Quilting Basics
Is A Must Read
For That Perfect Quilt !
Quilting Basics For Beginners
Hello Everyone,
We thought it would be easier for the newest members of our site to start at the very basics and necessities of what you need to start quilting. For those of you are already experienced, this might be boring. However, if you have any ideas, neat gadgets or tips to add to this page, please let us know by dropping us a line. It will only help our newbies. We’ll add it to one of our quilting articles and helpful link pages for all to share.
For our newest quilters, it takes a lot of practice to become good at quilting, so don’t get discouraged ! We thought that it would be worth it to start off with a refresher course on the important things needed to make a good, quality blanket (or any other item). Once we review our Quilting 101 class, the more difficult stitches that are common to quilting will come easier.
So get your notebook out and your shopping list ready.
It’s time to learn how to quilt!
Most of these tools can be picked up at any arts and craft store.
And remember what my Nana Zwickey would say- “don’t skimp”! Better quality tools(and sometime more expensive) and material will hold up better and last a lot longer!
The Tools
The Sewing Machine
A machine in good working order means, lint free, oiled, and some new needles. There is no special machine needed just for quilting. Just make sure it’s been oiled lately there’s no lint on the needle or bobbin case (I usually just wipe it clean with alcohol, and have some extra needles handy. Check your product manual for the particulars of your machine.
I suggest you take a scrap piece of material and run a test to see if it is threaded correctly. You should also make sure your tension and bobbin are not too tight. Look at your troubleshooting tips in your instruction book for more details. Always make sure that it is threaded right, the same way every time. It will really through off your tension if you don’t. If you’ve feel comfortable and the stitching looks good on your practice piece, you’re ready to go on to the next steps
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The Accessories
This list covers only the very basics to start sewing.
A Rotary cutter. Sharp blades are the safest.
A Rotary cutting mat.
A Rotary cutting ruler (use 6” x 24” is versatile).
Scissors- I use three kinds: fabric scissors (made for fabric only), thread snippers and non fabric scissors. (This keeps me from having to sharpen blades more often.
Neutral thread- I use Ecru, light gray and dark gray, 50 weights.
Machine needles- for cotton fabric, I like to use 75/10 or 80/12 sharp or embroidery needles.
To see if you have all the right tools and gadgets for both beginner and advanced read our other page for a more complete list.
The Fabric
Not all fabrics are made equal! The quality varies on the different types of material that you use, as you can see in the range of prices. Quilting fabrics should be made of 100% cotton. The batting, should be all cotton as well. The amount of material that you need depends on the project that you are doing.
Always cut at least ½ yard more for experienced quilters, and one yard for beginners. It is always better to buy more than less. Most likely, you will use it on another quilt. Most patterns usually come in 44″-45″ standard widths. A good rule of thumb is to always make allowances for mistakes!
Tip: If you are using a written pattern, it will be specific as to how much material to buy.
If you want a little more help on how your colors and materials go together better, you should read our page on fabric and colors first.
Threads
I usually look for 50 weight, high quality cotton thread when I am sewing cotton fabric. I match my thread content to the fabric content. For the quilting part of the project I will often use 40 weight thread as it is thicker and will show off the quilting stitches. For machine quilting I like a long staple cotton thread, my favorite is Superior thread’s King Tut.
For special effects, I will choose rayon threads for their sheen. I don’t use rayon thread to piece together the quilt as it is not as strong as the cotton thread and it is usually more expensive. In this day and age, dye lots are not critical, and there are ways to mix them that will look fine. Check our fabric link for tips.
Thread comes in many spool sizes, from small to a giant cone. I buy three colors for piecing. This seems to blend in with most every color and saves me from changing thread constantly. (I always keep a good supply of ecru (off white), light gray and dark gray. It will come in handy.
If you need a few tips on threads that seem to be tying you up in knots
Are you ready now to begin? Then let’s go get started!
Get some bobbins ready. Thread your sewing machine and start sewing. Practice several straight lines till you feel comfortable
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SUGGESTIONS FOR BEGINNERS
Check a sample of the fabric you will be using by sewing two pieces together to make sure that the tension on your machine is balanced. The thread on the top and bottom layers should look the same.Measure your quarter inch seam allowance. Don’t assume that the markings on your machine or machine feet are accurate. Mark the quarter inch spot to the right of the needle with masking tape or Moleskin. You may also note where on your machine foot or sewing machine bed the 1/4” hits.
Okay, now you’re ready! Go ahead and wind some bobbins with your neutral thread as we suggested. Plop it in your machine and thread it up. Get set and Go! The old saying that practice makes perfect is true! Keep at it and you’ll do just fine.
When you get more experience- check out our page for sewing techniques that have been shared by our more experienced viewers!
That’s about all for now! We all have to start somewhere-you know! So hang in there and RELAX – Chill Out! You’ll do just fine!
Don’t forget we have an expert quilter on hand if you set stuck- AJ is only an email away! So if you have a more specific question from the master herself, drop us a line (if I said mistress- she’d fall over laughing in hysterics!)
Just remember one thing though-
That Girls Just Want To Have Fun ! (Don’t sweat the details!)
Thanks For Stopping By To Visit and Come Back Soon!
Linda and AJ