Quilter's Grid Interfacing: Piecing Perfect Quilts Without Pinning
If you have ever struggled to keep cut squares lined up while piecing a quilt top, Pellon 820 Fusible Quilter's Grid™ was made for you. It is a fusible, non-woven interfacing printed with a 1-inch grid that does two jobs at once: it stabilizes your fabric and gives you a measured guide for precise placement.
The magic is in that printed grid. Lay your pre-cut squares or strips on the fusible side, arrange them in your pattern, then press with an iron to lock everything in place. Because the grid is marked at 1-inch intervals, measuring and lining up rows becomes fast and accurate, and the fusible adhesive holds each piece steady so you can sew without pinning, basting, or chasing pieces that wandered off-center.
What it is and what it is best for
Quilter's Grid is a non-woven interfacing with a 70% polyester / 30% rayon fiber content, fused iron-on style to the back of your quilt top fabrics. It shines in projects built from cut fabric squares: patchwork quilts, wall hangings, placemats, and any design where rows and columns of squares need to land exactly on the grid lines. It also adds a light layer of body and stability, so thin or loosely woven fabrics behave better during piecing.
How to use it
Start by cutting a piece of Quilter's Grid slightly larger than your finished top will be. Place it adhesive-side up (the side with the grid print) on your pressing surface. Arrange your cut squares face-up on the grid, matching the 1-inch lines, and build your full layout before you press a thing.
Once the design is arranged, press with a hot iron to fuse the pieces in place. Use firm, even pressure and hold for several seconds in each spot rather than sliding the iron around, which can shift pieces before they bond. After fusing, you can fold the grid along the printed lines to crease the seam allowances, which makes sewing straight seams much easier. Then sew your seams in rows or columns, pressing as you go.
Tips and care
Always test a small swatch first to confirm your iron temperature and pressing time bond cleanly to your fabric. Use a dry iron or a low-steam setting unless you know your fabric handles steam well. Because the grid adds a light layer of interfacing across the whole top, it is ideal for wall hangings and decorative pieces where a bit of body is welcome; keep that in mind if you want a very soft, drapey quilt. Trim the excess grid after your top is pieced, and you are ready to sandwich with batting and backing.
Shop the Pellon® 820 Fusible Quilter's Grid™ 45" x 10 yards Bolt. Color: White. at Linda's Electric Quilters.
