Shelly's Guide to Quilting

Understanding Fabric

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The fabrics and colors are usually the first things that draw people to a quilt, the second is the design. The preferred fiber content for quilting fabric is 100% cotton. Some fiber-artists choose to "go against the grain" with their creations. Always consider the intended use of your final product as different fabrics behave in different ways when sewn, pressed, or laundered.

Does thread count....well, count? Absolutely! When you go shopping for fabric for your first project, take a moment to examine a bolt or two.

A bolt is basically the cardboard insert the fabric is wrapped around.

Check the end of the bolt. The percentage of fibers is usually listed on the end of the of the fabric's cardboard bolt. The number of threads per square inch determines the quality & weight of fabric.

Quilting cotton has a higher thread count than lighter-weight cotton. Fabrics with low thread counts are too lightweight to use in piecing a quilt. These fabrics will ravel excessively, shrink more and have much less durability.

It is important to cut pieces to a fabrics grain line. Following the grain line reduces stretching and distortion. Take a yard of fabric & examine it as you read about the grain lines.

Lengthwise Grain: The grain that runs parallel to the selvage edges is called the lengthwise grain. It is the most stable and least stretchy of all three grain lines. This is the grain you will be cutting straight strips or sashing strips for between the blocks of a quilt.
Crosswise Grain: The crosswise grain runs perpendicular to the selvage. It has a bit of stretch, but is still stable. After cutting your strips, you'll be cutting the crosswise grain when you begin cutting squares & such for piecing.
Bias Grain: The bias grain is at a 45 degree angle to the selvage edge. It is very stretchy. You will be cutting this grain when you make certain units such as Half Squares.

Piece-fully yours,

Shelly

Where to begin?

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For a beginning quilter, especially one who has never sewn before, quilting can be somewhat intimidating. People are drawn to quilts by the colors and designs that warm the heart and capture the mind. If you have decided to give quilting a try, then making sure you have adequate tools & supplies is a good place to start.

The only real necessities to make a quilt are scissors, needle and thread. Afterall, that's all our ancestors had to work with!
Notions are items we run out of such as thread, needles, rotary blades, etc. This is a basic list of tools quilters use. Each tool has a short description and photo. Familiarize yourself with them, then make a list and go shopping!

Sewing Machine

The most expensive tool you'll ever have to buy. Plus a good, quality one will last you many years. A standard, smooth running machine that makes a nice, even straight stitch is all you need.

Rotary Cutter

Shaped like a pizza cutter, this blade is not for food. It's razor sharp for cutting through several layers of fabric at once & comes in a variety of sizes. The 45mm is the most commonly used.

Cutting Mats & Rulers

We don't use cutting boards here! Self-healing cutting mats are used with your rotary cutter. These special mats keep your blade sharp and protect table surfaces. They also come in a large variety of sizes. Use the one that suits you
and your work area the best. Cutting rulers vary greatly as well. There are also some in different shapes to assist in making specific pieces for units. I use a 6" x 12" for all my basic cutting.

Scissors
Most cutting for quilt pieces is done with the rotary cutter. However, you still need a good, sharp pair of scissors to cut fabric yardage down, cut hanging threads, and anything else you wouldn't easily do with your rotary cutter. I use the large orange scissors to cut down yardage to easy to manage sizes, and the little pair for cutting hanging threads while piecing.

Pins & Needles

For pins, it's mostly quilters preference. Silk pins work best. I use the type with the flat flower heads! For needles if you choose to machine piece, sizes 11/75 & 12/80 work best. Change them every eight hours of sewing. For hand piecing, use basic hand sewing needles, or those labeled as 'betweens'.

Thread

Use 100% cotton thread. Glazed thread can gum up machine works in your sewing machine. Keep in mind also, bargain brand thread tends to create more lint requiring more frequent machine cleanup. For basic stitching, a neutral color is best. I use Ecru.

Bobbins

It is important to use the bobbins that fit your machine properly. Using bobbin that does not fit can result in some very unwanted damage, and bad stitches. Filling multiple bobbins to keep on hand is quite convenient. When one runs out, just pop in a new one and keep on sewing!

Iron & Ironing Board

No explanation needed here! A basic iron with a cotton setting will suffice. Choose an ironing board that fits your workspace.

Piece-fully yours,

Shelly

Introduction

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Welcome to Shelly's Guide to Quilting! Quilting dates back as early as 1750 and has become a professional hobby for many women. A great site to visit if you're interested in learning the history of quilting is http://www.womenfolk.com/historyofquilts.

In this blog, I will post articles from tools & supplies to piecing quilts to layering, quilting and binding quilts.

Let it be known that this blog was created on May 16, 2009 and all articles will be added as written, so please subscribe to keep up on new posts!

Piece-fully yours,

Shelly