Discover How to Quilt - Recently Updated Pages

Learn to Quilt—Top 10 Terms to Know

DiscoverHowToQuilt — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:50:04 CDT

Quilting, like any craft, has many different terms. Most definitions are somewhat self explanatory, but it’s also important to understand exactly what they mean. The following are the top ten terms I think it’s important for any quilter to know:

1. Patchwork. When two or more pieces of fabric are sewn together, you get patchwork. Most patchwork contains far more than 2 pieces of different fabric (quilter's generally use more than 2, though). Multiple pieces of fabric that are sewn together to make what is referred to as a quilt top.

2. Appliqué. This term is referred to sewing one or more pieces on top of one piece of fabric. Imagine cutting out a star and gluing it to a piece of paper. The concept is the same with appliqué.

3. Color Value. There are three basic values. Light, Medium, and Dark. Color value comes into play when you want to highlight certain aspects of your design. For example, if the stars you were appliquéing down were both dark fabrics, you would lose the effect of your appliqué. But when you use a light color for the stars, they stand out against your dark background, providing the contrast you’re after.

4. Backing. This refers to the fabric you have chosen for the backside of your quilt. It can be all one type of fabric, or more patchwork.

5. Batting. Batting is what is sewn into the middle of your quilt. It is defined as cotton, wool, or synthetic fiber wadded into rolls or sheets, used for stuffing furniture and mattresses and for lining quilts. Every quilter develops a preference.

6. Quilting. Quilting is the act of sewing multiple layers of fabric together. A quilt is actually a three layered sandwich. The quilt top faces up, the batting goes in the middle, and the backing faces down. By hand or with a sewing machine, you sew all the layers together.

7. Stitch in the Ditch. This is a type of quilting that refers to stitching in between the different pieces of patchwork. Generally, this type of quilting is hard to see, and is very easy to do—you just follow the seam lines!

8. Free Motion Stitching. Done by hand or by machine, this quilting is used to create alternate designs that compliment your design or can provide added detail. Imagine drawing—except that you’re using thread instead of a pencil.

9. Binding. Binding is a strip of fabric that is folded over to protect the edges of your quilt and secure the layers together at the very edges.

10. Fat Quarter. I threw this term in because it baffled me when I was a newbie quilter. A fat quarter is a piece of fabric that has been cut into an 18" x 24" piece of fabric. It is a ¼ yard cut so that you have more than 12" of width to the piece of fabric. Many patterns list these in their fabric requirements, and the cutting directions included are based on their specific shape.

There have been entire books, and even parodies making fun of all the different terms we quilters use. They aren’t complicated. A few terms, such as those mentioned above, are nice to know as a newbie quilter.

Fortunately, with proper instruction, quilting is as simple as following a proven set of steps. Take the first step and learn how fun and easy creating heirloom keepsakes can really be. Go now to http://www.DiscoverHowToQuilt.com.

Learn to Quilt - Discover Top Tips For Saving Money

DiscoverHowToQuilt — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:02:52 CDT

In today’s economic climate, starting a new hobby may seem like an expense that your budget just can’t support. Between gas and groceries, becoming a quilter just doesn't seem like a wise financial choice. I'm here to tell you that being a quilter doesn't have to be expensive. Over the years I have become an expert at stretching my dollar to support my quilter's habit. The following are my favorite ways to get the most for my limited allowance:

Borrow A Machine. If you are looking to make your first quilt, and don’t already own a machine, borrow one from someone that you know who has one that they don’t use. Borrowing a sewing machine has the added advantage of giving you a chance to figure out which features you would like your own machine when you go to buy one. Specialized quilter's machines can be expensive, and you may decide that you don't need one.
Be Coupon Friendly. Joanne Fabric and Michael’s regularly send 40% off coupons to people on their mailing list. These coupons can be used to purchase the more expensive tools that you might want but would rather buy at a reduced price. With coupons, you don’t have to wait for your wanted item to go on sale.
Shop The Sales. Big box stores and quilt shops constantly run sales on their wares. Fabric might be on clearance by 30 to 50% off. The rotary cutter you covet might be free if you buy a particular ruler. Shop around and be aware of what’s out there, and what might be offered in the near future. Fellow quilter's always seem to have their ear to the ground on this front and can help give you a heads up.
Go To Garage Sales and Estate Sales. I have found some of the most wonderful fabric and quilter's notions at simple estate sales. Estate sales are like a garage sale on steroids, and the prices are generally similar. I've seen some amazing vintage quilts that people are just looking to get rid of. The holy grail of garage sales, of course, is one that your quilting buddy is having…
Keep A List. Make sure you have a list of the items on your wish list when you’re out and about. You never know when you’re going to run into a deal at Walmart on batting—but if you forget that you’re going to need it for your current quilt project, it does you absolutely no good.

In a short time you’ll have every tool that you really need to begin quilting. After your necessities are purchased, you’ll have a blast finding the perfect materials for your individual projects. Quilting doesn’t need to be expensive if you’re a savvy shopper.

You’ll discover quilting can be an adventure. Anyone with the proper directions can create an heirloom quilt that will stand the test of time.
Fortunately, with proper instruction, quilting is as simple as following a proven set of steps. Take the first step and learn how fun and easy creating heirloom keepsakes can really be. Go now to http://www.DiscoverHowToQuilt.com.

Discover How to Quilt Home

DiscoverHowToQuilt — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:27:56 CDT

Learn to Quilt – Discover Top Tips for the Beginning Quilter http://www.DiscoverHowToQuilt.Com

Over the years, the easiest quilt I have ever made was one made entirely out of 4 ½ inch squares. If you’re looking to discover the joy of quilting, it’s the perfect place to start. Figure out how big you want your quilt, how many squares you’ll need, and go from there, following these tips along the way:

1. Choose a fabric line. When you go into a fabric store, ask the clerk to show you groups of fabric that have coordinating prints. You’ll discover it can make your fabric shopping a breeze.

If you’re making a quilt you want to last, choose high quality fabric. Quilt shops are the best place to purchase good fabric. Although the cost is greater, consider the amount of time and effort that you’ll be putting into this your project. The extra $20 in materials will greatly improve your end results, and you’ll find that time won’t be too hard your it.

2. Use an accurate ¼ inch seam allowance[1]. Some machines come with what is called a ¼ inch foot[2]. If yours didn’t, buy one. For an investment of just over $10, you’ll have pretty accurate seam allowances.

If you know your seam allowances are off, fix them before you go on. You’re going to be happier with the ease of sewing the pieces together.

3. Use a rotary cutter and an acrylic ruler. Measure twice and cut once. If you use a template and scissors, each square will vary in its size and the seam allowances won’t fit together evenly.

More than that, you’ll save a ton of time and get to the fun stuff faster.

4. Pin at every joined seam. By taking a little extra time to line up your seams and pin them together you’ll be thrilled to find that your completed quilt top isn’t distorted due to stretching and easing. 5. Take a class. Or more than one class. Personally, I would have learned so much faster had I put myself in front of a competent instructor instead of reading every book and magazine article I could find.

You’ll also make friends. There is nothing better than having a quilting buddy to go shopping with. No one else will ever understand your obsessive need to find that perfectly pink and green frog print that you saw in some catalog somewhere, that you just have to have. You’ll discover quilting can be an adventure. Anyone with the proper directions can create an heirloom quilt that will stand the test of time. Fortunately, with proper instruction, quilting is as simple as following a proven set of steps. Take the first step and learn how fun and easy creating heirloom keepsakes can really be. Go now to http://www.DiscoverHowToQuilt.com.

[1] A seam allowance is the distance of the sewn line to the edge of the two pieces of fabric you’re sewing together.

[2] The metal or plastic piece that clips to your machine that guides your fabric as you sew and holds it down to the machine http://www.DiscoverHowToQuilt.Com