What Is Quilting
Quilting is the traditional art of combining multiple layers of fabric together to make a single piece of creative and decorative fabric. Quilters have used the assembly of fabric and thread to create blankets, jackets, ponchos, and other traditional pieces of apparel.
Today, quilting is an activity enjoyed by all types of people from all walks of life. Beginning quilters can use traditional methods, such as hand-sewing quilts, as well as more modern approaches that include the use of sewing machines.
Why Sew Quilts By Machine?
Sewing quilts together by machine offers a number of advantages over the traditional hand-sewing method. Using a sewing machine allows a quilter to be more precise and accurate when sewing together fabric pieces. Additionally, sewing by machine is often faster than hand-sewing. Many quilters also find that sewing by machine is more enjoyable than hand-sewing because of the process’s simplicity and ease.
In addition to the advantages that come with machine quilting, there are various machines on the market specifically designed for quilting. These machines are known as “long-arm quilting machines,” and they can be used to create intricate, patterned quilts in no time at all.
Which Sewing Machine Is Best For Quilting?
When it comes to choosing the right sewing machine for quilting, it is important to find one that has features specifically designed for quilters. An appropriate machine for quilting should have an adjustable speed control, adjustable stitch length, and adjustable needle threader. Additionally, many quilters prefer a machine that has a wide needle with a thread cutter to make the process of quilting easier.
Gathering The Materials
Before starting a quilting project, it is important to gather all of the necessary materials. This will save time and frustration in the long run. Begin by obtaining the appropriate size fabric for the project and precut all the pieces to the required sizes. Additionally, be sure to gather any special thread, trims, and other materials needed.
Setting Up The Machine
Once all of the necessary materials have been gathered, it is time to set up the sewing machine. Fill the bobbin with thread and attach the presser foot and needle according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the machine is ready to go, it is a good idea to test the stitch settings on a piece of fabric that is the same weight and thread count as the fabric that will be used for the quilt. This will ensure the stitch will be consistent throughout the project.
Assemble And Sew The Quilt
Once the machine is set up, the next step is to assemble and sew the quilt pieces together. Begin by laying out the layer of pieces that will make up the quilt top. Be sure to line up the pieces as evenly as possible for a smooth finish. Next, use a straight pins to hold the pieces in place before sewing the pieces together. Once the pieces are pinned, use a coordinating thread in the top of the quilt and a contrasting thread in the bottom of the quilt to complete the project.
Quilting Designs
One of the most fun and creative parts of quilting is adding designs to a quilt. Quilting designs can be as simple as adding a few appliqué patches, or can be as complex as adding a patterned frame of quilting stitches.
Beginning quilters may want to start with simple stitches, such as the zig zag stitch, the cross-stitch pattern, the whip stitch, or the blanket stitch. To add more detail, quilters can start exploring different patterns and designs.
Quilting Tips
Quilting is a process that requires patience and precision. To avoid mistakes, it is important to take extra care when aligning the quilt pieces and setting the stitches on the machine. Additionally, it can be helpful to practice quilting on pieces of scrap fabric before sewing on the quilt itself.
Finally, it is important to remember that a quilt is a handmade, one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, and it is perfectly normal to make mistakes. Quilting can be enjoyed by all ages, and mistakes will only enhance the uniqueness of the piece.
Quilting Online Resources
For the beginner quilter, there are many online resources available. Websites such as Quilting for Beginners and Craftsy can provide helpful tips and advice for the beginning quilter. Additionally, quilting blogs such as Oh Fransson and Design by Jen are also great sources of inspiration for quilters of all levels.
Quilting Tips For Beginners
When beginning a new quilting project, it is important to start off on the right foot. Be sure to buy the right type and amount of fabric needed for the project. It is also a good idea to determine the size of the quilt that will be created and make sure that all of the necessary materials, such as thread and batting, are purchased.
Quilters should also take their time when cutting the pieces of fabric. To avoid wasting fabric, use a rotary cutter to make sure the edges of the pieces are clean and straight. Additionally, when piecing the quilt, always use a ¼ inch seam allowance.
Finishing The Quilt
Once the quilt pieces are all sewn together, the next step is to finish the quilt. To neaten the edges of the quilt, use a quilting machine to make a stitched border around the quilt. This will keep the edges from fraying and give the quilt more structure. Finally, add any accents, such as buttons, ribbons, and rickrack, to enhance the quilt.
Adding The Binding
The final step to completing a quilt is to add the binding. The binding is a strip of fabric that is used to finish off the edges of the quilt. To start, cut the binding fabric strips to the desired width. Then, use a diagonal seam to join the fabric strips together, creating an “H” shape. Finally, unfold the binding and pin it to the edges of the quilt. Sew the binding to the quilt using a zigzag stitch and trim the excess fabric.
Quilting Batting Material
The quilting batting is the layer of fabric that is used to give the quilt volume, warmth, and structure. When selecting batting material, it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for quilting. Quilters should also consider the type of stitching that will be used on the quilt and look for batting material that is compatible with this type of stitching.
Press And Enjoy Your Quilt
Once all of the steps to making a quilt have been completed, the quilt can then be pressed. Pressing the quilt will help to flatten out the fabric and ensure the quilt has a smooth finish. Once the quilt is pressed, it is ready to enjoy!
