BQTC #10 How to Chain Piece
01/01/09 16:19 Filed in: BQTC #10
Chain piecing is a
technique that will make piecing thousands of little
tiny pieces, a much easier process. Not only will you
save time, but you will also save on thread. The idea
is to continually feed in new pieces of fabric, without
cutting the thread in between. This will create a long
‘chain’ of fabric pieces each with a small joiner of
thread in between. One other advantage is that none
will be misplaced, as they are all connected together!
Once you have finished a particular step, then all the
pieces can be separated, and taken over to the ironing
board for pressing. Although one friend of mine likes
to press them all while they are still chained together
and then she snips them apart afterwards.
Read More...
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BQTC #9 Measuring a Quarter Inch Seam
23/11/08 11:10 Filed in: BQTC #9
In order to achieve
accurate piecing in your quilts, it is important to
maintain a consistent quarter inch seam allowance. A
seam allowance is the distance between your seam, or
the thread, and the raw edge of the fabric. In the
picture below, the seam allowance would be the fabric
on the right hand side of the needle.
Read
More...
BQTC #8 Cross Cutting fabric which is Already Sewn
23/11/08 00:34 Filed in: BQTC #8
There is a technique
called strip piecing which has made quilting a much
easier process for quilters. Rather than cutting
zillions of tiny little pieces, strips of fabric are
sewn together and then cut again into sections of
several fabrics. Whomever realized this could be done,
was truly a time saving genius. This technique saves
loads of time in regards to cutting, piecing, plus it
really improves accuracy. Here is basic outline of how
to use this technique. Read
More...
BQTC BONUS Fussy Cutting
23/11/08 00:05 Filed in: BQTC BONUS
So your pattern says to
fussy cut 5 inch blocks with a special design or motif
in the center. What does this mean? AND How do you do
this? I’ve put together a few pictures to guide you
through this surprising simple process.
Read More...
BQTC #7 Cutting Fabric Including Cross Cutting
22/11/08 19:18 Filed in: BQTC #7
The first step to cutting
fabric for your project is to cut strips which are the
width of your pieces. From there these strips can be
cross cut into smaller pieces, such as squares or
rectangles, and then stitched together. Once you have
squared your fabric as outlined in the previous lesson,
you are ready for cutting the strips. If your pattern
says to cut rectangles which measure 2.5 by 4.5 inches
then your first strips will be cut 2.5 inches wide. The
usable width of an average fabric is about 42 inches
(once the selvages are removed) so you will get 9
rectangles per strip. If you need 18 rectangles then
you will need to cut 2 strips. Read More...
BQTC#6 Squaring Your Fabric and Preparing for Cutting
15/10/08 21:01 Filed in: BQTC #6
It's hard to believe that
yards and yards of fabric are made up of thousands, if
not millions, of tiny little threads, all tightly woven
together. These threads run in two different
directions, lengthways and crossways. This is what's
referred to as the grain of the fabric. Consider the
length of the fabric, wrapping around the bolt to
create one continuous piece about 15 yards long. This
is the lengthwise grain. Now think of the fabric in the
opposite direction, running selvage to selvage about 44
inches. These threads are the cross grain. (The selvage
is the 'finished' edge of the fabric. It will have
small holes pierced through out the length and this is
where you will see the manufacturer or name of the
fabric line, for example Moda, Northcott, or
Hoffman.) Read More...
BQTC #5 Sewing Machines and Attachments
17/09/08 01:18 Filed in: BQTC #5
First let me tell you
that most quilters have different opinions about what
kind of machine is needed to start quilting. Some will
suggest that any sewing machine will do well others
can’t live without all the bells and whistles that come
on most of the newer machines on the market today. Here
is my experience with sewing machines followed by a
break down of some of the features you may want to
consider when choosing a machine for quilting.
Read
More...
BQTC #4 Quilting Tools
31/08/08 14:32 Filed in: BQTC #4
This time around I would
like to introduce you to the tools that you will need
to get quilting. If you haven't already begun shopping
for these items then let me prepare you for the reality
which you will soon face. Quilting is not a cheap
hobby. There is an investment to be made; acquiring
tools which make quilting easy, fast, and fun.
However, if you are the type of person who cares for and looks after their belongings, then these tools, will truly last you many many years. Perhaps you are asking "Why do I need all these expensive rulers, cutters, etc?'. To be totally honest.... you can get by without. It's true. Read More...
However, if you are the type of person who cares for and looks after their belongings, then these tools, will truly last you many many years. Perhaps you are asking "Why do I need all these expensive rulers, cutters, etc?'. To be totally honest.... you can get by without. It's true. Read More...
BQTC #3 Selecting Thread for your Quilts
10/08/08 17:58 Filed in: BQTC #3
The number of different
threads available today is really quite impressive. The
only trouble with this great variety is choosing the
best thread for your needs. Here is a run down of
what's available and the suitable uses for each.
And The Winner Is ... Read More...
And The Winner Is ... Read More...
BQTC #2 Choosing your Quilt Fabric
21/07/08 22:57 Filed in: BQTC #2
Selecting
Fabric for Quilting...
Here we are at fabric selection. This has got to be the most exciting part of a project! Going to the shop and seeing, feeling, and even smelling all the gorgeous textiles is enough to get you hooked on quilting. It can however be intimidating for some. I've met many new quilters who bring their mothers, grandmothers, aunts or friends with them to get some 'seasoned' advice on which fabrics to choose. Unfortunately not everyone has this option, nor are they willing to go and admit they need help from often pushy salespeople. So where is a new quilter to start? Read More...
Here we are at fabric selection. This has got to be the most exciting part of a project! Going to the shop and seeing, feeling, and even smelling all the gorgeous textiles is enough to get you hooked on quilting. It can however be intimidating for some. I've met many new quilters who bring their mothers, grandmothers, aunts or friends with them to get some 'seasoned' advice on which fabrics to choose. Unfortunately not everyone has this option, nor are they willing to go and admit they need help from often pushy salespeople. So where is a new quilter to start? Read More...
BQTC #1 Choosing a Quilt Pattern
21/07/08 22:30 Filed in: BQTC #1
Last week I discussed the
outline of my Basic Quilting Techniques Course. This
week we will go over step one, Choosing a Quilting
Pattern.
Learning to quilt is such an exciting experience. I've spoken with many many new quilters who can't wait to get started, but are not sure how to get going.
I've also encountered many quilters, who've jumped in with extremely ambitious patterns, spent a fortune on fabric, and found themselves stuck, overwhelmed and unsure of how to carry on.
This is the reason that I like to recommend that beginner quilters start small.
Step one is choosing your first quilt pattern. Read More...
Learning to quilt is such an exciting experience. I've spoken with many many new quilters who can't wait to get started, but are not sure how to get going.
I've also encountered many quilters, who've jumped in with extremely ambitious patterns, spent a fortune on fabric, and found themselves stuck, overwhelmed and unsure of how to carry on.
This is the reason that I like to recommend that beginner quilters start small.
Step one is choosing your first quilt pattern. Read More...
BQTC Introduction
20/07/08 12:36 Filed in: Course
Intro
I am dividing the
quilting lessons up into easy weekly classes that you
can subscribe to through QuiltCetera's Yahoo Group.
I'm constantly adding to the list of beginner quilting topics for teaching you how to quilt.
We are starting with absolute basics to cover all bases. If you are a more experienced quilter, then consider this a review! You may surprise yourself and learn a new trick or tip that will help your quilts come out flawless. Read More...
I'm constantly adding to the list of beginner quilting topics for teaching you how to quilt.
We are starting with absolute basics to cover all bases. If you are a more experienced quilter, then consider this a review! You may surprise yourself and learn a new trick or tip that will help your quilts come out flawless. Read More...
