Curtains!

Hello Quilters!

I've just discovered and joined this forum, and I'm hoping to get some advice - please!

I have a pack of 10" moda squares, and I've laid them out nicely and will be making a pair of curtains, each curtain 6 squares x 6 squares.

I have them arranged so the grain runs vertically so no weird stretching; but after machine sewing them into strips, would they hang better sewing the strips together horizontally or vertically? I can't decide....

Has anyone made any curtains using big squares like this? Any advice gratefully received, I really want to start the project!

Maybe I don't know how to use this forum, but I can't seem to see my question on the listing on this section (Techniques & Design), so am posting a note, to see if it gets bumped into view!

Hi Claire, I'm sorry your forum post had to be checked before it went live, as it was your first post, but it is here now.

I haven't made a pair of curtains this way, but my gut feeling is that they would hang better if you sew them in vertical columns. I think the best thing to do is make a small mock up in calico or some appropriate fabric in the right weight. You don't need to make the mock up full size, you can use much smaller blocks and less blocks, but it will give you a better idea of how the final piece will work

Hello claire

I have not made curtains like this, so cannot be of much help really. sound a nice idea.

I would have though Horizontally.

Bye Pam

Welcome to the forum!

I'd reckon on vertically too, Claire but if there is a lining, then I don't think it would matter much.

Fiona.

Hi Claire
Just wanted to welcome you to the group. I've made applique quilted curtains for my grandaughter but not tried to make patchwork block curtains before. I hope you get the advice you are looking for as I'd be really interested in seeing a photo of the completed curtains.

Good luck
Marian

Hi Claire,

Vertically.... sew your patches so that you have rows going down - (Columns) By doing this you have small 10" seams horizontally that won't be too much to worry about stretching. Then by sewing the columns together vertically, you've eliminated the possibility of major stretch in sewing two columns togethers. I've tried this and it made the curtains hang better.

Just for some thought - if you sewed the patches into rows going across, you would have a 10" seam vertically between each patch, but then you would also need to sew horizontally between much longer rows giving the opportunity of major stretch.

Hope this makes sense.

Tessa x

Hi Claire

Welcome. The only things that I would add to Tessa's post are that I would probably use a walking foot if you have one, and stitch one long row from top to bottom and the next row from bottom to top and so on. This should keep the strips straight.

Margaret

Hi all, thanks for your advice, much appreciated! (& Katy, sorry to be impatient!).

Vertically, is what most of you advise. I was leaning in that direction myself, the only thing that made me think maybe not, was the idea I had that possibly sewing the squares in vertical columns might make the curtains hang with "edges" somehow, instead of smooth waves. But I think I'm probably wrong to think that, especially as some of your advice comes from experience.

I don't have a walking foot, actually not sure what that is, I'm behind the times on electric machines and will be making this on my torpedo-bobbin Singer treadle.

And I will be starting very soon, thanks to your help - nice one! And thanks for the welcomes

Hi Claire, Margaret S. is right.....definitely get a walking foot for your machine if there is one available for the model. Your feed dogs bring the fabric through under the needle at a certain speed. The walking foot is attached to the upper section of the needle shaft and pulls/feeds the fabric through from the top. This keeps both layers of fabric connecting at the same time....less chance of stretch in either layer.

Good luck on your project....we like to see pictures if you can....especially as you progress...and don't forget...you need some advice....just ask.

Tessa x