Materials Used
The materials used when quilting with a regular sewing machine are mainly quilting cotton fabric and a batting material of your choice. Quilting cotton fabric is a breathable material, is grouped by its season (e.g., spring, summer, fall, winter) and usually comes in colorful prints or designs. When choosing quilting cotton fabrics, experts recommend you to have a mix of sameness and contrast in your design, as well as colors that will bring harmony. Batting materials are important for comfort and insulation; some examples are polyester, cotton, wool, and silk. While polyester is the most common, cotton and wool offer the highest insulation.
Tools Needed
You’ll need some specific tools when quilting with a regular sewing machine. Aside from the regular sewing machine itself, you’ll need walking, quarter-inch, and quilting feet. In addition, it’s important that you use an appropriate thread for quilting and specialty needles for quilting—both of which will help ensure quality stitches. Quilting rulers and cutting mat are also important tools that will make the process of quilting easier. You’ll also need a good pair of fabric shears to cut your material.
Step-By-Step Process
When quilting with a regular sewing machine, it’s best to first baste your layers together before quilting. This will help reduce the risk of shifting or bunching of the quilt when sewing. Once you’ve basted the layers together, you can start quilting the quilt sandwich according to your desired design. For example, diagonal lines, arcs, diagonals with outlines, and cross-hatch patterns are all popular quilting designs utilized with a regular sewing machine.
It’s important to remember to lower the pressure foot when starting your quilting pattern. By doing so, you’ll reduce the amount of stitching that’s visible on the right side of the quilt. When you’re ready to move on to the next section of quilting, remember to lift the pressure foot and pivot the quilt sandwich. Also, it’s important to use a walking foot for quilting, so the layers move together, providing consistent stitches and preventing shifting of the layers.
Finishing and Care
Once you’ve finished your quilting project, you’ll need to add a binding. The binding is used to finish off the quilt, to protect the edges of the quilt and to keep the batting and backing in place. To create the binding, you’ll need to cut strips of quilting fabric and stitch them together in a continuous line. Then, stitch them to the edges of the quilt and hand or machine stitch the opposite side of the binding. In addition to adding a binding, you’ll have to make sure that your quilt is properly cared for. Pre-washing the quilt (before binding it) will help to remove natural oils and starches found in the fabrics and batting which can prevent fading and shrinkage. Also, Caring for your quilt properly will ensure that it lasts and can be passed down for generations to come.
Advantages of Quilting with a Regular Sewing Machine
The primary advantage to quilting with a regular sewing machine is the cost. The materials you need for quilting are not expensive and the tools for sewing the quilt together are not required to be expensive either. Another advantage is that you can create your own unique designs using the regular sewing machine. There are many specialty feet and decorative stitches that the regular sewing machine offers, which can enhance the look of your quilt. A regular sewing machine is also much more compact than a longarm quilting machine, so it’s easier to store. Finally, quilting with a regular sewing machine is still a great way to practice your quilting skills and feel the satisfaction of having completed a quilt.
Disadvantage of Quilting with a Regular Sewing Machine
The primary disadvantage to quilting with a regular sewing machine is the speed of the process. Regular sewing machines are much slower than longarm quilting machines, so the process of making a quilt can take a lot longer. You also have to use more effort when quilting with a regular sewing machine as you have to move the quilt with your hands instead of a frame that moves on a track. Also, sewing curves and arcs with a regular sewing machine can be more difficult as there is no machine support for them.
Expert Perspectives
According to quilting experts, quilting with a regular sewing machine can be a great way to get started with quilting. While the process can be slower, it’s an excellent way to practice and perfect your quilting skills. It’s also much more affordable than purchasing a longarm quilting machine. However, it’s important to note that the quality of quilting is not as good when you’re using a regular sewing machine. Therefore, experts recommend that you use a longarm quilting machine if you’re quilting a quilt that you plan to enter into a show or competition.
Quilt Blocks
Quilt Blocks are a fun and creative way to use your regular sewing machine to quilt. Quilt blocks are a combination of fabric, batting and threads and can be used as centerpieces for larger quilts. Traditional quilt blocks like 9-patch and Log Cabin are perfect projects for practice. Quilt blocks often feature complicated designs, like feather, stars and butterflies, and can range from very small to large. The key to quilt blocks is that the quilting stitches must be in harmony with the fabric design.
Quilted Wall Hangings
Quilted wall hangings are a great way to display your quilting skills and make a beautiful wall décor piece. You can use a regular sewing machine to make any size quilted wall hanging, depending on your desired size. Most wall hangings are framed with a wooden dowel rod or a decorative hoop or frame. A quilted wall hanging is also a great way to have quilted items to gift friends and family; especially if you don’t have the time or space to work on a quilt from start to finish.
Quilted Zippered Pouches
Quilted zippered pouches are a great way to practice quilting with a regular sewing machine. The small size of these pouches makes it much easier to complete a quilt project. And because they are smaller in size, they are also an ideal choice of project for beginners. The only difficulty with these projects is that they require a zipper, which can be tricky to sew. However, once you’ve mastered that technique, you’ll be able to make an endless number of quilted zippered pouches that make great gifts and things-to-have-at-all-times.
Quilted Blankets
Quilted blankets are the perfect way to combine family heirlooms, signatures and other special elements. Quilted blankets can be made with a regular sewing machine, however, due to their size, the quilting process can be quite time-consuming. It’s important to remember to take your time when quilting with a regular sewing machine and to make sure that you’re using evenly spaced quilting stitches throughout the quilt. Quilted blankets are a perfect way to keep your family warm and cuddle up in a quilt made with a whole lot of love.
