Andy QAL: Finishing your quilt
We're officially finished with the Andy QAL, but you might be thinking, well awesome. Now I just have a quilt top. And I don't want to keep you hanging like that! So let's talk finishing touches on your Andy (or any quilt top you've got hanging around!).
Choosing Backing and Binding
I like to approach choosing backing and binding without overly stressing about it. There are a few factors that can come into play: affordability, use, and design.
Affordability
The backing of a quilt can easily run you into the triple digits, and that can be a barrier to actually getting your quilt finished! To avoid that, here are a few tips:
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- Shop sales! If you find a shop running a yardage/backing sale, it's a good time to stock up on something that works well with others. After years of buying things at random, I've found those items won't get used unless they're fairly neutral. Think gingham or plaids in colors that you tend towards. They look great on the back of most quilts (in my opinion).
- Look for sheets! You can find these brand new or at a thrift store. And bonus: you don't have to piece them. This also works for duvet covers. Maybe you even have a flat sheet lying around that hasn't been used in a while. I strongly suggest finding 100% cotton for your material, and if you're buying new, don't go for the highest thread count. It's actually harder to sew through when the weave is really tight!
- Piece together something fun with larger scraps! I've done this before (see below) and it turned into the cutest quilt back!!! And it was so fun to do.
Use
The next question I like to ask when I'm choosing these fabrics is where will it live? A lot of people love a minky for backing because of how soft it is to cozy up with. If it's living in your throw blanket basket, maybe that's what you want for it to get used a little more! Or maybe you live in a cold climate and flannel is best. Before I even get to "what does it look like?" I'll ask myself, "what does this quilt need to do for me/someone?" I've even used a water-resistant cotton tablecloth on the back of one quilt to turn it into the cutest picnic blanket!
Design
This is usually where people start, and that's so understandable. You want your quilt to be pretty or cool or...something aesthetically pleasing. Here's what I typically do...
If my quilt is simple, like a two-tone design, I'll do a little something fun for the backing. Maybe a favorite floral or something that feels visually interesting. If it's a busy quilt top, I'll go simpler on the backing. And binding is usually my final touch that blends the two. Sometimes a tiny print/stripe, sometimes a solid. But I'll look for a fabric that looks good on both sides to tie them together.
Basting Your Quilt
Uggghhh, amiright? This is by far the worst step of the quilting process. I don't have a video uploaded right now, but a quick google search will lead you to one. Essentially, I tape my backing down, wrong side up. Lay my batting down on top and make sure there aren't any bumps along the way. And then lay my quilt top down right side up. Annnnddd pin, pin, pin, pin, pin. ;) I usually do a combo or pin and spray basting to be honest. Because I'm a little lazy and it works for me! Find your method and thank your lucky stars this isn't 90% of the time you spend making a quilt.
Quilting
Lots of options for finishing any quilt top, but here are a few...
Short on time but have a little extra money in the budget? Send it to a long-armer (and save yourself the basting part!!). And you know what--Trace Creek Quilting is offering Andy QAL-ers a 25% off discount on all Andy quilts sent by April 15th!!!! That is an amazing deal, and I love working with Lilo!!
Short on money but in no rush? Andy is a great hand quilting project. Those long sashing strips are just dying for some hand quilting and you can use the YouTube video here to find all the tips I have for that!
Somewhere in the middle? Quilt on your domestic machine! Pop that walking foot on, find a good audiobook, and enjoy the rhythm of quilting. I especially like an on-point design on Andy!
Washing
Ok. I'm putting this in writing for the world to see. I wash my quilts on high heat and give them one round of high heat in the dryer. Do they shrink? Yes. But do they also crinkle up? Yes. I've yet to have a problem with it. BUT HEAR ME SAY THIS: Generations have said not to do this. 😂 So do not take that and run with it and disregard all of their wisdom! I'm just being transparent about what I do and what works in my personal washer/dryer. It might not be best for your situation, but I feel like I've been keeping it secret for far too long. Proceed at your own risk.
And if you want to follow the advice of generations? Wash on gentle and air dry. :)
Enjoy your quilt
The whole point of (most) quilts is to use and enjoy them. And the more you do, the soften and snugglier they become. So use them. A lot.
I hope this has been helpful and you get so many UFO tops done! A finished quilt is so much more beautiful/satisfying than a top! So get them done! ❤️