Fabric Layering Technique of making Art Quilts
The fabric layering technique of making art quilts uses a table rather than a design wall. In short, I create a scene and then cover it with tulle netting and free motion quilt the three layers(back, batting,top) together. I use this technique for my Nature portfolio; underwater fantasies, trees, landscapes. The photos in this post are of an underwater fantasy, more impressionistic than realistic.
To Begin
To begin, I choose the top fabric. I prefer to choose a fabric with some dimension already on it, light and dark spaces. If I choose a dark background, then I will choose lighter colored materials for my plants, fish, rocks and other items . If I choose a lighter background, then I will choose darker color to create the scenery.
Step 1
The back fabric is flat on the table. A piece of batting is laid on top of that. You can see the white batting hanging a bit over the edge. Then I laid a piece of moddled commercial fabric on top. The piece is about 14″ by 14″. I let the fabric’s different shades of coloring do part of the work in creating interest and depth in the piece. I lightly baste the layers together with an Avery glue stick.
Step 2
For this piece, I cut out light colored rocks and placed them in the foreground. I cut out irregularly shaped dots of different colored batik fabric for the jellies(formerly called jelly fish). I place the jellies as if they are swimming in the current. An art trick or rule is to have an odd number of items, three, five or nine objects.
Step 3
Next, I cut out plants and place them between the rocks. I add decorative threads for the tenacles of the jellies being aware of the movement of the water. When everything is in its place,I baste the pieces in place with a light dab of glue. One can use different brands of glue. Test before hand that the glue does not discolor the fabric and make a mark after it has dried.
Step 4
Next, I cover the scene with tulle netting and pin the tulle in place.
Step 5
Then,I free motion quilt the three layers together. I lower the feed dogs on my machine to allow me to move the piece however I want. The quilting creates another level of movement.
Step 6
I finish the piece by zigzagging the edges twice. For larger pieces, I often attach a facing and turn it to the back and stitch by hand.
Here is a photo of the back of the piece where you can see the machine stitching easier.
Laura Fogg,https://laura-fogg.squarespace.com/ first developed this technique. I learned it from Meri Vahl, http://meriartquilts.com/meri-henriques-vahl/ who had learned it from Ms. Fogg.
A bit about Free Motion Quilting
Free motion quilting is at the apex of skill for quilters. The technique takes a lot of practice to master. Before I took Meri Vahl’s class, I had been practicing. To be honest, I was so frustrated that I had almost decided to give up. Luckily, I didn’t. The fabric layering technique is a forgiving way to practice the skill. I highly recommend it.
Here are my suggestions for success in free motion quilting.
- Use Aurifil brand thread. It can be found in fine quilting shops or online. It is totally worth the higher price. The thread is strong yet thin. I once pieced and quilted a double sized bed quilt using only one spool.
“Fast feet, slow hands.” This is the mantra for free motion quilting. This means that one pushes the pedal of their machine so that the throttle goes quickly. With the feed dogs down, the quilter slowly moves the quilt with her hands. This does take a fair amount of practice.Practice using the fabric layering technique. Begin by outlining your figures with the free motion quilting.
Have fun practicing with this technique! Let me know how it goes for you! I hope you have as much fun as I do using this technique.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/marine-life-in-art-quilts/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/08/add-sheer-fabrics-to-create-a-surprise/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/fabric-layering-technique-another-look/
http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/06/video-of-art-display-2/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/birds-in-art-quilts/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/01/frequently-asked-questions/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/some-newer-pieces-2020-2021/
