Quilting Basics

This past year I have been teaching a basic quilting class at church. People were asking me if I would teach them, so we got a group together, and I am HAPPY to do so!  Hey, the more quilting buddies I have, the better!  Strength in numbers!!  I am so proud of the accomplishments of the class, and they wanted to keep going!  We took a break over Christmas, and I have finally got myself together and just started again last week!

Last year we did a sampler quilt.  Which is where I taught a different block / technique each month and then we sewed them together to make one big one.  It was so fun to see everyone's different taste in fabric and what different colors, lights and darks in different places turned out for each person!  They were proud of their accomplishments too!  Baby steps people!  WE CAN DO IT!

So I'll post every now and then what we're doing in class!  If you're around here (or even if you're not) you are totally invited to attend!  It's every 2nd Thursday of the month until September at the church.  Call, comment, email if you want to come and I'll give you details!!  The more the merrier!!

Here are just a few basics to get started, and I will put in tips every chance I get.  I'm all about getting the job done as quick and efficient as possible!  If you have any tips too, please let me know!  HAPPY QUILTING!


Supplies:

(Pictured Above)
Rotary Cutter and replacement blades:  The most common size is 45mm

Cutting Mat: Average size is 18” x 24”

Ruler: I prefer the 6” x 24” it’s versatile

Sewing machine  

Fabric:

100% Cotton is best.  There IS a difference in fabric quality.  Specialty quilting stores will have higher prices, but it is a higher grade of fabric.  Use the best quality materials you can afford.  Use coupons and watch for sales!

It’s good to have a good balance of contrasts (Darks, Mediums, and Lights).  The same quilt block pattern can have different appearances depending on the contrast in the fabric.

There is no need to pre-wash your fabric, but it is totally up to what YOU PREFER.  I personally love the crispness of unwashed fabric.  IT’S YOUR QUILT!

Cutting the Fabric:

Square up the fabric: have a straight edge to work with. Make sure to cut off all of the raw jagged edges. (I can do a whole post on this one!!) This ensures a straight line to measure off of for your quilt pieces. MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE! 

Thread:

Use good quality thread.  You are spending the time to sew, and you don’t want your thread to break and your seams to pop when it gets quilted. 

Pressing / Ironing:

I do not love ironing clothes, but I love ironing when I quilt.  Ironing is ESSENTIAL!  It helps keep your seams crisp and looking professional.  Iron as you go.

Never press the seams open.  Always press to one side.  If you have a light and dark, press towards the DARK.  If one side of the seam has joining seams in the seam allowance, press it to the other side.  Sometimes you get bulk—press away from the bulk.

Seam Allowances / Stitch Length:

Always use ¼” seam allowance.  If there is an exception, the directions will let you know.  Each machine is different.  Measure BEFORE you start. Seam allowances must be accurate and consistent. 

It is best to use a short stitch length (about 2mm) for piecing quilts, so there IS NO NEED TO BACK-STITCH when starting and ending a seam. 

Helpful Hints:

When sewing a quilt, it is best to use an assembly line technique where you do all of one operation on all pieces before moving to the next.

Chain Sewing: Sew the pieces together in a long chain rather than sew a seam, cut, sew another seam, cut over and over.  This wastes time and thread.  Put the pieces that are being sewn together as you go, placing one right after the other.