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Beginners Quilting: Patterns, Fabrics, Patchwork And Handmade Quilts
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Published: August 14, 2007
Quilting is a favored American pastime, and with a little preparation, anyone can enjoy beginners quilting. Handmade quilts are a beautiful and personal addition to any home, and beginners quilting is a fun and valuable hobby. Before making the first trip to the fabric store, anyone who wants to try beginners quilting should understand there are three main components of a quilt: the quilt top, the batting and the quilt back.
The word "quilting" describes the process of stitching thread through these layers.
The quilt top is the most noticeable aspect of the quilt, consisting of artistic patchwork. The fabrics used today are typically 100% cotton and can be of any size, color or print. It will be easier for those involved in beginners quilting to quilt in square blocks, however more advanced shapes include triangles and long strips. The overall look of the quilt is determined by these design choices. Discounted squares of leftover fabric can be found at the store, or ask an experienced quilter to see their collection of remnants. T-shirt quilts are also popular types for beginners quilting. This involves simply cutting a square around the part of the t-shirt to be included in the quilt.
Before tackling beginners quilting, the crafter must have on hand all the finished materials he or she will use to compose their quilt. It is always a good idea to wash all the fabrics together beforehand to make sure the colors do not bleed and the materials shrink before being stitched in the quilt. Also, iron the quilt fabrics if necessary before beginning. The quilter will also need batting, which is the insulation inside the quilt; the most popular material today is low loft, mostly cotton blends, which give the quilt an old-fashioned feel. Muslin is also sufficient batting for beginners quilting. Lastly, gather thread for stitching and the material for the quilt back. The quilt back is not as intricate as the top and is usually plain or scrap fabric.
Beginners quilting is basic; first, measure and cut even squares of fabric, carefully leaving 1/4" extra on all sides for the seam. Next, measure and cut enough fabric for the back to fit and the batting to fill. When the pieces have been arranged in the layout of how the quilt is to look, stitch a corner square together with the square next to it. The pieces should be turned upside down so the seam is invisible. Continue stitching each square together down the row. When a row is completed, begin to stitch the rows together. A sewing machine will be helpful, but for beginners quilting this can also be done by hand.
Once the patchwork is sewn together into one whole piece, stitch together three sides of the top to the corresponding sides of the back. This is also done upside down to hide the seam. Once complete, turn the quilt inside out, so the top is on the outside, and fill with chosen batting. Use thread that camouflages well to stitch the final side of the quilt.
Some expert advice for beginners quilting is to measure carefully and take the time to do it precisely and accurately. Results can be disastrous, discouraging and expensive if a block is short. It is also highly recommended for those partaking in beginners quilting to use quilting patterns. There are many different quilting patterns that can give handmade quilts a unique look as well as define each as an 'objet d'art.' For links to over a thousand free quilting patterns, visit http://www.freequiltpatterns.info. This organized site is a bubbling spring of inspiration for those interested in beginners quilting and has a section titled "Easy Quilt Patterns" for novices.
For beginners quilting, look for quilter's circles or quilting classes at the local craft store. Beginners quilting can also be used for a good cause, such as donating handmade quilts to homeless shelters or sending them abroad to our troops. Beginners quilting is a fun and creative hobby and the possibilities for a quilt are endless!
Sources:
Smith, Valerie. "What Makes a Quilt More than just a Blanket?" Bella Online. 2007. 1 Aug 2007. http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51628.asp.
"Victoriana Quilt Designs." Free Quilt Patterns. 2001-2007. 1 Aug 2007. http://www.freequiltpatterns.info.
"Beginner Quilting." Lovetoknow.com. 1 Aug 2007. http://crafts.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Beginner_Quiltin g.
The quilt top is the most noticeable aspect of the quilt, consisting of artistic patchwork. The fabrics used today are typically 100% cotton and can be of any size, color or print. It will be easier for those involved in beginners quilting to quilt in square blocks, however more advanced shapes include triangles and long strips. The overall look of the quilt is determined by these design choices. Discounted squares of leftover fabric can be found at the store, or ask an experienced quilter to see their collection of remnants. T-shirt quilts are also popular types for beginners quilting. This involves simply cutting a square around the part of the t-shirt to be included in the quilt.
Before tackling beginners quilting, the crafter must have on hand all the finished materials he or she will use to compose their quilt. It is always a good idea to wash all the fabrics together beforehand to make sure the colors do not bleed and the materials shrink before being stitched in the quilt. Also, iron the quilt fabrics if necessary before beginning. The quilter will also need batting, which is the insulation inside the quilt; the most popular material today is low loft, mostly cotton blends, which give the quilt an old-fashioned feel. Muslin is also sufficient batting for beginners quilting. Lastly, gather thread for stitching and the material for the quilt back. The quilt back is not as intricate as the top and is usually plain or scrap fabric.
Beginners quilting is basic; first, measure and cut even squares of fabric, carefully leaving 1/4" extra on all sides for the seam. Next, measure and cut enough fabric for the back to fit and the batting to fill. When the pieces have been arranged in the layout of how the quilt is to look, stitch a corner square together with the square next to it. The pieces should be turned upside down so the seam is invisible. Continue stitching each square together down the row. When a row is completed, begin to stitch the rows together. A sewing machine will be helpful, but for beginners quilting this can also be done by hand.
Once the patchwork is sewn together into one whole piece, stitch together three sides of the top to the corresponding sides of the back. This is also done upside down to hide the seam. Once complete, turn the quilt inside out, so the top is on the outside, and fill with chosen batting. Use thread that camouflages well to stitch the final side of the quilt.
Some expert advice for beginners quilting is to measure carefully and take the time to do it precisely and accurately. Results can be disastrous, discouraging and expensive if a block is short. It is also highly recommended for those partaking in beginners quilting to use quilting patterns. There are many different quilting patterns that can give handmade quilts a unique look as well as define each as an 'objet d'art.' For links to over a thousand free quilting patterns, visit http://www.freequiltpatterns.info. This organized site is a bubbling spring of inspiration for those interested in beginners quilting and has a section titled "Easy Quilt Patterns" for novices.
For beginners quilting, look for quilter's circles or quilting classes at the local craft store. Beginners quilting can also be used for a good cause, such as donating handmade quilts to homeless shelters or sending them abroad to our troops. Beginners quilting is a fun and creative hobby and the possibilities for a quilt are endless!
Sources:
Smith, Valerie. "What Makes a Quilt More than just a Blanket?" Bella Online. 2007. 1 Aug 2007. http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51628.asp.
"Victoriana Quilt Designs." Free Quilt Patterns. 2001-2007. 1 Aug 2007. http://www.freequiltpatterns.info.
"Beginner Quilting." Lovetoknow.com. 1 Aug 2007. http://crafts.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Beginner_Quiltin g.
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