BQTC #10 How to Chain Piece

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...
|

BQTC #9 Measuring a Quarter Inch Seam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...
|

BQTC #3 Selecting Thread for your Quilts

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...
|

BQTC #2 Choosing your Quilt Fabric

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...
|

BQTC #1 Choosing a Quilt Pattern

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...
|

BQTC Introduction

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...
|
Course Intro (1)
BQTC #1 (1)
BQTC #2 (1)
BQTC #3 (1)
BQTC #4 (1)
BQTC #5 (1)
BQTC #6 (1)
BQTC #7 (1)
BQTC #8 (1)
BQTC #9 (1)
BQTC #10 (1)
BQTC BONUS (1)