Floorquilting Guide Updates & New Ideas
This is a very informative page that I felt was necessary, especially for those who are already engaged in the craft of floorquilting, and/or who have acquired my guide. Manufacturers and retail stores are constantly changing what they produce and sell, and for how much and where. Since the writing of my book, I have found further information that I want to keep you updated on. I will also be adding new ideas, tips, and techniques to this page. If you should ever have a floorquilting question (or solution or idea), please do not hesitate to contact me.
Subject: Shopping for Canvas
One of the most important subjects in floorquilting, is the canvas backing. As you can see from this photo, I buy a "lot" of cotton cloth. I purchase my 12 oz. Fredrix cotton duck cloth raw and folded, which I roll around lightweight PVC pipe. This 72" x 6 yards of cloth will make many 24" x 36" floorquilts! To save money, I search for sales and online coupons to my favorite stores. I found an online coupon for 40% off on this fabric, and got an excellent deal! So search carefully for coupons and sales. Some online retailers have been slowly upping their prices on canvas since I wrote my guide, so be wary, and always compare shipping prices, as well. Note: as to date, Amazon still appears to carry the best deal on pre-primed 24" x 36" (61 cm x 91 cm) Fredrix floorcloth canvas. MisterArt does also.
One of the most important subjects in floorquilting, is the canvas backing. As you can see from this photo, I buy a "lot" of cotton cloth. I purchase my 12 oz. Fredrix cotton duck cloth raw and folded, which I roll around lightweight PVC pipe. This 72" x 6 yards of cloth will make many 24" x 36" floorquilts! To save money, I search for sales and online coupons to my favorite stores. I found an online coupon for 40% off on this fabric, and got an excellent deal! So search carefully for coupons and sales. Some online retailers have been slowly upping their prices on canvas since I wrote my guide, so be wary, and always compare shipping prices, as well. Note: as to date, Amazon still appears to carry the best deal on pre-primed 24" x 36" (61 cm x 91 cm) Fredrix floorcloth canvas. MisterArt does also.
Subject: Floorcloth Canvas
OK, here I go again...speaking about canvas. I have found admonition from one source-- not to purchase "floorcloth canvas." The reason? Apparently, since floorcloth canvas is factory primed on both sides, it would not be porous enough to allow absorption of excess moisture from the dried-to-the-touch decoupage medium. The excess moisture would therefore become trapped in the decoupage medium, which would eventually lead to bubbles; whereas the excess moisture is able to seep into the more porous fabric of hand-primed cloth, where it can slowly evaporate over time.
Let me confirm that I have used floorcloth canvas successfully with no such problems. I use the side that is treated with only one coat of primer, as this side is more porous, and textured, which allows for better adhesion, and absorption of excess moisture. The secret is to allow your decoupage medium to thoroughly dry between coatings, so that any excess moisture can have adequate time to evaporate. Floorcloth canvas is highly recommended by me, as it comes pre-primed, lies flat on the floor, and is cut to a perfect floorquilt size! All you have to do is start adding your fabrics! Just make sure to apply an even and generous amount of decoupage medium, and thoroughly press your fabrics onto the canvas, smoothing away all air bubbles until well-adhered.
OK, here I go again...speaking about canvas. I have found admonition from one source-- not to purchase "floorcloth canvas." The reason? Apparently, since floorcloth canvas is factory primed on both sides, it would not be porous enough to allow absorption of excess moisture from the dried-to-the-touch decoupage medium. The excess moisture would therefore become trapped in the decoupage medium, which would eventually lead to bubbles; whereas the excess moisture is able to seep into the more porous fabric of hand-primed cloth, where it can slowly evaporate over time.
Let me confirm that I have used floorcloth canvas successfully with no such problems. I use the side that is treated with only one coat of primer, as this side is more porous, and textured, which allows for better adhesion, and absorption of excess moisture. The secret is to allow your decoupage medium to thoroughly dry between coatings, so that any excess moisture can have adequate time to evaporate. Floorcloth canvas is highly recommended by me, as it comes pre-primed, lies flat on the floor, and is cut to a perfect floorquilt size! All you have to do is start adding your fabrics! Just make sure to apply an even and generous amount of decoupage medium, and thoroughly press your fabrics onto the canvas, smoothing away all air bubbles until well-adhered.
Subject: Water-Based Finishes
I am always searching for a great water-based finish, and for a great price. There are many to choose from, and I have had success with both of these products to the left (see Frequently Asked Questions). Like many things these days, the prices on these are also slowly rising, especially if you purchase online. My advice would be to purchase your protective finish directly from a hardware or paint store. Lowes, I found out, no longer sells Rust-Oleum Ultimate Polyurethane (Satin) "online." They do, however, sell it in their stores, and you can find those locations online. It is an excellent product for the price, but do make sure "not" to use it over white fabrics. To note: JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts is selling this product online, but you will get a better deal at your local hardware store, as there is no shipping costs.
I am always searching for a great water-based finish, and for a great price. There are many to choose from, and I have had success with both of these products to the left (see Frequently Asked Questions). Like many things these days, the prices on these are also slowly rising, especially if you purchase online. My advice would be to purchase your protective finish directly from a hardware or paint store. Lowes, I found out, no longer sells Rust-Oleum Ultimate Polyurethane (Satin) "online." They do, however, sell it in their stores, and you can find those locations online. It is an excellent product for the price, but do make sure "not" to use it over white fabrics. To note: JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts is selling this product online, but you will get a better deal at your local hardware store, as there is no shipping costs.
Subject: A Fun Idea for Children & Kids at Heart
I mention in my guide about searching for colorful fabric panels to make engaging playmats for children. Here's an additional idea! Children often love to play with their toys "on-the-go," so why not make an On-the-Go Fabric Decoupaged Playmat. To do so, simply purchase an inexpensive artist canvas panel (board), appropriate to your child's size, then allow your child to cut out treated cotton fabric shapes to his or her design and liking. Show your child how to decoupage (glue) these onto the canvas board with a full-strength decoupage medium, using small foam brushes (refer to pages 42 & 68 in the book). I made this traveling playmat with a three-year old. He had such fun personalizing his own playmat, which he can place on his lap, with his favorite toy cars, while traveling....
I mention in my guide about searching for colorful fabric panels to make engaging playmats for children. Here's an additional idea! Children often love to play with their toys "on-the-go," so why not make an On-the-Go Fabric Decoupaged Playmat. To do so, simply purchase an inexpensive artist canvas panel (board), appropriate to your child's size, then allow your child to cut out treated cotton fabric shapes to his or her design and liking. Show your child how to decoupage (glue) these onto the canvas board with a full-strength decoupage medium, using small foam brushes (refer to pages 42 & 68 in the book). I made this traveling playmat with a three-year old. He had such fun personalizing his own playmat, which he can place on his lap, with his favorite toy cars, while traveling....
Subject: Preventing Your Floorquilt from Slipping and Sliding
I get a lot of questions on how to prevent slippage of floorquilts. I address this pretty thoroughly in my book, but I do feel it is necessary to address this here, as well. Artists involved in the craft of making floorcloths also know how important this subject is. There are non-skid backings that can be brushed onto the back of your canvas to prevent sliding and slipping. You can also use a very thin, and smooth (to avoid impressions) non-skid rug pad. What I personally have found to be the most effective, is an inexpensive poster mounting putty, found in the stationary department of department stores and office supply stores. Start with a very clean floor surface, then follow the instructions on the package; pressing pea-sized dabs two-inches in from the edges of your floorquilt and your floor. A little bit goes a long way here. A word of caution here: if you are paying over $3.00 (US) for this product, then you are paying too much. I have found some online retailers charging far too much, so be wary.
Remember to check back here from time-to-time for the latest updates & ideas...
Have a great day!
I get a lot of questions on how to prevent slippage of floorquilts. I address this pretty thoroughly in my book, but I do feel it is necessary to address this here, as well. Artists involved in the craft of making floorcloths also know how important this subject is. There are non-skid backings that can be brushed onto the back of your canvas to prevent sliding and slipping. You can also use a very thin, and smooth (to avoid impressions) non-skid rug pad. What I personally have found to be the most effective, is an inexpensive poster mounting putty, found in the stationary department of department stores and office supply stores. Start with a very clean floor surface, then follow the instructions on the package; pressing pea-sized dabs two-inches in from the edges of your floorquilt and your floor. A little bit goes a long way here. A word of caution here: if you are paying over $3.00 (US) for this product, then you are paying too much. I have found some online retailers charging far too much, so be wary.
Remember to check back here from time-to-time for the latest updates & ideas...
Have a great day!