Learn Boutis: Finishing
V. Washing and Blocking
Materials:
When completely corded, the boutis must be gently washed and blocked before finishing it.
You will need: A mild soap, such as Orvus soap or dishwashing liquid; thick terry towel; a rigid sheet of foamcore (Styrofoam) that easily accommodates the finished project (minimum thickness ¼ inch); sturdy pins; a transparent square quilting ruler (such as an Omnigrid).
Washing:
Washing will remove all traces of the printed pattern as well as any soil that may have resulted from handling the fabric.
- If your project is preprinted, using cool water gently rinse out as much of the ink as possible.
- Fill a basin with warm water and a mild soap, and immerse the completed boutis project into it.
- Squeeze gently; do not scrub or wring. Soak overnight.
- Rinse well.
- If the tracing marks and handling soil have not released, refresh the soap and water and soak again.
- Rinse well. Repeat this process as often as necessary.
- When all markings are gone, remove from the water and roll the boutis in an absorbent terry towel. Squeeze the excess water into the towel, but do not wring.
- While still damp, remove the project from the towel.
- Lay the damp project on a clean sheet of Styrofoam.
- With sturdy straight pins, pin the damp boutis into place. Take care to pin outside the corded work. The work must always be kept square. Give it a firm stretch when pinning into place so that the stitched and corded work lies flat, square and is wrinkle free.
- It will be necessary to use many pins.
-Using a transparent square quilting ruler on top of the project helps in the squaring of the boutis.
-When completely dry, remove it from the foam core and finish the raw edge.
-Now trim and tuck all loose thread and yarn ends.
VI. Finishing Option 1: Rolled Hem
Because boutis is completely reversible, it can be finished in a variety of ways. A simple rolled hem is an easy and often the best option. Great to use as a suncatcher, a little Christmas ornament or include it in a card ro someone special.
Mark a line around the perimeter of the work twice the width of the last corded channel. (Be generous with this measurement; it can be trimmed if there’s too much) Cut both fabrics on the drawn line.
- To diminish the bulk, on the underside only, cut the hem to a scant 1/8”. (Take care to cut only the underside layer of the hem)
- On the wrong side of the boutis, make a double fold hem right over top of the last row of cording. If your doubled hem is too bulky, you may trim to fit accordingly.
- Pin in place. (Applique pins work well if available)
There will be a little excess fabric in your rolled hem around the top curves of the heart, so ease it in as best you can and blind stitch into place. You will be stitching on the 2nd to last row of stitching.
Finishing Option 2: Add a facing finish to make a stuffed Hanging Ornament:
Materials required: Backing fabric and stuffing
- On your paper pattern, mark a ½” seam allowance around the perimeter. Pin the pattern onto a backing fabric of your choice and cut around the outer perimeter.
- With right sides facing each other, pin the boutis front to the backing fabric. Stitch the two sides together by hand, keeping your stitching flush to the stitching line of the outermost corded channel.
- Leave a section open to add the batting or lavender potpourri if desired. When filled to your liking, stitch the remaining opening closed.
As a finishing touch, add a little bow with a loop for hanging to the top.
Et voilà, c'est fini.
