How to make a Crazy Quilt Part 1 Foundation Squares and Choosing Fabrics ~ DancesWithPitBulls ~

Hello, it’s me, Crazy Rebecca Dances With Pit Bulls. Welcome to Part 1 of Making a Crazy Quilt Start to Finish. Today we will be talking about foundation squares and fabrics. You can use muslin, an old sheet or any other type of cotton fabric for your foundation squares. Silks, Satins, Lace, Velvet, Upholstery Fabrics, Fancy prom dresses, Silk shirts, fancy cottons can all be used for the piecing of the blocks.
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Rebecca Halley
44 E Main Suite 513
Champaign IL 61820

[@sbrooks1117]

Wow. I have wanted to make a crazy quilt for fifty years but always thought it would be too hard. You make it look so easy. Your instructions are very clear and you are a "hoot" to learn from. You don't take yourself too seriously which makes you fun to watch and learn from. My daughter went on a missionary trip to China fifteen years ago and brought me back a lot of beautiful silk thinking I might be encouraged to start a crazy quilt. One of the reasons I always wanted to make a crazy quilt was because my dad had died before I was born 76 years ago and my mom told me that he had made a beautiful crazy quilt that she had lost in a fire. Thank you for giving me the courage to fulfill my dream. You're a doll.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

You have simply made my day, week, month, and year! I hope you make a crazy quilt soon. What colors are you drawn to?

[@ruthm4749]

My friend gave me a whole tote full of fabric scraps from her sewing shop business, and I have been putting it off, but now I will make my own crazy quilt. I'm so excited, thank you for this series

[@danceswithpitbulls]

How exciting! Please let me know how it goes!

[@rosealbert4517]

I think your quilts are gorgeous! Thank you sooo much for sharing 😊

[@danceswithpitbulls]

thank you Rose I appreciate it

[@jadu581]

I was dream about start quilt!!!! Now is came through ...... absolutely beautiful choose the color by You......I don't have best material like You, but is ok, I use what I have and this is so excited start first......... big, big big thanks!!!!!!!!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Yes, please use what you have to practice with then if you fall in love with these quilts you can start looking for different fabrics.

[@lottiefaith6935]

Yea, Rebecca! I'm thrilled with this new series, I love something different. Did you make the fabric bundles for yourself so you would have all of the material at your fingertips? What a great idea. I cut mine from an intact shirt I've found or from my fabric, I haven't really ever just cut a garment up and put it all away. I gather material for other projects but I'm not sure why I haven't thought of this. I am working on a quilter's hoarding quilt right now, just finishing my first large block. It's for fabric I've picked up to use but haven't or things I've been given and haven't used-it's now or never., : ) I'll look forward to the next part.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Yes, I cut fabric bundles to have on hand. I used to sell them but right now that is too much work for not enough money. That being said I will try to put some in my Facebook shop just in case. I will forever be a fabric hoarder :)

[@tracynovak8109]

Gorgeous !!!❤

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I hope you are inspired to make a crazy quilt!

[@corinnecurtis5145]

OMG, these are STUNNING!!! I really love the pinks!! It will be so gorgeous when you’re done! Thank you for showing how to start one.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I'm really excited about it too!

[@mazola5]

Oh....I am definitely going to be following this series. The blue quilt top is amazing!!! I have been wanting to do this for years. I am so thrilled to find someone who can walk you through the entire process.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I really need to finish that blue quilt. I need more hours in the day and days in the week and a million dollars so I don’t have to work lol

[@PeaceLoveandHomeschool]

I am so excited that you are doing this! Another year went by without me making a crazy quilt table runner for the holidays because I've been afraid to start one. Thanks so much for sharing your know how! I love your crazy quilt! It's stunning! ♡♡♡

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I predict your next Winter holiday table is going to look fabulous!

[@Ara-60]

Here Ariela again from Chile 🇨🇱!! 🙂. Your blue crazy quilt is beautiful!! My questions are: 1)are you going to put a batting? and 2)the top is embroidered together with the foundation in their seams.... so how are you going to “fix “ the backing to the whole quilt? I’ll be here waiting for your feedback ...... thanks a lot for teaching!!! 💐💐💐💐

[@danceswithpitbulls]

No I did not use a batting. I tried the top and back together at the corners of some of the blocks. I made a sleeve to hang it on the back. It decorates our conference room at work now.

[@MrsShirotora]

I have some polyester and rayon scarves I'd like to repurpose. They are slinky and some are dark colored but sheer. Would they be easier to work with if I ironed on some featherweight fusible web or is that not necessary? What about knit fabric?

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Jenn McCoy you can try using interfacing. I usually layer sheers with other fabrics. Keep knits in the middle. I have a a video on using sweater knits and stretchy fabrics.

[@beths2806]

Absolutely beautiful!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@debhurstdemers8093]

Rebecca, do you wash and dry all material before construction? Thanks for all your doing, very inspiring!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Sometimes, but not very often. If it's visibly dirty, yes. If it smells I hang it outside for a day. Most thrift store clothes have been washed bat some point in their lives, but yardage from the Idea Store I don't wash.

[@dallasburch104]

Me and my grandma are going to make one together!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

How exciting! Please keep me informed of your progress!

[@mafish7962]

Beautiful fabrics and your finished quilt is just stunning! . Laura 🌸🌸

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you Laura!

[@CindaBrown-u4o]

After watching your video of analyzing a scary quilt, the silk was disintegrating. Do you continue to use silk in your crazy quilts?

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I do because I find it's not worth worrying about any more, at least for me. Someone can throw a patch on anything that deteriorates on my quilts in the future.

[@Moodangbulae]

Your crazy quilt video really caught my eye! I’ve been looking for inspiration to make boho tote bags out of old decor fabric samples. This helped!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Sounds fabulous. Let me know how it goes!

[@DL-by8el]

I have tons of decorator fabric too would like to see how that goes.

[@ruthannmccaulley372]

Do you actually dance with pit bulls? I do freestyle with my Australian Terrier - first to earn WCFO title.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Not any more. I got this name back in 2001 when we had a Pit named Diane. She would chase us like the wolf chased Kevin Costner in Dances with Wolves. Congrats on your title!

[@ФаинаКискина]

Добрый день! Спасибо за интересное видео.Вы меня вдохновили на пошив такого одеяла или покрывала.Накопилось много кусков бархата.Творческих Вам успехов!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Я рада узнать, что ты сошьешь бархатное сумасшедшее одеяло! Дайте мне знать, как идут дела!

[@Liz.4485]

Oh my gosh I’m 3 years to late as usual!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

No you're not, jump right in!!!

[@smurfie161]

Wow all your fabric is awesome , looking forward to part 2

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I love shopping for Crazy Quilt fabrics. I just haven't done it lately because I was actually quilting since I got internet lol

[@karenkaren9526]

The blue and tan quilt is outstanding ❤

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thanks. It hangs in our conference room at work.

[@juliemc3999]

Do you always try to make one dominant fabric in every block on a quilt?

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I never thought about it like that but I guess I kind of do. It doesn't have to be a large piece though if that makes sense.

[@images7utube]

Thank you so much.....just what I need.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Glad it helped! Are you going to make a crazy quilt?

[@images7utube]

@@danceswithpitbulls I'm making a crumb quilt @ the moment.....but am on the lookout for some fun materials to use in a crazy quilt....thanks again!

[@cheryljune1603]

I’d be so afraid the Fabric you used for foundation would shrink

[@danceswithpitbulls]

You're not going to be washing this quilt. Prewash the foundation fabric if it makes you feel better

[@bettelovelace4456]

👏👏👏👏that blue quilt is GORGEOUS!!! I want to do one like that💜💜 JUST STUNNING !! This is gonna be fun!!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Let me know how it goes for REAL!

[@BonnyAndClive]

Eeeeeee I love your crazy quilting. I want to try it but I don't think I'm as patient as you lol 😊💕

[@danceswithpitbulls]

You won’t know unless you try!

[@fayecook9171]

Never made a crazy quilt I have made the blocks into fabric books ,LOVE the fabrics your using

[@danceswithpitbulls]

As you will see Monday I am actually using pinks and blacks. I need to put a border and a backing on the blue quilt

[@annetteb9695]

This is a beautifully detailed series of tutorials. Thank you so much. 😊

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you. I am trying to get more videos of this series made.

[@StaceysStash]

I have always wanted to make quilts but I've never been taught how to sew or anything like that so I'm having to take it one step at a time lol. Can't wait for the rest of this series to see it all come together!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

One step at a time will get you there!!!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

I taught myself how to sew. My grandmother was an expert but she never taught me nor did I show interest to be taught. You can do this and the advantage now v 35 years ago you have many generous teachers. Do not fear mistakes…they are the best teacher

[@SusanneBachunAquarell]

Sooo gorgeous, your fabric journey inspired me so much to try again Crazy Quilts with all kinds of embellishments. I quickly ordered the fabrics for a Victorian Crazy quilt in Burgundy and dark Berry tones to work together with you while watching the Videos. Your channel is great, thank you for sharing. Have a nice Sunday !!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I hope can share your quilt progress on Facebook or Instagram! Those colors sound yummy.

[@rosealbert4517]

Absolutely gorgeous 😍 ❤️ 💖 💕

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you so much!! I need to focus on more crazy quilting

[@hippiecrowhub]

Beautiful patchwork!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you very much!

[@dustfairies-safyagajjan3898]

Hi Rebecca! I just saw your series of crazy quilts! I don't know how I missed your videos... You have a facebook page? I didn't know that...please let me know what is called... I will follow you there... ❤😊👍

[@danceswithpitbulls]

check at the bottom in the description boxes of my videos. There are two FB links - The top one is my group and the second one is my so called business page lol

[@DL-by8el]

Today I bought what I thought was a crazy quilt top. But someone just cut pieces with a pinking shears and layered the blocks instead of seaming. The embellishing is done over the top of the zig zag. Was this a way to expidite the process, back in the day?

[@danceswithpitbulls]

There are many ways to make crazy quilts and the maker of your quilt found her way. You are lucky to have come across it!

[@DL-by8el]

@@danceswithpitbulls Yes your so right. My mom used to have a unique wire basket with one on her living room wall. The maker also had a name emroidered on a piece that was pinned to it. I think it was meant to go on the back. There was also a piece of paper with numbers. I was going to toss it but now I wonder if it represents the piece count or the hours spent? This is exactly why I like old things, there is an untold story. Who made it ? Why? Man or woman? Child? The embroidery id really tight and multicolored. I can't find your video number 2. I want to learn how to back my top. Thanks for the videos!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

@@DL-by8el I need to do a video on backing a larger quilt. My daughter's top is almost done so hopefully I can video it. Problem is I have no room. There is one where I finished the burgundy wall hanging.

[@DL-by8el]

@@danceswithpitbulls I know I thought about taking mine to work to do the back and use the conference table

[@danceswithpitbulls]

@@DL-by8el I could do that too!

[@jomaloney343]

Now I’m going to crest for me. I using thousands of dollars with of stuff.

[@paulinedonnelly6077]

Hi Rebecca, greetings from Mollymook Beach Australia.🇦🇺😎😍 I just came across this video & will now be binge-watching the rest xx I think I am ready to try a crazy quilt, yours are stunning ! I have a ton of gorgeous fabrics being hoarded & I really need to utilise them before I get any older !!!!! I'm 71 & it freaks me out to wonder what will happen to my stash ..... eventually 😭😭 So thanx to you I hopefully will get a move on 😍😍 TFS XXXX I can only imagine how many more quilts you have made since this video 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I've made mostly wall hangings but I did finish a bed quilt for my daughter! I am so glad to hear you are going to be using your stash- FYI I bet you have enough for more than one if you are anything like me!

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

Hi, I'm a new subbie. First let me say I am blown away by your artistic ability. Your quilts are jewels! I'm watching all 43 of your crazy quilt videos, taking notes as I go. I've got a lot of fabric inherited from my mom, also a lot of notions to use for embellishment. My plan is to make 2 quilts for my great nieces to have something from my mother and me. My plans often go awry, so I'm not sure what will actually happen. I haven't sewn since high school homemaking class in 1973, so this may take a while! Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

How exciting! I hope you keep me informed as to your progress. Crazy Quilts are very forgiving so don't stress too much about it.

[@carsondecker7006]

Forgive me if you have already mentioned this but how do you piece this together? Does sewing onto the fabric when building the block make the joining seams bulky? Would you then use batting for the middle? How would you fully assemble this quilt and bind it? Thanks! I can’t wait to start my crazy quilt!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I press the joining seams flat. It is a personal choice whether or not to use batting. I have several videos showing how I finish crazy quilts

[@thepursuitofhappiness2126]

I am going to make this quilt using the fabric from all the face masks we acquired. Thanks so much for the tutorial.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

O.M.G. What a great idea! I hope to see it when you are finished

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

I just found you, what you are making is fantastic it really is, i going to ;learn more about quilting i from England.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you. Please keep me informed of your crazy quilting adventures!

[@isingon4u]

Question; Using the various fabrics, what would recommend on how to clean? So beautiful! Really enjoyed your video. Reminded me of one my grandmother made.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

dry clean (if they will even take it on) or carefully spot clean. You can vacuum them with the brush attachment. My best tip is to just be careful with them like you would any piece of artwork you poured your heart and soul into.

[@conniebeane6164]

Love this tutorial. I see too many how-to videos that use wildly patterned fabrics for the background, but I find that when you do, the embellishments get lost in the confusion. It's nice to see a how-to that demonstrates how to keep the background in the background so that the fun stuff--the embellishments and embroidery--can shine.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I figured out that patterns aren't the best a long time ago but sometimes I do like to have a theme or focal print here and there

[@DH-qz2so]

Hi, super neat quilt! I am wondering about the washing of the finished project, as all fabrics shrink or not...at different rates....thanks!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

It depends on the use of the quilt. If I was making a crazy quilt for a bed I would use cottons and minimal embellishments. I wouldnt wash a highly decorated crazy quilt at all just maybe vacuum it if it gets dusty. If you use thrifted clothing you could make a fancy bed quilt but you might want to have it dry cleaned.

[@fludrbywest3886]

How Gorgious ❣️❣️❣️love love your material and that quilt🌹💖✨❣️ I have gone to Heavean❣️❣️

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Now if I could just FINISH a quilt lol

[@hazelem1266]

Thank you for showing the back of your quilt. Many, many people do not. I appreciate it.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

oh the dreaded back of the quilt lol. I like to use weird backing fabrics when I can.

[@hazelem1266]

@@danceswithpitbulls thank you for your response. Have you ever coordinated the back of your quilt with your front. I am an extremely inexperienced new hand quilter and I am attempting this, yikes. I’m mapping the front right now and sort of doing panels for the back at the same time. Finding your channel now is easing my mind and makes me think I can do it.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

@@hazelem1266 well uhhhhhhhhhh yes and no- I mean the back compliments the front sometimes but to actually coordinate it? Not my style lol. I like to get two quilts for the price of one.

[@hazelem1266]

@@danceswithpitbulls I have one grandbaby in South Africa so I wanted to do a story/memory quilt so I started hand sewing. Then we had the strict lockdown in Melbourne Australia and our borders are shut. I am an anaesthetic nurse and elective surgery was cancelled so I had time. But she loves the frozen series so I thought ok, I can do one quilt, one weight., two themes. So inexperience coupled with over ambition I am where I am 🤣 and I find myself addicted to channels of people who do crazy, wonky anything will do quilts. I find I am learning so much from people like you.

[@SIRDONUT3rd]

Its a great series Rebby! I will share with many bowlers!

[@karenkaren9526]

Gorgeous. I do find bed sheets material very hard to work with because it is so tightly woven.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

yeah- I am often tempted but usually manage to talk myself out of it lol

[@knitpurlcreations]

so so pretty!! I love it !! congratulations!! and thank you very much for sharing you have inspired me!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I'm so glad!Let me know if you take a crazy quilt journey. I want to know colors, themes, whatever!

[@sandraenglandful]

I would love to buy some of your material, tell me how to obtain it, please! ❤️love your material.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I will do a video when I have more fabric for sale. I am having a hard time sourcing right now due to the virus. The fabric bundles are $20 each with free shipping.

[@rebeccamiller7456]

I use paper to make block then I stitch decorative stitches on seams sew blocks together.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Yes, paper would work too. How many have you made?

[@beverlyyureck104]

Thank you for this. This is my New Year resolution to learn

[@danceswithpitbulls]

You got this! let me know how it goes please.

[@marcijlo]

Rebecca those quilt blocks are exquisite! I’ve just started with this project!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Awesome! What colors are you using!?!

[@marcijlo]

danceswithpitbulls Rebecca I am using traditional quilting fabric, it’s what I bought sometime ago but didn’t know that one can use any fabric! Your quilt looks so rich in color, I will buy some different fabrics like yours!

[@themoreyou]

Beautiful work and fabrics you used. Thank you

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you! 😊

[@gisellelaing6734]

Hi Rebecca ☺️ 👋, I was walking through the Dollarama the other day and came across a drop sheet I believe it's polyester and was wondering can that be used as well as a backing to make the crazy block on?

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I think it should work? I don't see why it wouldn't.

[@gisellelaing6734]

Thank you for your quick response Rebecca. I've been watching your first three videos on choosing your fabric where you went to get it, cutting it, my oh my does it ever stir me up to do one. Oh, another question that I have is how would you wash this quilt seeing as you have so many different types of material in there @danceswithpitbulls

[@danceswithpitbulls]

@@gisellelaing6734 I recommend not washing a highly embellished crazy quilt. Treat it like fine art. No sticky fingers, pets using it as a bed so on and so forth. Vacuum it if it gets dusty. If you want a washable quilt use cottons and only embroidery

[@gisellelaing6734]

​@@danceswithpitbullsthank you Rebecca, I really appreciate your instruction 😊

[@skylerroze5602]

I want to know more about the spider and the web that has to go on the crazy quilt for good luck

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I've only done that once. Probably why I only have bad luck lol

[@skylerroze5602]

@@danceswithpitbulls Good to know I'm trying to learn how to make a crazy quilt I am a new beginner but I hear a lot of different things you need to put in a crazy quilts and one was just a spider but it's good to know that I'm really not a big fan of spiders:-)

[@lgene7232]

How many squares can be made from on fabric bundle

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I just did a test kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGPSYp-JarGCd6c Results may vary lol

[@Ara-60]

Read my lips dear.... THANK-YOU!! I’m Ariela from Chile 🇨🇱 and I’m learning with you!! Thank you SO MUCH for share this “how-to”. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@danceswithpitbulls]

You are so very welcome. I am planning my next quilt but it's hard to choose what colors to use.

[@sandraenglandful]

What a beautiful combination of material and colors

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you, I love color!

[@joycerideout6311]

Beautiful love it ❤️

[@jomaloney343]

I love you work. You have inspired me. I have a studio for doing all medias. I use to teach family and consumer services. Taught 28 different classes. Now can’t get a job.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Hope you can profit from art somehow. And if you make a crazy quilt please let me know!

[@elisabethkeane9988]

Hi, Rebeca I’ve mentioned you on my face book and eBay. Liz xxx

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you Liz I appreciate that!

[@elisabethkeane9988]

You showed me how, I just use that style to make evening bags in the U.K. xx

[@sandybourgeois7332]

I love this!!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Hey thanks! Are you going to try a crazy quilt?

[@sandybourgeois7332]

Yep! Getting supplies ready! Going to thrift store. Getting goodies@

[@lgene7232]

Binge at the beginning a good place to start!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

When in doubt start at the beginning.

[@jomaloney343]

Thanks you

[@Liz.4485]

O gos

[@jomaloney343]

Which I had some one to share with.

[@danceswithpitbulls]

If you mean pictures you can tag me on Instagram @dances_with_pit_bulls or in the Facebook group (link in description box)

[@frainlee]

Beautiful! I want to learn!!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

You can do it! Start gathering your fabrics and try a block.

[@jomaloney343]

Are you still creating?

[@danceswithpitbulls]

You betcha. I cycle through mediums. Knitting and journaling and some crazy quilting and mixed media at present.

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Love this tutorial!!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

Thank you!! Have you started a crazy quilt yet?

[@LoJo99]

Lol. "Only a test"

[@danceswithpitbulls]

I'm going to have to watch this to see where I said that lol

[@SIRDONUT3rd]

Great Rebby!

[@danceswithpitbulls]

It's been fun doing this series.