When you’re first starting, the hundreds of phrases and techniques you’ll come across with your first quilt can be overwhelming. You gain expertise, you figure out which quilting methods work best for you, but getting comfortable with the essential skills will help you create accurate quilts.
About Quilting
Quilting is the process of stitching two or more layers of fabric together to make a thicker padded material. It is often used in the construction of bedspreads, blankets, and other items of clothing.
The word “quilt” originally meant a padded, stitched cloth cover, similar to a comforter. Over time, the word came to refer to the stitching process itself.
There are two types of quilting: piecing and appliqué. Piecing is the most common type of quilting, and it involves sewing together different pieces of fabric to create a design. Appliqué quilting involves sewing patches or shapes onto a fabric background.
There are many different quilting techniques, and the type of technique you use will depend on the materials you’re working with and the final product you’re trying to create.
Once you get started quilting you will find it is pretty addictive. Before you know it your furniture and walls will be covered. BTW, make sure to check out these tips on how to hang quilts without adding holes in them here. I wish I had known about this method when I first started displaying my quilts!
What If I Am Not Ready to Quilt
Do not worry, there are tons of resources to help you get started sewing. Tackle some beginner sewing projects like these before you move on to quilting. That way you can learn the basic stitches and get comfortable with a needle and thread.
No Need for all the gadgets
It’s tempting to go to your local quilt store or get fabric and gadgets online don’t have to spend a small fortune right away. You also don’t need to invest in a high-end quilting machine to create stunning quilts. Some quilting influencers I know claim that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on a specific brand or model sewing machine.
However, you can create something lovely with the sewing machine you bought on Black Friday for less than $200. A rotary cutter, cutting mat, dependable sewing machine, scissors, thread, and just enough fabric for your first project recommended purchases. Purchasing an excessive amount of cloth or electronic devices can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Sewing Machine
The first thing you’ll need is a sewing machine, of course. For someone who has been sewing for over forty years, my advice to anyone just starting is to get the sewing machine money can buy. The reason for this inexperience is machines designed to perform basic stitching operations. Repairing damaged seams, mending skirts and dress pants, and light crafts examples.
Learning to sew is great for not just quilting. You will be able to create a variety of low cost DIY crafts to decorate your home. For inspiration you can see this article or see sites like Pinterest.
Qualities of Fabric
Fabrics are the foundation of our quilts, but you’d be amazed how many individuals start putting their first quilt together without considering fabric features. Understanding how to care for your materials and why quilting patches cut to precise criteria makes it easier to produce a quilt. You don’t have to buy the most expensive fabrics, but you also don’t have to waste hours sewing a quilt out of thin that won’t last through use and washing.
Thread
Acquiring two or three spools of white, black, grey, and beige threads just beginning start with your sewing equipment. Don’t buy anything from the $1 bin. If you do, you will be sorry. That stuff may be cheap, but it will break if you sew too quickly or if your machine’s tension isn’t exactly perfect. It will also pill up and form little balls of lint close to your needle, which can cause your sewing machine needle to break.
There are many different thread makers, but Coats & Clark makes the most of the thread in my thread basket. I either use a 37 per cent cotton/67 per cent polyester thread or a 100 per cent polyester thread. It’s silky smooth and doesn’t break as easily as cotton. If you’re unsure choose, ask a fabric store salesperson what thread is ideal for the project or type of fabric you plan to use.
Pins and Needles
Pins are an essential tool for any sewer, but they’re also one of the most frequently misplaced items in a sewing room. Assembling a small dish or cup to keep your pins will save you time and frustration. You’ll want to buy two types of needles straight pins and quilting pins.
You can buy straight pins with glass or plastic heads in different colors. I prefer the clear ones because they’re less likely to get lost among my fabric scraps. You’ll also want to have a few quilting pins on hand. These are long, thin pins with sharp points that are ideal for holding layers of fabric together while you’re sewing them.
Scissors and Pinking Shears
You’ll need a pair of scissors to cut your fabric, but don’t use your best kitchen shears for this task. Sewing scissors have a sharp point that allows you to make precise cuts, and they’re usually smaller than cooking scissors, so they’re easier to handle.
You’ll also want to have a pair of pinking shears. Pinking shears have zigzag blades that help prevent fabric from fraying.
Cutting Tools
In addition to scissors, you’ll need a rotary cutter, cutting mat, and rulers. A rotary cutter is a handheld tool that looks like a pizza cutter. It’s ideal for cutting long, straight lines.
A cutting mat is a thick piece of plastic that protects your surfaces and allows you to cut on any flat surface. You’ll also need a few rulers in different sizes. Rulers with 1/4-inch increments are the most versatile.
Marking Tools
You’ll need some marking tools to help you transfer patterns or mark lines on your fabric. Chalk is the most common marking tool, but you can also use disappearing ink pens or lead pencils.
Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is a small, handheld tool that’s used to remove stitches. It has a sharp point that slides under the stitches and a curved blade that cuts the thread. Seam rippers are essential for removing mistakes, but they can also be used to take out old stitches so you can use a fabric scrap for another project.
Additional Resources
Now that you know what you will need to get started quilting, it is time to do some shopping. Check out your local fabric store or quilt shop. They will have everything you need to get started. You can also find quilting supplies online.
When you are ready to start sewing, check out this beginner’s guide to quilting. It will teach you the basics of how to sew a quilt top. In addition, sites such as PrimMart and AllPeopleQuilt.com offer free quilt patterns that are perfect for beginners.
Conclusion
Quilting is a fun and rewarding hobby. It’s also relatively easy to get started. All you need is some basic supplies and a little bit of knowledge. With a little practice, you’ll be sewing like a pro in no time.
