Quilting is an ancient and beautiful art form, and quilters are among the most dedicated, resourceful and passionate sewers. As technology advances, it is becoming increasingly easy and efficient to quilt with a sewing machine, thereby allowing a greater number of people to pursue this beloved craft. Here, we’ll discuss how to quilt on your sewing machine and provide some essential tips to make sewing quilts an effortless and enjoyable experience.
Threading and Machine Setting
First, you must make sure your machine is appropriate for quilting. Many modern machines have the capability of automatically adjusting stitch length and width, and have other helpful quilting-specific settings. These may include a walking foot, a presser foot with a post in the back, a darning or free-motion foot, and a quilt guide. Once you have these pieces, you must thread your machine correctly, winding the bobbin and tying off the thread. Depending on the type of machine you have, this might include the setup of specific internal mechanisms.
Fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your quilt is critical. Not all fabrics are suitable for quilting on a machine. Quilting requires that fabrics be high quality and 100% cotton. Cheaper and synthetic fabrics might damage the machine and create problems in the course of time. Before starting and cutting your fabrics, it is important to pre-wash them to avoid shrinkage in the finished project. Once that is complete, you must gather the necessary cutting tools and lay out the fabrics for cutting. Generally, for machine quilting, larger pieces of fabric should be cut, since seams create more bulk and can jam the machine.
Pinning and Sewing
Using the right pins is essential in quilting, and can make or break the finished product. Choose pins that easily slide through the fabric, yet stay put and hold pressure until it is ready to be removed. After laying out the fabric pieces and figuring out the layout and design, it’s now time to begin piecing the quilt together. Place two squares right sides together, and pin them together along the edges. Take the two pinned pieces to the machine, and slowly sew them together. Make sure to test the tension of the thread first, as this can affect the final results. Always keep a few extra needles on hand, as frequent machine use can cause needles to dull and break. Once the pieces are pieced together, press the seams with an iron, taking care not to over press.
Quilting the Sandwiches
Basting
Basting the quilt sandwiches is an important part of the quilting process. Pinning the backing, batting, and quilt top together makes the quilt easier to work with. You can use pins or spray adhesive, as both hold the pieces together while stitching.
Stitching in the Ditch
Stitching in the ditch is a technique that uses the seams of the quilt to secure the layers together. Position your quilt top and the pins where each seam is located, then stitch along the seam of the quilt, to the right side of the quilt. This technique will hold the layers together and add support to the quilt.
Quilting Patterns
If you have a specific quilting pattern in mind, it is possible to apply it to your quilt. It is recommended to trace the pattern onto a piece of parchment paper. After that, place the parchment paper under your quilt top and securing it so that it will not slip during stitching. Use the pattern as a guide to stitch the quilt pattern.
Binding
Binding is the process of completing your quilt by sewing all the edges of the quilt. It is a time consuming process, but it makes all the difference in the completed quilt. Start with binding strips cut 2 ½ inches wide and make sure they’re long enough to wrap around the quilt’s edge. Sew the strips together at a 45-degree angle, and press the seams with an iron. Fold the binding strips in half, press and lay all four sides on the quilt allowing a small overlap on each corner. Sew the bind to all four sides, carefully pinning it in place, and use a seam allowance of ¼ inch. Finally, fold the binding to the back of the quilt and stitch it in place using a hidden stitch.
Finishing and Pressing
Once you’ve finished all four sides to the binding, press your quilt with a pressing cloth and an iron. This will help keep your quilt squares square instead of stretched or curved. Finally, give the quilt a good spray of steam from the iron, taking care to avoid wetting the quilt, so nothing gets damaged.
Quilting Stitches
There are several quilting stitches to consider when machine quilting. The two most common are the straight stitch and the zigzag stitch. Both types of stitches can easily be produced with a sewing machine, with the straight stitch being the simplest and most common. For more intricate or elaborate quilting, decorative stitches or free-motion stitching may be a better option.
Changing Needles
In quilting, needles are used for more than just stitching; they are also used to control the tension of the thread. Sewing with a worn out or dull needle can create tension problems, weak stitches and other issues. As a rule, it is advised to change the needle after every 6-8 hours of sewing. Be sure to select the right needle size and type for the fabric and thread being used to avoid damaging both the needle and the fabric.
Mistakes and Patches
Making mistakes when quilting is inevitable, no matter how experienced you may be. If a mistake takes place, don’t be discouraged, as there are techniques to fix them such as adding patches or appliqués over any blemishes or errors. Though these methods may take some time and aren’t always perfect, it is a great way to customize your finished quilt and make it truly unique.
Storage and Care
When you’ve finished the quilt, wrap it up in a clean sheet and store it in a cool dry place. If the quilt does need to be washed, either use a detergent designed for fabrics or one specifically meant for quilts. Avoid too much agitation as it may distort the quilt, and never use harsh chemicals. Finally, if you get a stain on your quilt, try to spot-treat it with a gentle detergent or fabric cleaner.
