Tips for using Hoffman Fabrics Designer Bolt

Tips for using Hoffman's Designer Bolt

Here are some tips for using fabrics from All A Twitter, the first Hoffman’s Designer Bolt™ line offering a brand new concept in digital printing.

Coordinating fabrics in this unique collection are printed in 2-yard panels made up of 8 different fat quarters. We collaborated with our top printer when conceiving of this innovation to make sure it met all of our standards and the needs of all quilters.

Things to know about this fabric:

· Each fat quarter will measure 18-3/8" or more in width and 21" or more in height.
· You may occasionally see some “bowing” or warping in the fabric that can happen in the finishing process but there is no need for concern. The printing process is flawlessly engineered so that the printing is exactly on straight of grain. (We have verified this by tearing the fabric along the dividing line between fat quarters, though we would not recommend doing this as it will cause unnecessary unraveling and pulling.)

Before straightening:

In most cases, the added size of the fat quarter will be sufficient to square up and maintain the size needed for most fat quarter patterns. To do this, align the narrow part of your ruler along where the “white” of the selvedge meets the start of the printed fabric. Take the right edge of the ruler as far to the right edge of the fat quarter as possible while maintaining the “straight” line along the selvedge. Trim as little as possible to make a fresh, straight cut. Use this edge to start cutting as your pattern requires. There is no need to straighten the other side.

If you feel the bowing on your piece is concerning, cut apart the fat quarters as printed. Fold the fat quarter in half (so that it is 9" x 21") lining up the corners and cut edge. Smooth, spritz lightly with water or pressing spray and press flat as you would normally. This will snap the fabric back to its natural state, back on grain. Open up flat and lightly press out any crease that occurred. Now it is ready to be straightened or squared up.

Enjoy your beautifully coordinated project featuring this groundbreaking fabric!