Question - Fabric for quilting

[CocoChanel]

Hi,

I have never made a quilt before! But I am planning on making a log cabin quilt design for a handbag.
I have the instructions of making a quilt, so this gives me an idea about quilts.

The fabric I am using is "chenille" velvet kind (I really dont know what it is called)
But do I do the normal procedures for log cabin.
And what about the seams, I think that they are going to be hard to fold.
Im thinking of making 5x5 inch square.
Also, do I need any interfacing or batting

[bees_knees]

Well, I do lots of quilting but always with 100% cotton fabrics, which is what's normally recommended for quilting.  I'm not sure how you'll press the seams with this kind of fabric, which might make it difficult to get your blocks sewn evenly.  You will need a batting, probably a low loft (the thinnest) since chenille is pretty thick.  I would definitely get the polyester type, which hold its shape, as opposed to the cotton kind, which is typically used for an "antique" looking quilt (it gets that old, puckered look when washed to make it look kind of vintage-ish). This sounds like a beautiful idea, good luck & post some pictures when you get finished so we can see! Happy quilting!!

[cheekymamaof2]

agrees with bees knees

[slapdash]

Sounds like a cool idea.

One thing about log cabin patterns -- there's a lot more seams for this pattern than others. The skinnier the strip of fabric, the trickier the seams become. I'd probably go no smaller than a 1-inch wide strip (finished; that is, the strip that's cut is 1.5 inches wide, to allow for two quarter-inch seams), and it might be better to go even larger.

Chenille is really bulky, and your seams will be on the lumpier side. If you're careful to press the seams in the proper direction (the directions should explain this), and you press cleanly and evenly, you should be able to steam them into submission (normally I don't use steam when pressing because it makes it too easy to distort the fabric, but in this case I'd risk it). The worst bit will be at the corners where four seams meet. But if you've pressed in the proper direction, the seams should nest nicely and you won't get a big lump.

If the chenille begins to "roll" along the cut edge -- i.e., not laying flat -- you may want to try using a product called "Magic Sizing." It's not as stiff as starch but will give some body to the fabric.

I second bees knees and thing a polyester batt is your best bet. When you quilt across the log cabin block, you'll be sewing the seams down in their flat position. This will also help keep the seams from scrunching up and getting bulky.

Of course, there's always the option of making a "rag quilt" block. In rag quilting, the seams are turned to the outside. When the piecing is finished, the seams are "fringed" by clipping every quarter-inch. Then you machine wash and dry it to get the seams to turn fuzzy, like strips of chenille. It gives a great texture.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

-slapdash

[CocoChanel]

yaay!
THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!

I would definatly keep everyone informed about it

take care