QUILTsocial | Issue 02 Winter 2014-15

Cut away high-loft batting
Compress background with dense stitching
From the back, carefully trim the batting close to the stitching so that only the design is “stuffed”.
From this point, construct the quilt as usual. Layer the quilt top with batting and backing fabric and baste. Quilt by
stitching over the same design lines, this time using your choice of quilting thread. For best results, add dense quilting
in the background around the motif. This will compress the background and make the stuffed areas stand out.
Once the quilting is complete, wash or soak the quilt. Not only will the Solvy disappear along with the marked lines,
but the first layer of water-soluble thread will also dissolve. All that remains is a beautiful embossed snowflake.
So, if you’re not using cutwork to make the variety of snowflakes, you might be using it for a quilted snowflake! Heirloom
needlework techniques are all made possible with the magic of wash-away stabilizers. Winter may mean snow,
but we can cuddle up in our sewing rooms and bring the beauty of snowflakes into our homes. z
High-loft batting cut away from quilt top
Dissolve Fabri-Solvy in water
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