Quilting Basics

A large variety of thread has been produced since the boom in the interest that people have started taking in the quilting craft. And since there is such a huge amount of thread, choosing the right one can leave you in a whole lot of confusion. You will have a wide choice to select from.

There are two categories into which quilting threads fall- thread for embellishing and sewing thread. In quilting, the most popularly used thread is sewing thread. Lets briefly discuss about that. There are different fibers and weights in which you can select sewing thread. The thread weights range from as less as 28 to as much as 60. Strength is the basic property that quilting thread should possess so that it lasts for long. Therefore it is best you go for threads that weigh around 40. Threads that weigh 28 are usually used for embellishment and those that weigh 50 are usually used for piecing. Reading the label can help you find the weight of thread that you are looking for. The labeling is usually of the kind: 30/2. Here 30 is the thread weight and 2 is the number of plies.

Cotton, polyester, plastic, metallic and rayon are the most common threads for quilting. Plastic and metallic threads are used specialty stitches and embellishments only. The most common is cotton thread and it is usually mercerized. Mercerization is a process in which the fiber is made to swell and straighten repeatedly. This removes the fibers tendency to get fuzzy and also increases the thread's luster. The common weights of cotton thread range from 30-60.

Another high lustrous thread is rayon while polyester is known to have a colorfast and non-shrinkable finish. It is usually a little tougher to sew metallic threads and it is not recommended for beginners although they make the quilt look dazzlingly beautiful. A few popular and trust worthy brands that quilters can choose from are Coats and Clark, Guterman that is popular for its ease of use and strength especially for hand quilting, the Madeira rayon thread, which is good for embroidery on leather or denim, and Mettler, which offers several different fibers.

Using old sewing thread is not such a good idea as old threads tend to degenerate when on the spool. Take the old thread by pulling on it after unreeling it a bit. If it s naps, then it is most likely to snap even when you place it in the sewing machine. It is best you buy new thread what with the vast variety of threads available for quilting and its low cost. This way you can save yourself a lot of time and frustration.

There are certain manufacturers who manufacture special threads for the purpose for embellishing and you can easily find them at any local quilting store. For hand quilting, there are a range of colors and fibers in which embroidery floss is available. You will definitely fall more into love with quilting once you learn about the various threads available for it.

Abhishek is an avid Quilting enthusiast and he has got some great Quilting Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 40 Pages Ebook, "Understanding The Basics Of Quilting!" from his website http://www.Fun-Galore.com/622/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

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Of all of the hobbies out there at the moment, there is none rising as fast as quilting. Although that hobby, and indeed art, has been around for years, it is experiencing more popularity than it has done in over a century. Beginner quilting is a great outlet for your creativity and can occupy your mind for hours on end with something beautiful to show at the end of it. You can simply start with a couple of pieces of material to sew patterns on and move up from there, in line with your growing confidence and expertise. Beginner quilting is a worthwhile pastime for anyone and will nicely introduce you to the art with very little financial commitment. It will also give you good practice so that you will soon graduate to the more complicated designs. For more info see http://www.iheartquilting.com/ on Quilting.



Beginner Quilting - Lesson One



As previously mentioned, a good starting point for beginner quilting is sewing and embroidering on two pieces of material that are already cut to a uniform size. The only items of equipment you will need for beginner quilting is material, a needle and thread. Keeping it simple for a start will teach you more for a lower cost than starting off more complicated and immediately losing confidence. Follow the steps of beginner quilting and you will not go far wrong:



1. Buy two equal measures of fabric. They should be uniform in size and have an all-over pattern. The top and bottom piece can be different, but they should both be continuous in pattern.



2. Buy a piece of batting. This will be used to support the material when you sew it to make sure that the edges are even on the finished product. It is an essential tool in beginner quilting.



3. Before commencing sewing, wash both pieces either in a machine or by hand. Wash them together though so that any shrinkage of the material is experienced by both pieces rather than just one of them. This will save you cutting them to size at a later date.



4. Place the fabric pieces one on top of the other with the right sides, or the sides that will be the outer material, facing each other so that the inside is on the outside as such.



5. Place your beginner quilting batting underneath the pieces and begin to sew a seam around the bottom of the material and on both left and right sides. Only sew the top approximately three quarters of the length of the side so there is still a distinct gap. You should leave half an inch of the beginner quilting from the hem.



6. Turn the beginner quilting inside out via the gap at the top of the quilting after removing the batting from underneath the quilting. Be sure to examine the hem of the beginner quilting so that you notice any mistakes before completing your piece. All extra sewing should be performed with the quilting turned inside out, as it was when you sewed the original hem.



7. Finally, stitch up the rest of the quilt when the beginner quilt has been turned out correctly. Iron it to make sure that the fabric is even.



You have just had you first success at beginner quilting! However, making it and making sure that it stands that test of time are two different things! You should do your best to look after the piece so that it achieves a measure of longevity. Always hand wash the quilting and hang it outside to dry. Never use a dryer. If you want to preserve your beginner quilting then you should cherish it. You should now be ready to move on to your next project!

About the Author:
You can also find more info on Quilting Designs and Quilting Machine. IHeartquilting.com is a comprehensive resource to known about quilting.

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If you are thinking about learning how to quilt, or are a beginner and haven't made your first quilt yet, you might be wondering how long it will take you to make your first quilt. If you're afraid that it will take you months, or even years to make a quilt, you will be happy to learn that it isn't the case. Depending on the quilt you choose to make, you can have your first quilt done in less than a week, and may even make an entire quilt in a weekend.

There are many things that will help decide how long your quilt will take you to make. One thing is the amount of time you can devote to it. If you only have a few minutes, you might be better off just waiting until another time, as by the time you take everything out, get it all set up, and start quilting, you will have to stop to put everything away since you've run out of time. If on the other hand, you can set aside a few hours, you will be more likely to get more of the quilt done, and then you will want to devote more time to getting it finished.

Another thing that will help make your quilt take less time is if you make a smaller quilt. At least until you get the hang of things, the first quilt (and probably first few quilts) for a beginning quilter should be something small. Maybe something like a baby blanket, or a lap quilt. This way you will have experience in making the whole quilt an will get better at it and in turn be quicker with it. Also, by choosing a small quilt, you will see your results sooner, and will be more likely to want to continue making quilts.

If you keep your materials together and organized, you will also find that you will be able to finish your quilts faster, since you won't have to spend time just getting things together each time you want to work on your quilt. If you know exactly where everything is, you will be able to pick up where you left off, and get right back to being productive and getting your quilt done.

If you are a beginner quilter and are worried that you won't be able to finish your quilt, or that it will take too long to make the quilt, then just follow some of the above tips as well as any others that will help you quilt faster, and you will have your first quilt finished before you know it!

Jenny Grant enjoys quilting and loves to help others learn how to quilt. She wants to help you make quilts faster so you can make more quilts for friends and family and even earn money from selling them! If you want free tips on quilting, visit the Quilting Advisor.

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Color coordination, color theory, color matching - these terms can frighten an unwary quilter, but they don't have to. Sure, they sound like something you tried to ignore in your Art Theory 101 class, but when it comes to picking out the right quilting fabric, they have a very immediate and useful meaning. It doesn't have to be just theory anymore.

Quilting fabric comes in so many wonderful, brilliant colors and prints that it can almost be overwhelming. That one with green background and golden flowers catches your eye, and then the pink with the dark blue tribal pattern turns out to be irresistible. Would they go together? What's a quilter to do? There's a veritable world of possibilities in front of you, and unfortunately, not all possibilities work and play well with others.

The easiest way to go about it is to make yourself settle on a single print for your main quilting fabric. This print should have a few colors in it so that it will have some texture and visual appeal. Every piece of fabric you choose from here on out needs to be "pulled" from this main swatch. If you've settled on the green and gold, you have to put the pink and blue aside (or at least save it for another project), and buy more fabrics that use green and gold.

Beyond pulling colors you should also try to buy a range of hues. When you use quilting fabric that ranges from light to medium to dark colors you'll be able to add some depth to your quilt. The same goes for other prints. Choose a variety and include patterns that are small, medium, and large. When all these elements come together you can create a quilt that is a joy to behold.

See what happened there? You managed the color coordination required for a classy quilt without having to take a single art class.

Quilting is my passion. If you want to read more tips and insights from me about quilting fabric, you can visit this article.

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Whether you're an expert at quilting, or are just beginning, you will find you can advance your knowledge a great deal with the number of books on quilting that are available. There are several categories that quilting books fall into and a number of titles are available. The categories are historical, encyclopedias on how to pattern, art books and books on the joy of quilting.

The most popular are the how-to books and they are a must for beginners. They have a wide range- from books on the overall quilting craft to step-by-step instructions books. There are also books that take each aspect of quilting and methodically explain it. The instructional books first deal with basic aspects like selection of fabric and basic tools needed to get started and then they will proceed to give instructions regarding assembly of the quilt blocks and then the quilt. They also give detailed explanation about quilting through hand as well as machine. Every quilter must have at least one book of this kind in her quilting library and then will proceed to collect a good many of these books. When in you're on your quilting project, you will need to refer to these books many times.

Encyclopedia of patterns is another book that every quilter should have purchased in time. These books display a range of block patterns and also show the basic assembly. Because these books have to cover a wide range of topics, they will only briefly discuss all the aspects without going into too much detail. If its detail you want, you need to take a book that features instructions on specific patterns. With the number of quilting techniques and block patterns that exist today, you can imagine how extensive these books will be. For instance, books of this kind will dedicate an entire volume to go in to the details of a Log Cabin Pattern.

Because quilting can be dated way back in the American history, this craft and its nuances have been extensively studied and there are many a historical books available on it. It is truly inspiring to the modern quilter when she sees the great many designs that our ancestors did with the limited supplies available to them. There are also quilting books which deal with the pleasure one gets out of quilting, both from solitary pursuit and from the social form like quilting bees. There is also an entire segment dedicated to quilters who have revolutionized the art of quilting. These quilters often display their work in museums and galleries and also publish books that are not only on quilts but also the thought processes that went behind making them. Quilt collectors publish books too. They are just as inspiring as the historical books quilting.

Choose a time, when there is likely to be no interruption, to go through the range of quilting books that you want to make a part of your library. You can either go to a local bookstore; your library or you could even search online for the books you are looking for. Take out enough time to browse and get a feel of the number of titles available to you. Undoubtedly you will be tempted to buy more books than you initially planned but you can short list a few and save the rest for later.

One of the greatest joys of quilting is going through a book on this topic and luckily there are enough books and titles to select from.

Abhishek is an avid Quilting enthusiast and he has got some great Quilting Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 40 Pages Ebook, "Understanding The Basics Of Quilting!" from his website http://www.Fun-Galore.com/622/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

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As the holidays approach and we are all trying to think of unique gifts for friends and family, quilters have the creative edge. Even skipping over the obvious gift of a quilt, quilted vest, or quilted home accessory, quilters can give a truly unique gift.

How about giving quilting kits for holidays and other gift-giving occasions?

Chances are that friends and family have been admiring your work and have even stated they wish they could quilt. Those are the people who would love to receive your quilting kit this year. Putting together a quilting kit is not hard and it will allow you to share your craft with others.

First, remember to keep your quilting kits simple. A throw pillow, a wall hanging, table runner or placemats are a good start.

Next, pick your designs. Be sure to keep them pretty basic so beginners will not easily be discouraged. Make a copy of the finished design or quilt block so it can be used as a check point throughout the project.

Cut and label the pieces of fabric needed to complete the project. Remember to include directions. Either handwrite them or type them. Remember to include information about the batting unless you plan to include it in your kit as well.

Remember to include all the necessary notions in your quilting kit: a small pair of scissors, coordinating threads and a couple of needles. Your recipient will be delighted!

Quilted oranments, tree skirts and table runners make nice quilting kits. Find your favorite designs and make holiday quilting kits for your friends.

For friends who have some quilting skills, you could assemble kits to make quilted clothing items or larger projects.

If you are part of a quilting club that is looking for a fundraiser, creating quilting kits would be ideal. Quilting kits encourage others to learn the craft and give a sense of satisfaction upon completion. The fundraiser could be year around since many of the projects could be completed and be given as gifts or holiday ornaments themselves. Keep skill levels in mind when making quilting kits: beginner, intermediate and experienced.

If your club is making quilting kits for a fundraiser, keep in mind to price the kits according to the level of difficulty for which they are designed and on the contents inside the kit. A beginner kit will cost less than a quilting kit because it will not be as complex and detailed. Complex designs will involve more work in putting the quilting kit together. More supplies will also be needed to complete it...which in turn means more cutting of pieces.

Packaging your quilting kits is simple. Use resealable plastic bags to hold the items. Include a copy of the finished product or of the quilt block template. Don't forget detailed instructions, too! Add your phone number to the instructions in case your friend runs across something they don't understand. Zip the plastic bag closed and your quilting kit is complete!

If you want to give something a little more than your quilting kit, tuck it inside a personalized tote bag that will be handy for carrying along the project (and future projects). Personalize the tote bag yourself with appliqué, rhinestones, fabric paints or embroidery (or a combination of them all). You may also take the bag to a local embroiderer for a custom monogram or personalization.

You may soon find that your quilting kits are the hit of the holiday season and don't be surprised if friends and family come to request your quilting kits each year!

About the Author:

Penny Halgren

http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com

Penny has been a quilter for more than 27 years. She enjoys exploring all aspects of quilting and sharing her knowledge with all quilters. If you are looking for an Internet quilting club with a wide variety of resources for all level quilters, check out http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Make Quilt Kits for Others

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Sometimes tying a quilt seems like the very last resort to getting a quilt finished.

While hand quilters love the look of a skillfully hand quilted quilt, and machine quilters appreciate the beauty and complexity of fine machine quilting, tying a quilt can be equally rewarding. And those ties don't need to be simple yarn knots with tails tied every 6 inches.

For example, take a look at some of the particularly ornate Crazy Quilts from more than 100 years ago. These gorgeous Crezy Quilts were tied, but it isn't obvious how they were tied, since you can't see the ties on the front; thus didn't distract from the exquisite embroidery stitches.

On the back side of these quilts there are simple double thread tacks holding the quilt together. To achieve this, the patchwork quilt top was sewn to a foundation fabric, securing the top to the inner layer.

The backing layer is also attached to the foundation fabric in the center of the quilt, but the ties do not come through to the quilt top. By carefully pulling the needle and thread through only the backing and the foundation, the double threads could be tied on the back.

Extra work, to be certain, but clearly worth the effort in order to preserve the quality and beauty of the Crazy Quilt top.

But, What About the Patchwork Quilts of Today?

Everyone agrees that tying a quilt is much faster and generally easier than either machine or hand quilting.

Basically anyone who can hold a needle can tie a quilt and get a sense of accomplishment. All members of a congregation are invited to tie a knot in the prayer quilt, no sewing ability needed. Yarn, perle cotton or embroidery thread tied in a simple knot is perfect for that kind of quilt. When the quilts are made, the quilters place the ties in the quilts, and then the members of the congregation finish the quilts by tying the knots.

Other quilts would be ruined by either hand or machine quilting. Anyone who has seen a moderately heavily quilted quilt understands that the quilting tends to reduce the puffiness in a quilt.

If you want a puffy, fluffy quilt, using thick batting will give you that look. And tying the quilt will keep the layers together while maintaining the puffiness you want. Hand or machine quilting this type of quilt would significantly reduce the puffiness, and completely change the look of your quilt.

Many tied quilts are simply tied in the corners between the blocks, leaving the blocks as open space. Other quilts are tied in the center of each block with either yarn or perle cotton.

But, tying a quilt doesn't need to be boring!

The best ties are washable, won't unravel, will stay tied, and are strong enough to hold together when they are tied. Even with those considerations, why not add a little flair? Using embroidery floss or cording might be a possibility. And instead of using yarn or perle cotton, try a ribbon.

And what about adding something interesting in the tie? Sew a cute shaped button - say a train or fire truck - onto your quilt, and then tie the knot on the back of the quilt. Simply pull your thread from the back of the quilt, attach the button, and knot the thread, just as you would sew a button on a shirt.

Another possibility is a bow. Instead of just knotting your quilt tie, finish it off with a bow. Add a large button under the bow for an even more interesting look. As added safety against the bow coming untied, double knot it.

And speaking of trains, trucks and other things with wheels, make double-sided circles of fabric and sew them on to your quilt as wheels of your vehicle, attaching them just in the center. You might even add a button on top, and make the fabric circle wheel able to spin around.

If you have a lattice on your quilt top, maybe you could lay down a narrow ribbon and tie it in place with ribbon ties every few inches along the way. If you will wash the quilt or wall hanging, the ribbon strips might need additional stitching to secure them to the quilt top.

Where you place the ties on your quilt can be interesting, too. Just as quilters stitch their quilting to make a design, your ties can add to the design of your quilt.

If your quilt has an ocean flavor, your ties can be like birds in the sky or whiskers on a seal. A basket quilt might have bows along the handles of the baskets. And your Sunbonnet Sue might have ribbons on her hat.

Have fun with every aspect of your quilt - from sewing the blocks together to quilting the top - whether you hand quilt, machine quilt or tie your quilt, finish it so someone you love can enjoy using it.

About the Author:

Penny Halgren

http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com



Penny is the author of 9 books for beginner quilters and a self-taught quilter of more than 26 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Finish your Quilt With Tying

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When you walk into quilting store and are greeted by walls full of quilting fabric, so bright and so colorful, you might just find yourself overwhelmed by the possibilities. For some people, choosing the fabric for their quilting masterpiece is the most exciting part of the process. Your creative juices are flowing, you're surrounded by beautiful patterns and prints, and anything is possible.

But not all quilting fabrics are equal. Some really are better than others, and when you walk into that store, you can't let the bright colors and intricate patterns fool you. There's a lot going on beneath the surface.

First of all, what is the fabric made out of? Most quilters look for 100% cotton since natural fibers tend to be easier to work with - easier to sew, press, and quilt. Thread count is also important here. Lower thread counts fray and wear out much easier than a higher quality fabric. The best count is somewhere between 68 and 78. This will give you a thicker and more durable quilting fabric that will stand up to wear and tear and resist shrinking.

Next, consider the fabric grain. Fabrics are woven in two directions - lengthwise and crosswise. A quality quilting fabric will be straight along both directions, forming perfect right angles where they cross. The print that lies on top of the grain needs to be properly aligned with the grain as well. If it doesn't, you may find yourself cutting to match the print instead of the grain, which will only result in a weaker, easily distorted pattern.

Good quality quilting fabric might also require a little testing to make sure you're getting what you pay for. Some manufacturers attempt to "enhance" lower quality material by adding chemicals. Does the fabric have a strong smell? You might be smelling the bleach or sizing that some manufacturers add in order to make the material seem stronger and thicker than it really is. Unfortunately these chemicals wash out immediately, and all you're left with is an inferior product. These do not make a quality fabric and should be avoided.

Does the color come off on your fingers? If it did, it's probably not colorfast, which is also not a good sign. Good quilting fabric will always seal the colors into the material. After all, what good are all those wonderful colors and patterns on the material if they're just going to fade and go dull after the first wash?
Another way to make sure you're getting good quilting fabric is to unroll the bolt enough to get a good look at the print and the colors. Consistency is an important indicator of quality material. Does the color fade in parts? Does the design overlap in some places? These could easily ruin an otherwise beautiful quilt.

So why go through the trouble of finding the good quilting fabric - especially if you can find the same print for cheaper at a discount store? Isn't that good enough?

The short answer is: no. When you are creating something as intricate and beautiful as your masterpiece quilt, it's not the time to skimp. And when it comes to fabric, you really do get what you pay for. The discount may carry the same print, but chances are it was printed on an inferior fabric. Take the time to look for the quality indicators of good quilting fabric, and then those wonderful prints and patterns that were calling out to you when you first entered the store will last a lifetime.

Quilting is my passion. Visit this quilting fabric article to learn some tricks and tips. Also, visit this quitling fabric website to buy quilting fabric and get free patterns.

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When you start out in your quilting journey, the first thing you will need to investigate is the question: what is quilting fabric? Well, there are many schools of thought on that subject. You can use many different types of fabrics in quilts, but the primary type is cotton fabric, usually referred to as broadcloth or gingham. Cotton wears very well and tends to hold color and not fade over time, if quality dyes are used in the manufacturing process.

Quilting fabrics are available online at literally thousands of websites. An experienced quilter will do most of their shopping on the Internet, where you can comparison shop from the comfort of your living room, rather than going from store to store! Quilting supply retailers will often extend discounts to their online customers, so pay attention to the sales as you let your fingers do the shopping!

When choosing quilting fabric, be sure to select only one type per quilt, as not all fabrics wear in the same way, and a heavier fabric can stretch or tear a lighter one such as cotton. It is best to use one fabric type, unless you are making a crazy quilt. Broadcloth is probably the most popular type of cotton fabric used today and tends to be relatively inexpensive, with a wide ranging color palette and print availability. Another popular type of quilt fabric is batik, which is cotton that is dyed in the batik style, making for rich, deep true colors that do not run or fade with washing. Batik will generally cost more than plain cotton broadcloth, but makes for a striking addition to any quilt.

You can also use muslin to make quilts, although it is primarily utilized as a backing material. Quilts are composed of three layers: the quilt top, which is what you will see most of time; the batting or wadding, which is what gives the quilt its three dimensional aspect, and finally, the backing material. Quilts are finished by sewing a binding all the way around, generally the same color fabric as the body of the quilt.

Flannel is another popular quilting fabric. It is most commonly used in baby quilts for its soft quality and wearability. Flannel adds a little weight to a quilt, and a great deal of warmth. Whatever type of quilt you choose to make, select one kind of fabric and have fun sewing!

Quilting is my passion. If you want to read more tips and insights from me about quilting fabric, you can visit this article.

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A great way to keep kids busy is to introduce them to quilting. While there are numerous crafts and fun activities for smaller children in daycare, preschool, or elementary school, finding educational crafts for older girls can be challenging. Quilting crafts for kids can help older children learn sewing techniques, spark creativity, and bust those times of boredom. It's a skill that can be used for a lifetime.

Girls love quilting because they're able to pick and choose from hundreds of patterns of all shapes and sizes. There are patterns containing flowers, squares, circles, characters, animals, nature scenes, and a variety of colors. Crafts and sewing can go hand in hand, so once a child learns quilting, she can easily add other sewing skills if desired.

Quilting Books for Beginners

Quilting books for kids offer step-by-step instructions about quilting. They also start with the basics such as how to thread a sewing machine and how to stitch in a straight line. The books list what types of fabrics, tools, and supplies are needed to make gorgeous quilts. Some books offer photos, a glossary, tips, actual quilt projects with step-by-step guides, beautiful patchwork ideas, and more. Once your child learns the basics of quilting, she can add to her skills and learn to make pillows, placemats, wall hangings, or lap quilts.

A Quilt for Every Occasion

Making quilts can be a fun way for your daughter to decorate her room in her favorite colors or themes. Quilts also make great gifts for any occasion: birthdays, Christmas, weddings, baby showers, graduations, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and even Valentine's Day. Quilt designs might also be geared toward a season, with flower patterns and light colors such as pink, light green, yellow, or baby blue in spring and summer. Darker colors such as red, brown, black, green, or blue will work well for autumn and winter patterns. Quilts as gifts will express love and effort because she made the gift very special with her own hands.

For the Career-Minded

Teens who want to earn extra money will find quilting to be very rewarding. It does take time and effort to make a quilt, but the returns can be excellent. She can sell her quilts at local flea markets, consignment shops, or even online through a website or auction (with parent's help, of course). Quilts are always in demand, and all styles and colors can be sold for profits. She can make quilts of contemporary styles or lovely patchwork designs like "grandma used to make!" It's her choice. She can even ask her friends and relatives about buying the quilts.

If you don't own a sewing machine, you might be able to find an affordable machine used at a garage sale or flea market. Or, check your local newspaper in the classifieds. You can buy one new in a local sewing supply store or on the Web. There are online auctions for sewing machines as well, so make sure to check all these resources to find a great deal.

Quilting skills will take some time to learn, but once she becomes confident, she can enjoy quilting as a way to relax and create something of value. If you'd like to start quilting with your daughter or even teach a class of young people how to quilt, search online today to find instructional books and websites about quilting.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Quilting Books and Ideas for Kids.

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Do you love quilting, but it doesn't seem like you can find the time to have fun with your favorite hobby? Here are some shortcuts to get you quilting and finishing your projects.

1. Reduce the size of your quilt

If you are someone who quilts queen-size quilts, try quilting a lap-size one for your next project. If you are a lap-size quilter, how about quilting a baby quilt? Baby quilt person? Then try finishing a miniature quilt. This will reduce your quilting time while also getting in your fix. And before you say that you don't like miniature quilts, they make wonderful cubicle art for your favorite office worker. They can be hung with thumb tacks.

2. Use Fusible Batting

Instead of basting your quilt sandwich together with needle and thread, try some other options. I love using fusible batting. As long as you have an iron, you are in business. The heat from the iron will fuse the three pieces together. You'll have to check the manufacturer's instructions, but the glue comes out when it is washed. Other basting choices are to use quilt basting spray or safety pins.

3. Go back to Tried n True Patterns

Patterns you have pieced before are like old friends. There are no blips in the pattern. There is no stopping to re-read the directions. You'll be able to piece these quilt tops easily and quickly. If you want something different, try using different types of fabric for the quilt pattern or a different layout of the blocks.

4. Take Advantage of Strip-Piecing Techniques

Stick to projects where you can use strip piecing techniques. These allow you to chain stitch assembly-line style. It is also easier to cut out the pieces for these projects because you can just use a rotary cutter and mat. You'll save time cutting your fabric and piecing your quilt top.

5. Use Purchased Binding

You either have time or money. When you want to save time, try purchased quilt binding instead of making your own. This tactic will only work if you can find binding that will match your project. This shortcut works best on with baby quilting projects that call for vibrant colors.

6. Finish your quilt with mock binding

Mock binding is using the quilt's backing as part of the binding. It looks nice and makes finishing quilt a snap. Also, if you don't secure the edges, you have a built in sleeve to hang your quilts.

7. Plan your quilting in 15 minute increments.

Set your timer and go. You can get some serious chain stitching done in 15 minutes and you can surely find 15 minutes in your schedule for your favorite hobby.

Well, there you go. Using these tips will make it easier for you to finish your projects.

Maybelle Maddison is a true Southern Belle and dedicated quilter. She has made it her mission in life to spread the joy of quilting! Visit her site at http://www.joannfabrics.org for quilting information, pattern reviews and suggestions on how to start and keep quilting!

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Seven-Quilting-Shortcuts&id=1063516

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What is Quilting?

Quilting is done by hand, sewing machine, or Longarm quilting system, and refers to the process of attaching various fabric materials and layers to make a large flat quilt. Each technique makes use of a needle and thread to merge at least two layers of material to create the final product. The most common quilting is done from three distinct layers -- quilt top, insulation, and backing. The actual act of quilting occurs as the quilter or the sewing machine passes the needle and thread through the layers and then brings the needle back through to secure the layers.

Quilting is done back and forth like that all across the quilt to secure all of the pieces. In most cases, quilters use a running stitch which adds a decorative look to the quilt. Quilts are most often showcased on beds, as wall décor, as clothing and attire, and within several different textile products.

What Do I Need to Know About Quilting?

Standard quilting generally follows four steps -- piecing, layering, quilting, and binding. Piecing occurs when the quilt top is sewn. The quilt top features small strips or squares of fabric set in a pattern. This is commonly the colorful and creative part of the quilt. The assembled pieces are called blocks, and they are the components that are sewn together to create the full quilt top. They are put together in one of two ways - either each pieces is laid together with their edges touching, or sashing (small strips of fabric) is sewn along the edges of each. In some instances, one full piece of cloth is used for the quilt top instead of pieced together blocks. Quilting occurs when the three layers (top, insulation, and backing) are sewn together. The quilting employs stitching in a decorative pattern that often follows or complements the design of the quilt top. Sometimes the top is not pieced but is a single piece, and only the stitching forms the pattern. Binding is the final step to finishing the quilt by adding the edges with a piece of trim fabric.

What Do I Need to Start Quilting?

If you will be quilting by hand, the basic equipment you will need include a thimble to protect your fingers from the needles, needle & thread to complete the quilting process, and a frame or hoop to hold the quilt fabric taut as you work. Should you decide to use a machine to quilt your craft, basic supplies include safety pins, thread, a walking foot, and a darning foot. Of course, you'll also need the fabrics, insulation, and backing materials from which you will create the quilt.

Where Did the Art of Quilting Originate?

In its earliest days, quilting was done for necessary purposes rather than for decoration. Some scholars believe that quilts were first created to provide additional protection under armor for soldiers in combat. These quilts were also used for warmth during cold winters and cooler weather. The ancient Egyptians are believed to have quilted clothing for warmth and protection - this belief is based upon the sculptures that have been discovered with ancient figures dressed in quilted clothing. By the time of the American colonial period, upper class women engaged in quilting as a showing of their class status.

Are There Different Kinds of Quilting?

Although there are many variations to the art of quilting, the two most common types are quilting done by hand and quilting done by machine. When a quilt is created by machine, the person operating the machine runs the material through in the stitch pattern desired while the elements of the machine handle the actual process of the needle and thread. When hand quilting is done, the frame is usually used to hold the material solid and tight for the quilter. He or she will then manually pull the needle and thread through the material to create the stitch pattern.

What Fabric Do I Use for Quilting?

Quilts are so popular partly due to the fact that there are a number of fabric designs, colors, and materials available for creating custom, colorful quilts. Many of these quilts are so unique and personalized that they quickly become family heirlooms. To make a quilt, you must first decide on the design and print of the main part of the quilt. Major hobby and craft stores will carry a wide variety of these fabrics, which can be purchased by the yard. In addition to the fabric, you will also need to select insulation, backing, and sashing, which is optional and depends on your preference.

Mary Amos loves arts and crafts and has been quilting for years. See her favorite quilt patterns at Quilts and Quilt Patterns, and be sure to visit Quilts and Quilting for more quilting fun!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Amos
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Need-to-Start-Quilting&id=953622

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Are you looking for some quick quilt patterns? Maybe you are just beginning to quilt. Or perhaps you have a baby shower coming up and you want to give a present that is pretty, but will not take weeks to finish.

Well, you have come to the right place. The following easy quilt patterns look gorgeous and can be finished quickly. In fact, for a baby sized quilt, the quilt top can be completed in less than 24 hours.

1.Log Cabin

The Log Cabin is perhaps the best known of the quick quilt patterns. First, it is colorful. The pattern can use up to 13 different fabrics in a block. Next, it is easy. If you can sew a straight seam (and even if you can't) you can still make a lovely quilt from this block. Plus, it is quick. Using modern strip piecing techniques, you can easily complete the quilt top in less than 24 hours.

2.Whole Cloth

A whole cloth quilt is just one entire piece of fabric the same dimensions as a pieced quilt top. Actually, there are fabrics out there that look like pieced quilt tops. They are gorgeous and excellent practice.

Please do not think that a whole cloth quilt is not "real." As long as the quilt has a top, batting and a backing stitched together, it is a quilt. Whole cloth quilts are wonderful ways to practice. They are definitely worth investigating for the beginning quilter.

3.Four - Patch

You can't get much easier than a Four-patch block alternating with a plain square. These basic patterns allow you finish a quilt quickly. This pattern also lends itself to novelty prints.

4.Denim Rag Quilt

Denim rag quilt patterns are all over the web for good reason -- they are comfy and sturdy. Plus, now you can recycle your old jeans into something useful!

For beginning quilters who are scared of actually quilting the quilt sandwich or attaching the binding, this is a great first project. A denim rag quilt is rugged. It is simple. It is the go-to quilt for picnics and watching fireworks.

5.Rail Fence

A rail fence is one of the easiest quilts to make. It requires only three coordinating fabrics and very minimal cutting. It is also very forgiving if your seam allowances are off.

Can a beginning quilter make a gorgeous quilt? Of course. You just need to choose a pattern that displays the fabric and not your stitching. So, go ahead; choose one of the simple quilt patterns listed. You can't go wrong.

Maybelle Maddison is a true Southern Belle and dedicated quilter. She has made it her mission in life to spread the joy of quilting! Visit her site at http://www.joannfabrics.org for quilting information, pattern reviews and suggestions on how to start and keep quilting!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maybelle_Maddison
http://EzineArticles.com/?Easy-Quilt-Patterns&id=1026861

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