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How to Quilt a Textured Vest
comments (5) October 26th, 2011
This bohemian-style vest is cute, comfortable, and superquick to make. Its unique texture comes from a simple shrinking technique that essentially crumples fabric. To create it, choose a natural fiber fabric that has not been preshrunk. Then, machine-quilt at least three layers of the fabric together, finish the edges, soak the garment in water, and let it tumble dry—it will automatically shrink and pucker between the stitched quilting lines.
Supplies
3 yards cotton gauze
Thread (regular machine thread or rayon, polyester, acrylic, or cotton embroidery thread)
Pins
Scissors
Sewing machine
Optional:
Buttons
Tapestry needle
Go Gauzy
A good-quality, loosely-woven cotton gauze was the choice for this vest, but you could opt for wool gauze, silk organza, or even lightweight handkerchief linen.
Texture test
First, test a 4-inch-square swatch of quilted fabric to determine the shrinkage amount, so you can cut the right size pieces for your vest. Quilt the swatch layers together on the lengthwise grain; then soak and gently tumble it dry. Measure the quilted fabric. Calculate the percent of shrinkage.
How to calculate for shrinkage
Measure your test swatch before and after you shrink it; use the difference to figure out the size to cut your vest pieces.
To figure the size to cut each piece, multiply the desired finished length (or width) by the percentage of shrinkage. Add the result to the desired length (or width). For example, 12 inches (desired length) x 6 percent = 0.72 inch (round up to 3⁄4 inch). Cut length = 12 3⁄4 inches.
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Comments (5)
Posted: 3:43 pm on November 4th
Posted: 2:53 pm on November 4th
Posted: 1:07 pm on November 4th
Posted: 1:06 pm on November 4th
-pre-shrink both fabrics first.
-use KK200 to temporarily 'glue' the two fabrics together. This will help while you're quilting.
- Sew the two fabrics as one before cutting out the pattern pieces, toss in the wash, dry, then cut to your heart's content. You're more to get an accurate fit this way.
Finally, you could make different types of vests this way...Wool would work for fall/winter, cotton, linens for summer. Great wardrobe enhancer!
(As an aside, you could knit fabric with natural yarns and do the same thing, but that's just too much work in my mind).
Posted: 10:18 am on October 27th