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WIP (Part 4) – Under The Microscope #2: Finishing Touches

November 28, 2017 by Clara Nartey 4 Comments

How to Put The Finishing Touches on An Art Quilt

Finally, “Under the Microscope #2” is almost complete. Just a few more finishing touches and I can let it go. In phase1, Phase2 and Phase3, I showed you the entire process of how I created this piece. So now, let me show you how I add the finishing touches. Here’s what I’ve got to do:

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Save to PINTEREST

Finishing Touches

  • Square it up and make sure all four edges are straight
  • Add a facing to finish up the edges
  • Sew on a hanging sleeve
  • Attach a label

So let’s get to it.

Squaring Up the Edges

I usually use a wide transparent ruler to square the edges of my work.  But my ruler is only 24.5″ long.  So when my piece is longer than that I either use two rulers or one long ruler. My long rulers are metallic and therefore not transparent.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
As you can see the edges are all raw and need trimming and squaring up

In recent years, I’ve come to enjoy using a long T-square that is meant for home construction.  It works great for larger art pieces and you can square two sides at a go which is nice.

I start by laying my art piece on a large cutting mat and then positioning the T-square on the art piece.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Position the T-Square on the Art Piece

Since I wanted my finished piece to be a specific size, I lay a tape measure across the piece to ensure I have the correct size plus enough seam allowance.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Using a Tape Measure to Check the Size

Next, I use my rotary cutter to cut off the excess.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Cut off excess with a rotary cutter

Next, I repeat the process for all four sides to get a completely squared piece.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Repeat for Other Sides

Adding a Facing to Finish Up the Edges

I start by cutting up some strips of fabrics to use for my facing.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Fabric Strips to be Used as Facings

Then I sew them to all four sides of my piece.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Sewing on the Facing Strips

Next, I turn the strips over and iron them.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Turn and iron the facing strips
Learn to face your own art quilts

Sew on a Hanging Sleeve

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Hanging Sleeve attached to reverse of art piece

If I’m not mounting my work on stretcher bars I attach a hanging sleeve to the back of my piece so that the buyer can easily slip a slat or rod through for hanging on their walls.

I create a four-inch wide sleeve and attach it one inch from the top of the work. I make sure that it extends to only one inch inside each edge of the work. This way, a hanging rod will be well-hidden in the back and not show in front.

Attach a Label

I start by cutting a piece of fused fabric in a contrasting color to the color of the back of my art piece.

 

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Cut fused fabric for the label

Then I use my fabric markers or archival ink micron pens to draw and write the important information on the label.

 

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Use Archival Inks to Write Information on the label

Then I free-motion stitch the label to the back of my piece.

Art quilt Label | Art Quilt Facing| Quilt Hanging Sleeve | Finishing Touches
Lael is attached to the back of my piece

That’s it my dears.  I’ll be entering it into the Inspired by Science show next week.  Fingers crossed.

Warmest Regards,

Clara's Signature

 

You may also be interested in these posts in the series:

Part1: Basting with Fusibles
Part2: Gain Color Confidence Now
Part3: Line Drawings with Thread

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Comments

  1. Amanda says

    November 30, 2017 at 10:39 am

    Lovely! Once you iron under the facing, do you tack the facing down to the back of the quilt in some way? And how do you tackle the corners with the facing? I typically add a binding with 45 degree angles at the corners but I am interested in your process.

    Reply
    • Clara Nartey says

      November 30, 2017 at 11:00 am

      Yes, Amanda, I hand sew the facing to the back. If you’re interested in my facing process, check out my online course on facings. at TextileArtAcademy.com

      Reply
  2. Lacy says

    December 10, 2017 at 7:55 pm

    Very interesting topic, regards for posting.

    Reply
  3. Rex says

    December 13, 2017 at 7:36 am

    Whoa! This blog looks beautiful – just like my old one! It’s on an entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!

    Reply

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