Hello everyone, I've been logging into your site for several weeks now and really enjoy. It is a generous and helpful site and I certainly would like to be a member. Now, has anyone ever made a quilt with l/w upholstery samples. I got a large sample book and would like to make an autumn leaf quilt using the fabrics because the patterns and colors are beautiful. Would do half square blocks but... Will the edges fray at the seam line when washed?

Actually, I have made a quilt using upholstery fabrics, many years ago. It was a bit heavier to work with, but other than that I didn't find it much different. The fabrics were cotton though. Maybe that's why it wasn't much different. Harder to quilt through, but that's why God made the "big stitch". :) I didn't notice the fabric fraying any more than any others I'd used.

I'm glad you've decided to join us Gale! :)

Hi, Gale
Welcome. As for using upholstery samples, I would make a sample block and test it. If it is going to fray, you can either overlock or zigzag the edges. Another suggestion is to make a raggy quilt, and let it fray on the outside. I have a few squares that I will be using with cut up jeans to use this way.
Debra in Ontario

I made a crazy quilt years ago from some - prewashed and dried all fabrics first. As far as I know, it held up ok.

Thanks, everyone, glad to know it's been done. Will do a test block and thanks so much for the big stitch quilting. I love big stitch quilting with embroidery floss!

Gale

Yes, either the embroidery floss or #8 pearl cotton. Either one would look great!!

Hi Gale, welcome aboard!!! This is a fun and informative group, lots of info and experience here.

Welcome! :)I'm new here, too.

Lin, I thought you were making a joke about "BigStitch" but it really a technique?

Yes, it sure is kathy. The link below will take you to a site that talks about big stitch quilting, and if you click on the first (pink) picture on the left you can see what it looks like. You can click again for an enlarged picture which will show it even better. If you scroll down through all the regular quilting instructions, you'll find a section about doing the big stitch. :)

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_quilting_tips/article/0,1789,HGTV_3307_1390575,00.html