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.

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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

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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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Quilting machines are absolute revelations in the quilting industry today. Gone are the days when you would sit in front of the fire and sew until your eyes were sore and your fingers bled! In days gone by, you would only make quilts for your family and friends, but now it is a big industry, especially as old-fashioned furnishings are making their way back into fashion. You can see quilts adorning all sorts of homes today, and all thanks to the quilting machine. The quilting machine can infinitely aid productivity and efficiency and should be considered as a worthwhile investment.

The Finances Of The Quilting Machine

A good quilting machine will be extremely pricey. The best quilting machines are actually available for prices in excess of $10,000. However, if you look at the use that you could actually get out of them over the years, as well as the possible financial gains were you to go into business, this may seem like a drop in the ocean – as long as you can afford it to begin with! You could actually keep your day job whilst launching a career in quilting because a quilting machine makes it possible for you to begin working at home in your spare time. You can also churn out two or three quilts every day. If you build up your clientele enough, then that may translate into thousands of dollars a day!

You can learn how to use a quilting machine in just a few hours. It is very basic in look and feel so you can work well with it. The initial set up of a quilting machine is simple enough if you follow the instructions that come with it. However, you may then choose to play with it for a while to get to grips with it. Most people do not need specialist training to learn how to use a quilting machine, but those that do can actually take a class or a course of classes to learn how to do all of the basics associated with using a quilting machine. Whilst these classes can be expensive, they will give you confidence in what you are doing and will allow you to work freely with the quilting machine, more so than you would have ever thought possible!

The quilting machine can really enhance the pleasure you take from creating beautiful quilts for your home and those of others. You will be making a worthwhile investment because each one will give you years of enjoyment and use. You can really make some of the most beautiful quilts you have ever laid eyes on!

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

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When we think of quilts, most of us automatically think of the homemade quilt; that which was lovingly and painstakingly constructed over many hours. Quilting is such a time honored skill that it continues to be passed down from generation to generation – a gift given from mothers to daughters. But the quilting machine has made its presence known, and more and more quilters turn to this faster, more convenient method of quilting.

In a day and age when machines of every variety play a significant role in our every day lives, it is unsurprising that the quilting machine has grown in popularity. After all, the beauty of handmade quilts is undeniable; but also undeniable is the time such a process takes – time that few who live in this busy working society can spare. The quilting machine – like all machines – has taken what was once a time-consuming, meticulous procedure and turned it into a convenient and accessible hobby that yields the same outcome – a beautiful and admired quilt.

Of course, aside from the convenience, the benefit of the quilting machine is consistency. Gone are the erratic stitches and misaligned blocks of fabric. Today’s quilters, with the use of a quilting machine, have infinitely more control over the quilting process. And, subsequently, what may have hindered those from giving quilting a try in the past, has been eradicated by modern convenience.

A quality quilting machine is a bit of an investment. But if you are committed to the art of quilting, it is well worth the price. You may find it best to find a quilting machine at a reputable fabric store. The knowledgeable employees that generally staff these kinds of stores will give you insight into the different features of various machines. Keep in mind that while you may be using a machine there are still materials that are required, such as quilting machine needles, measuring tape, quilting pins, and quality quilting shears. You may find the use of quilting templates to be most beneficial in this instance; you can easily trace a design from the template right onto your fabric with a fine point fabric pen. Then, you can cut the design from the fabric, and, using the quilting machine transfer the design onto your quilt.

Regardless of whether or not you decide to use a quilting machine or sew a quilt by hand, you can rest assured of one thing; while the journeys may be different, the result is the same – a beautiful, cherished quilt.

For easy to understand, in depth information about quilting machines visit our ezGuide 2 Quilting.

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