For the crafty enthusiast the answer is simple – quilting with a sewing machine is an enjoyable and creative endeavor that is cheap and fast. But, not all sewing machines are created equal. If you’re thinking of taking up quilting, you’ll need to make sure your machine is up for it. Let’s take a look at how to quilt with a sewing machine and what characteristics you should be looking out for.
The first thing you should consider is whether your sewing machine is suitable for quilting. Quilting requires your machine to handle thicker fabrics, tight turns, and sometimes large projects. The most important feature you’ll want is a machine with adjustable needle position. This will allow you to rotate your fabric while you quilt so that each line of stitching has a continuous, even tension.
Secondly you will want to select the right stitch settings. A good stitch length setting for quilting is between 15 and 18. This gives you a smooth, even seam and a neater, stronger quilt. You’ll also want to pay attention to the thread pressure and tension settings. Most machines have a pre-set for quilting which makes it easier but you can always adjust it for a tighter or looser stitch.
Next you need to choose the right type of foot for your machine. A quilting foot is a specialized foot that is designed to help guide thick fabrics along your seams. It will also help to keep your fabric from shifting and bunching and will give you better control over your stitching. There are several different types of quilting feet available so make sure to do some research to find the one that works best for your specific machine.
Last but not least, it is important to select the right type of batting for your quilt. Batting is the material that is sandwiched between the quilt top and backing. You’ll want to choose a batting that is appropriate for the type of quilt you are making. If you are making a thick quilt, you’ll want to select a thicker batting such as cotton or wool. For a thinner quilt, you may choose a thinner batting such as bamboo or silk.
If you are looking to get started quilting with your sewing machine, the first step is to make sure that your machine can handle it. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready to start exploring the wonderful world of quilting. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you’ll be creating beautiful quilts in no time.
Using templates
Using quilting templates while you’re quilting is an easy way to create elegant patterns on your quilt without having to draw them every time. Quilting templates provide you with a guide as to where you should be stitching and help ensure that your pattern will be even and consistent. Templates are also helpful for beginning quilters as it can be quite overwhelming to have to draw each line of stitching on a large project. There are a variety of quilting templates available and you’ll want to choose one that matches the scale of your project.
Choosing Thread
The thread you use is important for a successful quilting project. The two most popular types of threads used for quilting are cotton and polyester. Cotton threads are best for piecing your quilt together since they are strong and can easily be pulled through the quilt top. Polyester threads are better for machine quilting since they are strong yet thin and produce less heat than cotton. You should also select a thread color that matches your fabric. This will help keep the quilting pattern subtle and allow the fabric to be the star of the show.
Free Motion Quilting
Free motion quilting is a quilting technique where the quilter uses the machine’s feed dogs to lower the fabric and you then use your hands to manually move the fabric as you quilt. This is a great technique for intricate quilting patterns and it allows you to be more creative with your designs. To do free motion quilting you’ll need a free motion foot, also known as a darning foot, as well as a free motion quilting hoop. The free motion quilting hoop helps to keep the fabric taut so you can move it freely while you quilt.
Machine Quilting Designs
The most popular machine quilting designs are straight lines, swirls, and circles. Straight lines can be a great way to give your quilt a sense of order and structure. Swirls and circles are a bit more challenging to execute but can add fantastic texture and visual interest to a quilt. It is also important to be aware of where tension is in a quilt when quilting curves as too little tension can create a puckered or lumpy quilt.
Pre-wash fabric
Pre-washing your fabric is an important step when quilting with a sewing machine. This will make sure that the quilt is able to contract and expand somewhat with use. Cotton quilting fabric will usually shrink between 8% and 15% and wool will usually shrink anywhere from 5% to 20%. It is important to pre-wash your fabric separately since some fabrics may shrink more than others and this can cause your quilt tops to become distorted.
Choosing needles
The needle you choose for your quilt will have a direct impact on the quality of your finished project. When selecting a needle for quilting you should choose one that is specifically designed for quilting. Quilting needles are typically sharp or slightly rounded at the tip and are made from titanium or other metals to help prevent breaking and wear and tear. You should also make sure to change your needle after every 8-10 hours of quilting to ensure that your finished quilt is of the highest quality.
Quilting Tips
Quilting with a sewing machine can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to make your quilting journey a bit easier. Always test your stitching on a scrap fabric before you begin your project. This will allow you to adjust any settings and make sure that your quilt is stitched the way you want it. When sewing curves, always use the longest stitch length possible and be mindful of the tension of your thread. And last but not least, take your time and enjoy the process – it’s time for you to create something beautiful!
