How do you feel about bias edges? I've been playing with a new idea for placemats (yes, I'm still on a placemat kick!) and there are two ways to build them. There's the slow way, one piece at a time, one after the other. The second way is much faster, with strip piecing making it super quick.
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| Echo Point Placemat - mocked up in Northcott's Bliss Basics |
The catch is that the quick way involves bias edges, and I'm not sure how quilters in general feel about them. These are not very long, they don't get handled very much to risk too much stretching, and there are ways to stabilize them. I'm leaning towards the second method. I really prefer fast when it comes to placemats!
Here's the runner to go with it. |
| Echo Point runner - mocked up in Northcott's Bliss Basics |
I can think of a lot of variations. This one uses two fabrics and a background, but I mocked up other versions with three or even four fabrics... It would also be easy to make longer or shorter, and the pattern could be easily written to make six placemats or a set of four placemats and the runner. I see so many possibilities...
I plan to make a set for myself. I already have fabric, though not the pretty Bliss pictured above. What do you think? Should I write the pattern?
Of course you should write the pattern! Quick and easy with the bias edges. As you said they will not be a big deal, as they are short in length. Plus, it is simple piecing to join things up, so even less worry about the bias issue! I'm not a placemat person, but I really do like the looks of these and their go-with runner and you just may tempt me. So yes, go for it!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI 100% need that runner pattern. It would be perfect for my table. I recently got introduced to spray starch for bias edges, which worked super well, so I think that is a really accessible option.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty placemat finish!! I am planning a new set for my son and family...hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, especially with those colors. Bias edges doesn't bother me (heh - I have no bias about them?), but I'm not sure if that's simply because I haven't noticed the stretch or have yet to have something go seriously wrong.
ReplyDeleteOooh I love these!!! Bias edges are not a problem, starch. ;)
ReplyDeleteWrite the pattern! Maybe suggest it isn't for beginners and give those tips for working with bias edges (along with warnings!) and you'll be fine. There are many patterns out there that use quick piecing or cutting methods that give bias edges with no warning, so you should be fine. (There's always gonna be that one person, but if you haven't figured that out, even for daily life, I wanna come live under that rock with you!)
ReplyDeleteI did make an attempt at the Pioneer Braid pattern once upon a time. As the rows grew in length, the difficulty with all the bias edges increased. Where these won't get really long, I don't know that the problem would be as intense. This is a beautiful design and I love the fabrics you selected for your mock up--really peaceful!~
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