QUILTsocial Issue 5 | Page 39

Bonus Tips Step 1 – adding Stitch-N-Steam to the fabric Place a piece of Stitch-N-Steam on the back side of a piece of fabric. Tip 1 – add extra loft Do this by putting a piece of 100% cotton batting between the piece of fabric and the Stitch-N-Seam. When stitching the three layers together make sure to have closer stitching to ensure good shrinkage and texture. Stitching lines can be drawn on the polyester fabric if you need guidelines to stitch by. I just used a marker to draw the lines since they won’t ever be seen. Depending on the size of the piece being stitched a couple of pins may be needed to hold the piece together as the polyester is quite slippery. Layering the fabric & Stitch-N-Steam Step 2 – stitch the two pieces together Any stitch can be used – straight line stitching or free motion stitching. Any type of thread can be used for the stitching. Just make sure to use the same thread in both the top and bobbin of the machine especially if you’re going to stitch with the Stitch-N-Steam facing up. I decided to use a polyester thread in the solid color to match each fabric but a variegated thread would look good too. The thread I chose will blend right in. Stitching lines drawn on Stitch-N-Seam By the way, Stitch-N-Steam is completely washer, dryer and dry-clean safe so if you’re embellishing a piece of clothing you’ll be able to wash it. The closer the stitches are together the more texture there will be. Multi directional lines will give better texture. I stitched along the blue grid lines but then decided that they were too far apart and stitched between each one to get better texture. Step 3 – activate with steam Once the stitching is done place the piece on the ironing board with fabric side up as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Hold the iron just over top of the fabric – do not press just let the steam do it’s thing. The iron should be on the highest steam setting for optimal results. I tend to press the extra steam button for more steam. As the steam is applied to the fabric, it shrinks and crinkles, and adds texture to a once flat piece of fabric. Tip 2 – use a cooling rack In step 3 above the Stitch-N-Steam instructions say to steam with the fabric side facing up but I like to apply steam with the Stitch-N-Steam product facing up. The only problem is that if the iron touches the polyester fabric it will melt hence I had to come up with a solution to prevent melting and optimal steaming. Someon R7VvvW7FVB