Quilting has been around for literally ages; each generation in various countries, adding a new concept or approach, and each quilter discovering his or her own style and time saving methods. You might imagine, then, with so much discovery and advice floating about on the subject of quilting, it can be quite daunting for the beginner who wishes to break into this old art. Take it one step at a time, and try not to get overwhelmed. There’s much to learn, but it need not all be learned at once. A good place to start is your craft’s tools.
The Tools Needed
Tools are extremely important. What does a novice need to get underway? If you learn to rotary cut right off, you make things much easier and faster on yourself. For this, you need a rotary cutter and the best way to determine which one is right for you, is to head down to the local fabric and supply store where you can handle some cutters. To go with the rotary cutter, you’ll want a rotary mat and rotary ruler. The mat protects the surface under the cutter and helps keep the cutter’s blades sharp. The ruler helps to grip and accurately cuts fabric pieces.
Get yourself a sewing machine that accommodates a 1/4th seam allowance, which is quilting standard. Now, you can sew by hand if you really want to, but a sewing machine really does make life easier. You’ll need fabrics to use in that machine and the best place to start is with cottons. Save the fancy textiles for later and indulge in some great cotton prints. Favor tightly woven, high-quality fabrics and don’t skimp. Be picky and go for the best.
Pressing Your Blocks
To press your blocks, you’ll need an iron and ironing board. It’s important to press the fabric for accuracy and any iron and ironing board you have at home will be fine, but if you have to go out and buy one for your hobby, buy a heavy one. The weight helps the heat do its job. A big, wide board is much preferred over a slender one. Then, get two pairs of scissors: one just for fabric cutting and the other for cutting everything else, like paper patterns, plastic and what not.
Sewing the Blocks Together
For sewing, you’ll want pure cotton thread; polyester thread need not apply. The same thread you use for piecing can be used in the machine, as well. Many colors are not needed, a medium, neutral tone like gray or tan blends with most fabrics. If you plan to hand sew, use cotton quilting thread, but that should not be placed in the sewing machine. You’ll need a seam ripper and pins and needles, as well.
Last But By No Means, Least
Finally, get yourself a design wall. This is really just a stretch of quilt batting fabric or flannel. The blocks and pieces will stick nicely to them and allow you to take a step back for an objective eye. Although it may take a quilt or two to discover your own personal style, with a lot of patience, all the creativity you can muster and the right tools, you quilts may too be sought after.