Archive | tips and techniques

Scrappy CF Coasters

By carolyn friedlander on September 2, 2020 in fabric, Featured on Home, tutorials | Comments: 2

One set wasn’t enough, so here are some more scrappy CF coasters that I made recently.

scrappy CF coasters . carolyn friedlander

Actually, I guess that I have a lot of these in the works. They can be made from a charm pack, and so I grabbed a stack of 5″ squares from Collection CF and started pairing the fabrics together in different ways and in different sets. The first grouping was this one, and here is another grouping in pinks, peaches and lilacs. If I let myself really dream a bit, I think it’d be lovely to make an entire set of these big stitch coasters in all of the colors.

Binding Selection

One thing that is a little different about this set from the first is that I used different binding fabrics on each of the coasters. There’s no right or wrong in deciding this, it’s all a matter of taste and what you are feeling. In a scrappy set like this, I think the variety is fun, and I love seeing how all of the different fabrics play out in the bias trim.

Selecting Thread Colors

I quilted each coaster with a different color thread. This adds even more character and color to each coaster and to the set as a whole. The quilting becomes more engaging, because you can think about and explore using different colors as you go–an entertaining way to quilt, if you ask me.

This is a great project to grow (or start growing) your big stitch quilting skills. I also think it’s a great way to explore different ways to pair fabrics and explore color. Plus, it’s something that you can use around the house or gift to a friend.

Binding Tips

If you haven’t seen it already, I have a new video that I posted on making the binding and how to attach it to the coasters. You can head over here to check it out.

Project Details

Fabric: Collection CF

Tutorials: Big Stitch Coaster Tutorial (here), Binding for Quilted Coasters video (here)

My favorite Hand Quilting tools.

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How to Bind the Quilted Coasters

By carolyn friedlander on August 28, 2020 in Featured on Home, tips and techniques, tutorials | Comments: 9

I’m delighted to have something new for you–a video on How To Bind the Quilted Coasters.

big stitch coasters . carolyn friedlander

The binding on my Big Stitch Coasters seems to be a sticking point for many, and so I’m happy to be able to show you exactly how I do it.

how to bind quilted coasters . carolyn friedlander

The video includes picking out your fabric, creating your own bias tape, and then I go through all of the steps for attaching it to your coasters. I like to sew the top by machine and then hand stitch it down on the back. I’ll mention some tips too on how I’d attach it all by machine if that’s something you’re curious about.

Of course there are a million ways to do just about anything in sewing, this is just the way that works for me. I’m hoping it helps you too!

Everything gets better with practice. Don’t feel bad if it takes a bit to get the hang of it.

Let me know what you think and happy binding!

Links:

+ Big Stitch Coasters Tutorial

+ Binding Tutorial (on YouTube)

+ Here’s a link to some of the supplies I used in the video that can be found in the shop: Clover Seam Roller, Thread Gloss, Aurifil Thread, Hand Sewing Needles, Kai small scissors, Kai medium scissors. (Oh, and a special Crew pincushion makes a cameo too.)

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Big Stitch Coasters in Collection CF

By carolyn friedlander on July 30, 2020 in fabric, Featured on Home, quilting, tips and techniques, tutorials | Comments: 1

With the newest fabrics in Collection CF arriving in stores, I thought I’d share with you these new Big Stitch Coasters that I made in Collection CF.

The coasters are made using this free tutorial that I put together a few years back. (I’ve now given it a fresh update!) I use these coasters all the time, and they’re a fun thing to give away to friends.

big stitch coasters tutorial-stitch layers . carolyn friedlander

Small projects are perfect for trying out new techniques. If you’re wanting to give big stitch quilting a try, this is a great way to start. The commitment is small, and the possibilities are endless. Of course you could machine quilt them if handwork isn’t your thing, but I love the added color and texture of the big stitches.

It’s also a small and speedy project that can update something you use around the house, which I am all for. Or maybe you could send some to a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them. Both are worthwhile motives in my mind right now.