 😂 I tend to whack things off if they aren’t perfectly square, in places where it doesn’t really matter, or add ‘coping strips’ If one out two squares aren’t quite equal to the others. Coping strips are just extra bits of sashing to get things up to the needed size.

[@sherimcgill5139]

Preach sista! It comes natural for me to press the seams open having a garment sewing background. The first time I “pressed toward the dark side” I knew I lost more area on one side than the other, but I guess it does have its place on some patterns. Thanks for making backstitching legal again, this baby boomer appreciates it!

[@VJG123]

Yes, Part 2 would be good.