You’ve seen quilt designs that are aesthetic and pleasing. You’re wondering how anyone could get this done? Now that you’ve seen such a beautiful piece, there’s one question on your mind: how can I create this myself.
Quilting refers to the procedures involved in making quilts; it describes more precisely the aspect of the process where layers of fabric are sewn together. It’s these skills that quilters use in designing beautiful heirloom quilts, mini-quilts, lap quilts including quilted fabrics from cushions to table covers. In this guide, you’ll learn how you can make the kinds of quilt you’ve always wanted for yourself.
Basic Tools
As you get ready to begin your journey to become a quilt maker, there are certain tools and supplies you can’t do without. If you’ve been really passionate about quilting for a long time, you probably purchased them already. But apart from getting a quilting machine, you also need these tools as they would shape and help develop your skills quickly. Here are some of the few items you’d need to get started.
- Rotary Cutter
- Cutting Mat
- Acrylic Ruler
They’re not all you need, and you’d require more essential tools, but these would build your confidence as a quilter in no time.
Select A Pattern And Pick Your Fabrics
Being a novice, you wouldn’t want to start with something too complex. It’s better to go from simple to complicate. That doesn’t mean the pattern you pick has to be boring. There are several designs you could go with even the classic square design. Either way, you decide to begin, selecting a pattern with a basic straight-line design would be a great start.
The pattern you’ve chosen will determine how many colors you require and the amount you’ll need for each.
After getting your fabric, you can prepare(prep) them. Different people have their own preference with some deciding to pre-wash their fabrics, however, there is no direct command about it. Some people pre-wash garments when sewing because they want them to fit. Ensure to press your fabrics flat if you’re working with a creased precut that has been folded for a while.
Cut the Pieces
The pattern you use will invariably decide the number of pieces for each size and the color you need for the final outcome. Before you begin, go through the entire pattern to make sure you understand the simple complexities behind it. There would be a high possibility of making a mistake if it is a free pattern because many designers don’t always own pattern testers.
For a block-based pattern, cut out just a block first and make a test block out of it before cutting what remains just in case there is a discrepancy you would need to adjust before finally cutting the fabrics into pieces. There are some tools that would be quite effective when cutting your fabric for quilting. They include: cutting mat, rulers, and cutting mat.
Sew The Pieces Together
There are different types of techniques used when sewing pieces of fabrics together, but it’s recommended you use pins. If you plan on using a sewing machine, you need to check that the machine has a ¼ inch footmark. Carry out some test steams to be certain of where the mark is before you begin sewing.
Peradventure you don’t have access to a sewing machine, you can hand sew using needle and thread. That’s what has been around before the machines came. There are also modernized sewing tools tailored for quilting you could purchase
Press The Seams
Pressing the seams is an important step you shouldn’t skip. The pattern you selected should indicate what way to press the seam if there would be a significant figure in the quilt. You can either press it open or nest it; it depends on what you prefer. A hot iron, spray starch, pressing mat (wool) are tools you need for pressing. Essentially, you’d keep sewing and pressing till the quilt top is completed. Just enjoy the process as much as you can.
Select The Batting & Backing, and Baste The Quilt
Batting means the filling of quilts that make them heavy and warm. It’s made from wool, polyester, bamboo fibers, and cotton. You’re free to use any type that works well for you.; just ensure what you chose won’t be challenging for you to work with. Once, you’ve made a decision next is to choose a quilt backing. It’s the part of the quilt we see when we turn it over. Go for wide backs if your quilt is 40 inches.
With this in place, you make your quilt sandwich. Ensure you have the quilt top, batting, and quilt backing in place; the combination of the three of them makes up a quilt. The process of adhering them together is known as basteing, and it can be done by spraying, pinning, or hand stitching.
The art of quilting is one craft that has been passed down to several generations through the centuries. It’s broad, interesting, and has lots of resources online. Now with the recent development that has led new makers to become more passionate about sewing, there has never been a greater time to learn the art. It’s also recommended that you examine other resources as you begin your journey.