Ask
the Experts:
Judging Quilts: Quilting
by Nancy Roberts
What do judges consider when evaluating the quilting
on a contest entry?
You’ve probably heard the sayings, “Quilting makes the
quilt,” or “It’s not a quilt until it’s quilted.” Whether you agree with
these statements or not, they both underscore the influence quilting has on
the way a finished project looks. In contest judging, the quilting – whether
by hand or machine – weighs heavily in the evaluation. In fact, a nicely
crafted quilt may be placed in contention for a prize thanks to an
outstanding quilting design that is perfectly executed. Conversely, a
well-made entry may lose out to its competitors because the quilting falls
short in some way.
Here’s what the judges are looking for in the
Miniatures from the Heart Contest. Knowing more about the standards can
benefit you whether you enter quilts in competition or simply make them for
family and friends to enjoy.
In the overall look:
1.)
The quilting design suits the quilt style.
The way in which the quilting design and the quilt “go together” is
considered as part of the “visual impact” category on a score sheet. The
quilting should complement the piece. As an example, fancy, graceful
feathers are unlikely to be in accord with an informal folk-style quilt
design. Similarly, a traditional allover design like Baptist Fan may not
look at home in an elegant, chintz broderie perse miniature.
2.)
The amount of quilting is balanced and in proportion.
Judges generally look for quilting that is “just right.” This means quilted
motifs that nicely fill an area on the quilt and yet leave a little
breathing room around them. The stitching should neither overcrowd the area
nor leave large areas unquilted. Over quilting can create a stiff and
board-like feel in a miniature. Under quilting may result in an unstable
look.
An exception to these guidelines is the use of stippling as a quilting
technique. This very close stitching is used to flatten one area of a quilt
in order to enhance the design elements in another. In this case, strive to
keep the relationship between stippled areas and other areas in balance.
Occasionally judges see a quilt that is attractively quilted in the blocks
or quilt center but lacks quilting in the borders. Or it may be minimally
quilted there, often in the ditch only. This noticeable imbalance detracts
from the finished quilt.
In
the close-up look:
1.)
The stitches are even and consistent on both the front and back.
When it comes to hand quilting, the size of the stitches is less important
that their evenness. The goal in hand quilting is to make stitches that are
consistently the same length on the front of the quilt where they show, and
on the back where they are usually unseen. For machine quilting, using a
walking foot (also called an even-feed foot) for straight lines will help
you achieve even stitches. When free-motion quilting, practice to develop a
proper relationship between your machine speed and the speed of hand
movements. Getting good control will result in an even, consistent stitch
length.
2.)
No starts, stops, or traveling stitches are visible.
When you begin and end hand quilting, be sure to bury thread knots by
popping them through the surface of the fabric and hiding them in the
batting. No knots or thread tails should be visible on the quilt surface or
the backing.
When machine quilting, it’s good to take time to pull the bobbin thread to
the surface at the beginning and end of lines by taking a few stitches in
place. This will minimize the appearance of starts and stops on the quilt
back. Be sure to trim the tread tails.
3.)
The lines in a quilting motif or design are well-defined and have
no visible markings.
This means that straight lines are straight and curves are smooth and
rounded. Accurate quilt marking will ensure success with this. However,
markings should not be seen once the quilting is finished. Be sure to test
quilt markers and choose one that can be readily removed after quilting.
4.)
There are no puckers, pleats, or distortion from quilting on
either the quilt top or back.
Smooth the layers of the quilt sandwich on a flat surface as you layer
them. Then thread-baste (for hand quilting) or pin-baste (for machine
quilting) the layers. Work from the center out to the edges. This will ease
out any fullness and secure the layers to prevent shifting.
Incorporate some of there guidelines and give the
quilting a bit more attention when you make your next project. Quilting that
is properly done is sure to add to your sense of accomplishment. And a few
more compliments on workmanship are always welcome.
About the Expert:
Longtime quilter Nancy Roberts was a co-editor at
Chitra Publications before retiring. Now a freelance writer, she resides in
Citra, Florida.
Links to previous Ask the Experts:
- If my guild makes a quilt using a published
pattern, can we use it as a fund-raiser/raffle quilt, or is this an
infringement of copyright laws? Carolyn V. Peters
replies
- My quilting stitches
are never as small or even as I want them to be. What can I do to make them more in
proportion to the smaller scale of miniature quilts?
Elsie Campbell replies
- Should fabrics be washed before using them in quilts?
Sharyn Craig and Harriet Hargrave reply
-
We were given two feedsack quilts from the 1930's, but there are some fold
stains and a couple of small stains that look like blood. What is the
best way to have them cleaned? Any tips or advice will be very much
appreciated. Nancy Kirk replies
- What is the
best way to store fabrics?
Bobbie Aug and Sharon Newman reply
-
What is the difference between a buttonhole and a blanket stitch?
Can they be used interchangeably? Debra Feece
replies
- When I make miniature quilts, my sewing machine tends to 'eat' tiny
pieces. How can I control them?
Jayne Turner replies
-
When a judge evaluates my quilt by writing "Your piecing
needs improvement," what specifically does that mean?
Christine Brown replies
-
Judging Quilts: Visual Impact and Design!
Lorry Chwazik replies
-
Judging Quilts: Construction!
Debra Feece replies
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