Basic Steps in Making a Quilt
The quilt making process involves several basic tasks: measuring, cutting, marking & stitching. Each step has tools and or techniques that will save time and make the project easier to complete.
by art_es_anna
The first step is to select a quilt pattern or design, and your materials. If you are a beginner, choose an easy design to begin with. Try to imagine your finished quilt. What colors would you like it to be? Do you want to mix various prints with solids? Patterns of material may range from florals to plaids and also stripes.
Solid fabrics come in just about every color you can imagine. Cotton is usually the easiest fabric to work with but do not be afraid to try others. All fabrics should be washed beforehand in mild detergent and luke warm water, dried and then pressed.
the second step involves measuring & cutting. If you purchase quality scissors, use them only for sewing. This will keep them very sharp so your cuts precise while saving time too. Rotary cutters are now available in different sizes. They allow you to cut smoothly along the edges on multiple layers of material quickly and easily.
by striatic
Mini cutters work well on cutting curves: larger cutters are good for long straight parts and multi layers of fabric. A cutting mat must be used with a rotary cutter. A good clear ruler is also a must. Accuracy is important when quilting. Take the time to cut precisely and you will be ensured your quilt pieces fit together neatly.
Marking tools should be tested on a sample fabric before using them. You want the marks to be removed easily without damaging the fabric. Special quilter’s pencils are now available with a white or gray lead, and an eraser on the other end. Other types of markers include soapstone, which consists of pressed talc, and is water-soluble, which is great for dark cloth. Lines from both types can be removed with a slightly wet cloth.
Step 3 is stitching. Each quilt project has to be layered and basted before starting the quilting. Quilting pins are used to hold the pieces together. If you are basting by hand then there are special needles, with small round eyes, that are especially liked by quilter’s. Use one strand of white cotton thread to baste. You may however, like to use curved, rustproof safety pins to ensure the basting process is quicker and easy.
by L. Marie
Pressing at each part of the construction is important. Use the front of the iron and move in the direction of the grain lines. The normal rule of quilting is to press each stitched seam before going accross it with another.
Quilting is the 4th step. Quilting clamps the quilt top, batting, and back together. It also adds a texture and improves the design. You can quilt by hand or machine. Quilting by hand is the traditional method but machine quilting is quicker and more durable.
Binding is the last step in making a quilt. Binding materials can either match or complement the other fabric in the quilt. Binding helps to make square your finished quilt.