Quilting a Flange

Quilt with Flange

This week I had an opportunity to work on nice "easy" quilt.  Customer wanted a pantograph.  We picked out an fun design and I loaded the pattern into Intelliquilter.  

As I went to load the quilt on my longarm I saw the dreaded flange.

For those that quilt on any type of a longarm, you quickly learn that flanges are a big problem.  They have this pesky tendency to flip up which means lots of seam ripping or potential injuries to fingers trying to hold the flange in place in place while quilting.

Since the finger technique didn't work well for me last time, I decided for a different approach.

​My secret weapon was ...

Invisible Tape - My Flange Secret Weapon

I was pleased with the results (and no resews were necessary) -- other than on the top flange where I tried my finger technique.

​Let me share my process.

Tape down the flange before quilting.

Add invisible tape just before quilting a row.  My goal is for this to be on the quilt for a very short period of time.

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Quilted Flange with no Flips or Puckers

Stitch out pantograph -- just as you would normally quilt it.

Notice how nicely the stitches flow over the flange!

A couple of times the hopping foot picked up the tape -- but the flange stayed obediently in place even when that happened.

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A seam ripper can aid in tearing the tape on a quilted flange.

Lift tape away on a quilted flange.

Typically the tape will be "cut" slightly from the needle and you can just lift it away.  A seam ripper will also work to cut the tape (just don't cut the thread).

Wait until sewing next row down before removing the rest of the tape on the flange.

I kept the bottom part of the tape on the flange until I finished the next row.  Then removed the rest.

​Super simple.

Sneak Peak - New Class in Development

I've created a series of designs in Art and Stitch that can be stitched out either on a longarm or an embroidery machine.  Would you like to learn how to draw these yourself?  A class is in the works.  

This will include videos plus detailed written instructions with lots of illustrations.  Great for the beginning digitizer.

More to come on the class -- but thought you would like to see a couple of the designs.

These were done on a basic embroidery machine. with a 4" hoop!

Thread Art Embroidery Design digitized by Kari Schell

Thread Art Embroidery Design digitized by Kari Schell

Featured Product- Sun Rays

After a couple of cold weeks, the sun broke out and it is now feeling like spring.  I am so excited.  To celebrate the suns arrival, I thought I would feature my Sun Rays quilt pattern.

The Sun Rays quilt is based on a favorite antique block.  The quilt may be completed with seven fabrics or may be scrapped.   Piecing may be enhanced through the use of the V Block and Diamond Rects rulers by Studio 180 Design.

Four different sizes are included in the pattern (Wall, Lap, Full and Queen).

Project is Fat Eighth Friendly.

On sale for $8 -- this week only.

Sun Rays Lap Quilt 66" x 82"

Purchase digital pattern. 

Purchase physical pattern (mailed to you).

Sun Rays Wall Hanging 34" x 34"

Sun Rays Wall Hanging 34" x 34".

Happy quilting.

Kari

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