Quilting Basics

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Desiree_Edwin
http://EzineArticles.com/?Coordinating-Your-Quilting-Fabric&id=2230530

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In patchwork and quilting, understanding fabric grain is helpful in achieving the results you want in your finished quilts. What exactly is fabric grain? In woven fabric, threads are what comprise the grain.

The Lengthwise Grain - Warp Threads

Long threads form the lengthwise grain in fabric. These threads are the warp threads and run parallel to the selvage. Fabric has the least give on the lengthwise grain.

The Crosswise Grain - Weft Threads

The shorter threads that make up the crosswise in the fabric are the weft threads. These threads run perpendicular to the warp threads and selvage. Fabric has slightly more stretch on the crosswise grain than on the lengthwise grain.

Selvage

The lengthwise bound edges of the fabric, is the selvage. Many times the selvage is printed with the name of the fabric, the manufacturer and coloured markings. These coloured markings can be helpful in selecting coordinating fabric.

Bias

The diagonal of woven fabric is the bias. The true bias is at a 45° angle to the selvages. In quilting, any cut that is not along a straight grain is referred to as a bias cut. Even without selvages, you can find the bias by stretching the fabric slightly. The bias is quite stretchy.

Straight Grain

Pieces cut parallel to the lengthwise or crosswise grain are straight grain cuts. These pieces are less likely to stretch out of shape than pieces cut along the bias, as there are no threads along the bias to keep it stable.

Becoming familiar with how fabric stretches will enable you to identify lengthwise and crosswise grain in scrap patches with no selvages. This is handy as quilters end up with lots of remnants.

To test your fabric, cut a small square with edges parallel to the straight grains. Tug on the fabric. Check how it feels and looks when you pull one way, then compare this to how it feels when you tug in the opposite direction. Do you feel a difference? The crosswise grain will have a bit for strength. Now yank on the piece diagonally from one corner to the other. This is the bias and you would have felt quite a bit of stretch. If you pull hard enough you will end up distorting the square of fabric.

Now that you are familiar with fabric grain, and how to determine the direction of the grain in material, you may still be wondering why you need to know this.

Why is the grain important?

1. Cutting you fabric squares with edges along the straight grain will minimize stretching during measuring, marking, cutting and sewing.
2. Quilt borders and sashing, are best cut along the lengthwise grain of fabric. You want the least stretch for these pieces to support and aid in squaring up blocks and quilt tops.
3. Triangles will always end up with at least one bias edge. Knowing which one is the bias edge will allow you to plan the placement of the patch, so you are able sew to a straight grain piece where possible.
4. Bias cuts are easier for turning under in curved appliqué shapes.
5. Making strips for appliqué using bias cuts makes it possible to do curves in stained glass and other bias appliqué.
6. Stretchy bias strips are also great for use in binding a quilt with curved edges.

Establishing which way the grain runs will allow you to plan you project for a professional result.

Pauline Rogers has travelled throughout Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years, teaching the art of patchwork and quilting. She operates an award winning shop, Country Fabrics and Quilters, in Toowoomba, Queensland as well as a successful mail order and online service. She founded Quiltfest, an annual quilting event and Margie's Quilts of Hope, a quilting challenge which raises funds for breast cancer research. To learn more about patchwork an quilting visit http://www.quiltdvd.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Rogers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Patchwork-and-Quilting---The-Importance-of-Fabric-Grain&id=319713

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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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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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Desiree_Edwin
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Makes-Good-Quilting-Fabric?&id=2225860

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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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Desiree_Edwin
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-is-Quilting-Fabric?&id=2220010

photo credit: *Vintage Fairytale*