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A woman works on a patchwork quilt at a wooden table, her hands arranging small squares of fabric in various colors. In the top panel, she wears a black-and-white patterned top and a green garment underneath, with her dark hair tied back and a large earring visible. In the bottom panel, she wears a dark patterned top with a light scarf, using scissors and a ruler nearby as she continues to assemble the fabric pieces.
  • 4 took part
  • 1 facilitator

Wednesday 16 September 2026

Moving to a 6-centimetre fabric base

Facilitated by Shabana K H

What the work needed: people, time, money, space and materials.
What went in
A 6-centimetre fabric base with an internal 4-centimetre guide mark.

What was done with those inputs, step by step.

We were initially optimistic about using paper stiffening for exact base cuts, but full assembly showed serious friction. Needle resistance made stitching difficult. Direct 4-centimetre cuts left too little seam margin and caused severe edge fraying.

To stop the structure from breaking down during stitching, we moved to a 6-centimetre fabric base with an internal 4-centimetre guide mark. Overlapping these wider margins before stitching ensures enough anchor space. It prevents fraying and keeps the exact 4-centimetre grid lines visible.

What changed for the people who took part, and what showed it.

Wider overlapping margins stopped the fraying while keeping exact 4 cm visible grid lines.

(We observed it)

What the team will keep or change next time.

Paper stiffening made the needle work hard, and 4-centimetre cuts left too little seam margin. A 6-centimetre base with a 4-centimetre guide mark fixed both.

LivelihoodStitching ClubShabana K Haikyam space

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