How To Make A T-Shirt Quilt

how to make a t-shirt quilt

How to make a t-shirt quilt and just why would you make one? and just why would you make one? Well, a t-shirt quilt is made from memories (old t-shirts) and quite simply becomes a special quilted scrapbook.     … Read more

Coloring Books For Quilters

coloring book for quilters

When I was under the weather recently I wasn’t able to sew  but was getting pretty fed up not being creative. Then I discovered that you can actually get coloring books for quilters! It might seem extreme, but I was … Read more

Easy Quilts For Beginners

When you first start quilting it can be daunting, the amount of information out there. Best thing to do is look for easy quilts for beginners, you’ll find a ton of resources via Google or whatever search engine you use.

I’ve found a few for you, some have tutorials some not, but they’re all good easy quilts projects.

Easy Quilts For Beginners

This  placemat has to be my top pick, so simple yet very effective. Using the “piecing on the go” method it really wouldn’t take long to make a set of these.

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Vetron Auto Seam

vetron auto seam

vetron auto seamWhat is a Vetron Auto Seam I hear you say, and what does it have to do with quilting?!

This article is just a snippet about how technology touches everything we do, including quilting. I’d never heard of Vetron sewing machines until I found a news article about an automated sewing machine that works by using cameras to track the movement of the fabric.

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Free Motion Quilting Instructions

Free motion quilting tips
free motion quilting with the Designio DZ3400
Not so much free motion quilting instructions but, following on from my tips for beginning quilters, I decided to put together my top free motion quilting tips.
Note, it does take practise, not many quilters get it right first time. Expect some odd patterns and snarl-ups till you master it!

Free Motion Quilting Tips

Free Motion Quilting Instructions1)Free motion quilting is a lot about keeping a rhythm.  When you start, it might be helpful to decide what speed (NOT really slow nor flat out) is comfortable for you.

If your machine doesn’t have different speed settings then put some sort of block under the foot pedal so when you mash it down it goes to that speed.

That takes thinking about the speed and your foot out of the equation and helps you to concentrate!

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Cutting Mats For Quilting

cutting mats for quilting

In my opinion, I would say cutting mats for quilting are an essential, not an option!

In this article I’ll cover the essentials you need to know about cutting mats, from selection through to storage and cleaning.

 

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Top Tips For Beginning Quilters

top tips for beginning quilters

Quilting is such a massive subject if you’re just starting so here are my top tips for beginning Quilters! Top Tips For Beginning Quilters Learn the terminology! It might seem obvious but it’s surprising the amount of would be quilters … Read more

Embroidery In Quilting

Embroidery in quilting

Lots of crafters who enjoy quilting also end up enjoying embroidery in quilting. You might feel as if you have torn loyalties of which craft to pursue in the small quantity of time available for hobbies. Does this sound like you? … Read more

Patchwork Piecing Methods

patchwork piecing methods

This is a short article giving a brief explanation of patchwork piecing methods with some videos for a visual explanation. As you already know, generally quilts are formed using blocks which can be joined together by hand or machine. There are different methods … Read more

How to Choose the Right Batting

How to Choose the Right Batting

In a previous article about quilting fabric I briefly mentioned batting, but in this article, I’m going to talk about how to choose the right batting.

It’s important to choose the right kind of batting, many new quilters don’t realize the importance, or know there are many different kinds of batting.

Now, as I said previously,  batting is the “sandwich filling” of a quilt, the bit that goes in the middle between your pieced quit top and the back. It’s also the part that creates the warmth, insulation and weight of your quilt.

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What Is Stitch In The Ditch

shallow ditch

shallow ditchWhen I first started quilting this was one of the first questions I asked”what is stitch in the ditch?”.

It’s one of those strange bits of terminology that crop up in quilting and although it sounds strange, it does have a simple explanation. When I first heard the term, I had images of quilting groups lined up in a ditch all sewing away!

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Sewing Ergonomics – How to Sew Without Getting Backache

Sewing ergonomics - how to sew without getting backache

Sewing ergonomics - how to sew without getting backacheMy own recent troubles with backache prompted me to do some research into how to sew without getting backache! If you’ve suffered from this you’ll understand how painful it is, also frustrating when you have quilting projects you want to get on with. This article “Sewing Ergonomics – How to Sew Without Getting Backache” will get you back on track for pain-free sewing!

 

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How to Patchwork Quilt

how to patchwork quilt

how to patchwork quiltMore and more people want to learn how to patchwork quilt, it’s a “trending” craft according to Google! There’s an overwhelming amount of info out there and there’s no definitive answer, however, first of all you should know some essentials.

 

 

HOW TO PATCHWORK QUILT – BEGINNER’S ESSENTIALS

fat quarter bundleFabric – There are different layers to consider when choosing fabric, read this guide for more information on choosing fabrics for quilting.

Cutting – First understand what a rotary cutter is and how it can help. You can also use a fabric cutter which will quickly cut set shapes. Whatever you choose make sure to do some cutting practice first on scrap fabrics.

Quilting terms – become familiar with quilting terms and what they mean. For example, do you know what a quilting ruler is, or what batting is? Check out my glossary, there are simple explanations for each term.

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Quilters Journal Book

quilters journal book

quilters journal bookA Quilter’s Journal should be a must for all quilters. A lot of work goes into the quilts we make, from the first design idea to fabric choices and right through to the finishing touches. It makes sense to have a quilters journal book of all this hard work. Whether you keep the quilt for yourself or give it as a present it’s always good to be able to look back at previous projects. I’m sure you’ve sometimes thought “I wish I’d taken a picture,” a quilters journal will make sure you never have this thought again! I’ve done this for my other passion, knitting. I keep a record and refer to it if I’m looking for inspiration for a new project or am stuck on a technical aspect.

If you sell your quilts you can keep a record of who purchased and the price paid. Same with gifts, keep a note of the recipients.

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Quilting Fabric

Simplicity Rotary Cutter Machine

quilting fabricChoosing your quilting fabric is perhaps the most important part of creating a new project, whether it’s a small quilting project or a large one.

There are three elements to making a quilt so it’s important to choose the right quilt fabric for each stage.

  • Top of the quilt, a combination of colors made up of quilt blocks.
  • Quilt batting fabric which goes in the middle.
  • Backing fabric for quilts, a complimentary color to the top.

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What is a Quilt Block

What is a quilt block

Quilting blocksIf you’re a beginning quilter then one of the first terms you’ll hear is “quilt block.” So what is a quilt block? Traditionally, quilts were more often used to make bed covers and were sewn by hand. Because of the difficulty managing  to sew a large quilt, smaller blocks were made. These smaller blocks of fabric could be made in a variety of patterns or a repeating pattern which were then sewn together to form the whole quilt.

 

By breaking up the quilt pattern into manageable pieces, you can lay easily lay it down and then pick it up again, gradually building the blocks until you have enough to make the quilt.

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What is a Quilting Ruler

quilting ruler

quilting rulerOne of the questions often asked by beginning quilters is “what is a quilting ruler” and why do I need one?” I’ll explain here what a quilting ruler is and how it helps quilters.

 

 

What is a quilting ruler?

There’s nothing mysterious about a quilting ruler!  It’s a tool that’s been devised to make cutting simpler for patch working and quilting. A quilting ruler is used to make precise cuts in fabric. Generally made of clear plastic there are measurements painted across the ruler in a grid pattern. These measurements have different angles to help quilters to cut a variety of shapes. They come in different sizes and shapes but most quilters will start with a rectangular quilting ruler measuring 4″ by 12″. It is designed to be used with a rotary cutter and comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

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What is a Rotary Cutter

Rotary cutter

What is a Fabric Cutter

what is a fabric cutter

What Is a Fabric Cutter? If you’ve always used scissors or a rotary cutter to cut your quilting fabric you might not have heard of a fabric cutter. So what is a fabric cutter? It is a tool that is … Read more

Interweave for Quilting

Interweave

 

interweave for quilting

Interweave store is a well-known crafts store, but have you looked at Interweave for quilting? The dedicated quilting section offers everything you could want to satisfy your quilting passion! They also have a membership section which is free to join and gives you access blogs, forums, videos, and free stuff!

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Sewing Machines for Quilting

sewing machines for quilting

Sewing Machines for QuiltingWhat are the things to take into account when you’re looking for a sewing machine for quilting?

Choosing a machine for quilting is a much different proposition than choosing one for basic occasional use. If you’re on a limited budget it’s more important to have a reliable machine that sews well than have extra bells and whistles on an unreliable one.

 

Sewing Machine for Quilting – essential things to look for

  • A good straight stitch – essential when piecing fabric together.
  • The option to disengage feed dogs – needed for free motion quilting.
  • Variety of feet – these add extra functionality and a walking foot is a must for moving the 3 layers through evenly.
  • Throat space – this is the space on the right of the needle where your quilt will get shoved through during quilting, the bigger the better!
  • Variable speed motor – helps to give good control when free motion quilting.
  • JUKI Exceed HZL F600 wide sewing spaceExtension table –  to the left of the needle for those larger quilts.
  • Marked measurements on the needle plate – this makes it much easier to achieve accurate 1/4″ seams.
  • Build quality – it’s important to check this. Sewing quilts puts a heavy strain on any machine, a flimsy plasticky machine won’t last long.
  • Lighting – look for sewing machines with more than one light that are angled well onto the work surface. Bright LED lights are the best.
  • Instructions – are they easy to follow and does the machine come with a DVD?

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