Day 8…Needful things for Quilters…

Posted on

by lisabongean

8 days

Day 8…Magic Size w/spray handle…you have to get the spray handle meant for spray paint cans…

Spray size (not starch) will make a huge difference in your quilting.  Before, I used sizing, my quilt blocks would always come out small.  This was not due to my 1/4″ seam, it was a scant and not a true 1/4″.  I no longer wash my fabrics.  I think companies have figured the bleeding out, but I also do not do anything using white or really light fabrics, so i am safe…if I for some reason would I use white I would test the fabrics.

Now because I don’t pre wash and I use lots of fabrics form different companies, what was happening is, while piecing my blocks, my fabrics were shrinking because I use lots of steam when I press them.  They shrink ever so little but by the time your block is together you have lost 1/4 to 1/2″ on your blocks.  So how does the size come in?…BEFORE  you do any cutting.  Spray size your fabric, spray it good and then iron it dry.  This helps pre-shrink your fabric NOW before you cut your strips or pieces.  Now you have it all shrunk up, you have added more size to the fabric, it will now cut and piece nicely and your blocks will be the right sizesecuredownload-1!  Then here’s the added bonus….I have always envied my friend Carole’s quilt tops, They are perfect and crisp and they do not have all those little strings on the back…the SIZE also helps with that too!

Now you can buy Magic Size at many places in the laundry detergent isle…and then run to your local hardware store and buy some handles and spray that fabric!

Now the winner for Day 9 is…

comment #Kim KopacDecember 16, 2012 at 9:33 am

Ohhh I would love to try this one!!

Kim…we will be sending your a Hera Market and a Strawberry Pincushion shown in Day 11 Post…

I do not have a pattern for the strawberry pin keeps…I bought a bunch of them on EBAY from a wonderful wool artist…Susie-everything she makes is awesome!  Kim will be lucky to own one of her treasures!

 

 

Published by

lisabongean

I live on a lake in beautiful Butte Des Morts, WI. I have three sons: Lance (forever 29), Luke 33, Jake 32, and two grand-babies, Little Man and O-Bug. I've been married to the love of my life Nick, since 1998 when we started our crazy adventure together! I am a quilter, rugger, and gardener. I also love to cook when I get the chance. Thanks for visiting and supporting Primitive Gathering Quilt Shop where I try to bring you the best Moda fabrics and wool projects anywhere!

156 thoughts on “Day 8…Needful things for Quilters…”

  1. I’ve used the sizing when I do the 9-patches your way, and it really does work! Beautifully accurate blocks!

  4. Good idea on the sizing. I keep it in my sewing room but don’t use it because it comes out too heavy. Now, I’ll get the spray nozzle like you say. Added bonus for me is the little fraying threads on the back of the quilt going away!

  5. Good idea, I love using sizing rather than starch for just about everything but had never thought of using it in my quilting…

  7. OK Lisa, you always seem to amaze me. I have never seen those handles!! I will be getting one soon.

  9. I LOVE Magic Sizing. It is the first thing my mom taught me about for quilting….spray that fabric well….now I will have to get a handle…so after work I will be off to the local Ace Hardware.

  11. I have preshrunk by spraying with water and ironing but haven’t tried this product. Thanks for the tip.

  13. I’ve bought the sizing, but forget to use it. I have a project coming up that I will be sure to try it on and should be able to pick up a handle before then. Thanks Lisa, for the great tips.

  14. OMG that makes so much sense! I have just stopped using steam but not for the reason of shrinkage. My iron just got yucky from the calcium and mineral deposits so I bought some sizing, I’ll have to run down the street from work to get a handle, and maybe an extra for my quilty friend’s Christmas gift basket.
    Thank you.
    Terri J

  16. I love the idea of the spray handle. Didn’t even know it exsisted! I am going to get one, as the spray from the can does clump (or get heavy spots) and it really helps in quilting. Thanks for the hint.

  17. Great idea of using the spray handle. I too do not wash ahead but have been using sizing. It does make a difference. Thanks again for the tips and a chance to win.

  22. I have never used this product, but will definitely have to try it. I’ve been having problems with my blocks being short on one side. If the block is supposed to be be 6 1/2 mine will be 6 1/2 on one side and 6 1/4 on the other.
    I always thought it was my piecing, and it may be…or not!
    thanks for another great tip

  24. Been a starch user and knew it helped with cutting and piecing. Didn’t even think about the shrinking part. But will definitely be off to the hardware department for one of these spray handles.

  27. I have been sizing everything for awhile now. Didn’t know those spray handles existed! That would be much easier to use with the carpal tunnel!!!!

  28. Thanks for the tip, Lisa. I will get some sizing (and a handle, too) before I cut out my next project.

  32. My blocks ALWAYS end up around 1/2 smaller and I’ve done everything I can think of without any luck! My cutting is exact, as is my piecing – drives me nuts!! I will be trying this and am keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks so very much for sharing this! I will be doing backflips if it solves the “shrinking” blocks!

  33. You have the best ideas, too bad there are only 12 days of Christmas tips. How about extending your great ideas into New Year’s resolutions??

  36. Love that tip. I will have to buy some on my next trip to the store. My blocks can use all the help they can get. LOL

  40. Now why didn’t I think of this..I keep the big W bought out of spray sizing ever since I bought your little nine patch book.

  41. Thanks to you I use Magic Sizing all the time and I will surely get one of the sprayer nozzles!
    Thanks, Lisa!

  42. I have been prewashing AND starching for the last few years and my blocks are so much more reliable but I would like the time saving aspect of skipping the wash and just sizing and pressing. Thanks for the tip!

  45. Ohhh , Thank you so much for this tip! Actually the best tip ever! I have this sizing and I always use it for just plain old ironing! Now I need to hit the hardware store for the spay handle. Thanks again for this terrific tip! My quilt squares will now be so much better!
    Wanda

  47. Lisa thanks for the great tip, I also have a problem with my quilt blocks not coming out the the perfect size, i=I’m going to give this a try to see if it helps with my problem. Thanks again and Have a Merry Christmas. Love your shop wish it was closer for me.

  49. I have been using sizing for quite a while now and it really does help. Now I need to go to the hardware store for the spray attachment. Do you totally saturate your fabric?

  52. I always seem to shrink my square as I am working with it. I don’t wash my fabrics nor do I use steam…until I get to the end. And then it seems my nicely built block is smaller by an eighth of an inch. Thanks for this tip.

  53. Great tip. It makes sense, especially if you have lots of tine pieces in your block. Thanks for sharing.

  61. Thanks for sharing this! I seem to always have slightly small blocks, and like you I sew a very scant 1/4″ seam, but I press the dickens out of it, so now I know! I will definitely give this a try.

  63. I have been using the sizing for a while, especially on fat quarters. It gets those nasty fold wrinkles out too! Love the handles!! Isn’t it amazing what you can find at the hardware store to help with quilting?

  64. Thank-you for all the great ideas. I will definitely try the sizing. I too iron with a lot of steam. This solution makes sense.

  65. Very interesting. I am a either a Best Press or Magic Sizing user but I have never thought about using the handle. Great idea.

  66. I don´t prewash my fabrics.I spray them with water when I`m ironning them or iron with a lot of steam.Thanks for the fantastic idea!

  67. Great idea! It would make handling the fabric on the bias easier also. Thank you for all these suggestions and I am in love with your quilts!!!

  69. I’ve heard other people talk about sizing but haved never tried it. If Lisa does it – it has to be good!!

  70. Thanks! I never thought about sizing and your tip about the handle is great. I always have a hard time with the spray nozzles.

  71. I have been using sizing for years…now I have to get that handle. I usually used it to get out any wrinkles but now I will use it all over the fabric. Great tip!!

  73. This post answers so many questions. I have to hurry here and go contact everyone in my cross country friendship quilt group. This will help us get more accurately sized blocks…important when swapping. That handle is going to help those of us with arthritis. Thank you so much and Merry Christmas! PS. I am loving all of your tips.

  76. I tried the sizing as suggested in the directions for your “Back In Time” kit – worked great! Now I’ll have to find one of those spray handles for spray cans. Yikes, my wish list just keeps on growing and growing!

  77. love using the sizing… Now why in the world did I not think of the spray nozzel. Awesome tip 🙂 Karin E:)

  78. Thank you so much, Lisa, for these fabulous posts! I am enjoying reading your great tips! :-). I love sizing, but I have been using it after I finish the block…NO MORE! I have some blocks to cut this afternoon…will be putting this one into practice!
    I am going to ask for the spray handle too, from Santa!

  83. Thanks for the tip Lisa – I avoid the hardware store – I become deer in the headlights, but will have to venture forth for this!

  84. Yippee I won – Thank you so much!!! I also want to thank you for this idea. I hate prewashing my fabric and then have to iron it. This would help so much. Happy Holidays

  85. Thanks for the tip on the handle. I love going to the hardware store! Thanks, too, for the reminder that too much steam will cause shrinkage.

  86. I actually use this tip and it does make a difference. But was not aware of using the handle for the spray can and I actually have one in my basement that I have never used. Thanks.

  87. I have some sizing and hadn’t had a chance to use it yet. Now, I”ll get a spray nozzle to use with it. I can’t wait to start something new.

  88. Now that is so clever! I have the can of Magic Sizing I found at the grocery store so now need to run to Lowe’s or Home Depot….thanks!

  89. Oh my goodness, that’s why my blocks shrink! I love learning new things about quilting. Along with my Christmas shopping today I will be buying sizing and a handle for spraying. Thank you for expanding my quilting knowledge.

  93. Wow! Another great idea. I use sizing, but not like you explained it! I’m thinking this is one of the reasons my blocks usually end up small! I think you should give hints more often! I can’t wait until the holidays are over so I can put some of these ideas to the test!

  94. I have read about Magic Sizing on your website a few months ago and that is all I use now.
    Thank you so much for the very useful information for making our quilting lifes easier.

  95. well that is the best tip ever. I will have to look for that spray handle when I go to the paint section. thanks for the wonderful tip.

  96. I am going to have to try this! I have used Magic Sizing but never before cutting – that sure makes sense though. Thanks for another great tip!

  97. You had mentioned the sizing before and I purchased several cans. I LOVE IT! Mine does not have the cool spray handle. Where did you get that???? I really appreciate it when someone gives great tips that do not require a second mortgage on my house or a special item that you only use once. I prefer spending my extra dollars on new projects or new fabric. You ROCK!

  98. I am going to try this. I have tried spray starch after I have cut the pieces, but not before. I am going to try Magic Sizing too. Does it put a residue on the iron?

  103. Best tip yet! I’ve just had a huge AHA moment! I always have trouble with my blocks coming out a bit too small, and try as I might to sew a scant 1/4″ seam, I still have problems. I always use steam when I iron. Thanks SO MUCH for this tip!

  104. Great tip! Now I know why my blocks are ALWAYS smaller!
    Thanks for sharing another great piece of information.

  106. Hi, I read this tip on your web sight a couple of years ago and have used the sizing. Did not know about the handle; sounds great.
    told my husband about the remodeling and he actually said we’ll have to road trip!!

  111. I’ve used the Magic sizing for applique, but not for the “pre-cutting”, Will have to give it a try. No strings would be nice also. Who knew about the spray handle? Thanks for the great tips!!

  112. I never thought to use spray can handles for anything other than spray paint. Clever, I will definitely do it now.

  113. THANK YOU!!!!! I was delighted to have an explanation for what happens to my pieces, plus the added info about less threads hanging! YIPEE, I’m in the know now!

  117. Another great idea–you have referenced spray sizing before, but I never knew what this was. Thanks again.

  121. I have used spray sizing….but will have to get that spray gun. Sizing in my experience has made a big difference in my quilting. Love all the tips. Thanks. KK

  122. I have problems with my small projects, and your post makes me sense. I’m anxious to try it out. Thank you!
    Loretta

  123. I love Magic Sizing which I discovered when I was sewing my children’s clothes. These children are now in their 40’s. I just went from using Magic Sizing on clothes to quilting and you are right that it does wonders! Great idea about adding the spray nozzle.I will ask Santa for one.

  124. So that explains my block frustration! Thank you, Lisa, for this tip and the information about steam and shrinkage.

  131. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear…look at all we are all learning from you. Thank you!
    While retreating with you, you taught us about Magic Sizing and now all we need to do is get the neat tool.

  132. Thanks for the reminder on using sizing, Lisa. Sometimes I get so anxious to being a project, I forget the basics.

  135. I’ve used sizing to finish my blocks, but never at the pre-cut stage……gotta give this a try. Thanks Lisa!

  136. I love sizing and have used it for years but I never thought of the spray attachment. Great idea. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful products, what a great gift to us.

  141. Lisa, I can’t wait to try this tip-I feel a road trip coming on to the hardware store in the am-thanks

  143. I love magic sizing but never thought of putting a “handle” on it!!!! too funny
    a trip to the hard ware store is in order this week
    thanks for the tip!
    Kathie
    ps LOVE that sign in the background.

  147. Well Duh! I do not wash my fabrics either, but it never dawned on me that they would shrink while pressing a completed block. Thanks for the great tip!
    se

  150. I’m giving this a try for sure ! But if I spray myself with it do you think I could pick the size I would like to be ??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

  151. I used to use Magic all the time when I ironed my blouses, etc….back in the old old days! Would never have thought of the handle thing…great idea! My blocks always turn out small; I hope Magic will prove to be true!!

Leave a Reply