Edge Treatments

Fiber art quilts typically have raw edges that need finishing. There are four common techniques used to address their edges:

-leave them raw

-add a binding

-add facings

-attach it to a stretched canvas frame.

I have tried all of the above options except the first one. I’m not opposed to leaving some of the components within my art creation raw but the idea of leaving all four of the outer edges untouched is not something I am comfortable with…yet.

Favorite Method

Of all the techniques mentioned above my favorite way to finish raw edges is to attach my art quilts to a stretched canvas. I started using this method earlier this year after being frustrated with the final outcome of many of my projects. The new-to-me concept has provided a tool that has consistently produced a professionally polished look.

The Project

After experimenting with the canvas mounting process I decided to launch a project to retrofit a number of my existing art quilts for framing. The project…Operation Renovation… has thus far successfully transformed eight art pieces. The item for today’s exploration is a 5 1/2” x 9 5/8” fiber art quilt known as Fuzzy, Art Piece # 62. The targeted size is an 11” x 14” stretched canvas. Let’s see how the renovation went.

Before and After

Don’t you just love reading about and seeing the before and after photos/stories of dramatic transformations. The often times Cinderella adventures make us feel all happy inside. Well, today’s revelation I believe will accomplish just such a response. Fuzzy, Art Piece # 62 began as a small grouping of fabric scraps. Originally intended to be incorporated into a much larger art project its unique facade provided a presence that demanded attention. Rather than proceeding with the original plan I decided to turn Fuzzy into a solo art piece.

The title given to this fiber art quilt was chosen because of the frilly edged fabric in the center of the piece. As was mentioned before, I often leave small areas of fabric untouched or raw. The manufacturers edge treatment for the right-off the bolt material intrigued me. I found the exposed loopy threads so interesting that I just had to make it a design element.

Added Changes

Before beginning the retrofitting of Fuzzy I first had to remove the facings, hanging sleeve and label. Once the raw edges were exposed I could start the rehab by adding new borders. Added first was a warm gold to duplicate the already present hint of color. Next to be incorporated was an earthy orange printed with a softer orange pattern.

To meld the new additions with the original specimen I echoed the previous quilting design by embellishing the new borders with color-coordinated straight-line stitching. After making those additions, the harmonious image, of the entire package, made an already stunning project even more stately.

Take A Look

The project to transform Fuzzy from an art quilt small in stature into a specimen with a much grander appearance was relatively simple. Let’s look at the before and after images.

And Your Reaction Is?

I think the before and after images are great examples of how an already magnificent item can be made even more amazing by simply making a few changes. Do you agree? Share your thoughts by adding a comment.

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