How to Use Silks in Your Quilt Making

Capture the Richness and Depth of Silk in Quiltmaking

What is the allure of a silk quilt? Silk brings out a depth and richness of color unmatched by other materials. Silk can be challenging to work with, but by learning these tips and techniques, you can add this rich, lustrous fabric to your quilt-making. With a background in textile design, Julia McLeod is skilled in working with all sorts of materials. Her sewing skills allow her to wrangle even the most difficult fabrics, and now she brings her expertise to you! Many quilters have silk treasures in their stash that they are afraid to cut into because silk behaves so differently from cotton. This course will give you the confidence to start on that silk quilt you've been hesitating to make.

To work with silk, you first have to understand it down to the fibers. Julia begins the course with an overview of silk: where to source silk fabrics, how to spot synthetics masquerading as silk, and how to clean silks, textiles, and quilts. Then, you'll learn about various needle and thread choices and the best interfacing to stabilize silk fabrics. Before you know it, you'll dive into foundation piecing and appliqué using silk.