Hey everyone. Today we're making a whole-cloth quilt that lets your quilting stitches be the whole design.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric
This is Grunge 108 inch Wideback in Ash.
The pattern number is 11108 354.
It is from Moda Fabrics.
The collection is Grunge 108 inch Wideback.
The color is Ash.
That is a soft ash tone.
It carries Grunge's signature tonal texture.
Just a gentle, mottled texture across the surface.
It is 100% cotton.
It is a quilt backing fabric.
And it is sold by the yard.
The big news is the width.
This fabric is 108 inches wide.
That is extra wide backing.
It backs quilts without piecing seams.
The listing says it is perfect for seamless quilt backs.
And for modern quilts and large projects.
Today we are flipping that idea, folks.
We will use that wide, seamless surface on the front.
Why it suits a whole-cloth quilt
A whole-cloth quilt has no pieced blocks.
The top is one whole piece of fabric.
Your quilting creates the pattern.
Feathers.
Echo quilting.
Ruler work.
Or a simple meander.
Completely up to you.
This Ash texture is perfect for that.
It gives the quilting something to play against.
Plain solid fabric can show every wobble.
This tonal texture is more forgiving.
It has depth without competing with your stitches.
And at 108 inches wide, there is no center seam.
No pieced backing seam down the middle.
No extra seam to line up.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
One beautiful piece.
Good batting.
Thoughtful quilting.
Just like that, you have a modern quilt.
Materials list
- Grunge Ash wideback — 2 1/2 yards for the top, 108 inches wide by about 90 inches long before trimming
- Backing — 2 1/2 yards of the same wideback for a seamless, reversible look, or a backing of your choice cut to the same size
- Batting — one piece about 90 x 108 inches, trimmed to 4 inches larger than your planned top on each side
- Binding — 3/4 yard of coordinating fabric, cut into 2 1/2 inch strips
- Thread — 50 weight for construction and a quilting thread you like for the top, in a soft gray or a contrast you have tested first
- A size 90/14 quilting needle for quilting through the layers
- Marking tool, safety pins or basting spray, rotary cutter, long ruler, and mat
Those yardages are general craft planning, y'all.
For a finished quilt near 80 x 86 inches, that top cut works well.
Brief steps
Step 1: Press your wideback well.
Square one edge.
Trim selvages only where needed.
Take your time.
It is not a race.
Step 2: Mark your quilting design lightly.
Chalk or a removable marker works.
Test it on a scrap first.
Always test first.
Keep spacing even, about 2 to 3 inches apart for a soft drape.
Step 3: Layer backing, batting, and top.
Smooth from the center out.
Pin or baste every 4 inches.
Step 4: Quilt from the center out.
Start with stitch in the ditch around any marked border.
Then travel into your feather or meander.
Work at about 8 to 10 stitches per inch for machine quilting.
Check your tension on a practice sandwich first.
Slow down on curves.
Slow down or the needle can deflect and snap.
Step 5: Trim the quilt square.
Sew your 2 1/2 inch binding strips together.
Attach the binding, fold it over, and finish by machine or hand.
Completely up to you.
Practical tips
Choose thread with intention.
I have quilted a whole section and unpicked it before.
We admit it, fix it, and move on.
That little test saves real heartache.
Keep your quilting density fairly even.
Heavy quilting in one spot and none in another can ripple.
Spread it out across the quilt.
And here is your permission beat, friends.
It does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic.
A slight wobble in a feather is hand-made character.
Folks will see the whole quilt.
They will not hunt for one uneven echo line.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Oh my goodness, that Ash texture under quilting is really really pretty.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the 108" Grunge Ash 108 inch wideback fabric per yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
