There are many reasons to start quilting. Quilting can not only give you personal enjoyment and satisfaction but a quilt can be a work of art that tells a story. A quilt is also a great way of giving to those in need in your community. You can give quilts to the homeless or children in foster care, lap quilts for senior citizens or baby quilts for crisis pregnancy centers are all ways that this hobby can help those in need and change someone’s life.
Before you begin, there is some basic quilting information that may be helpful. There are a number of different types of quilts, but a quilt generally consists of three layers. The first layer is the top, which may be created in several different ways. Some of these ways include patchwork piecing and appliqué. The quilt top can be created also by piecing together scraps of fabric left over from other projects, household items or pieces of clothing. You can also purchase fabric specifically to be used for the top layer of your quilt.
Using quilt blocks is another way of creating the top. Quilt blocks are individual sections of patchwork that are put together in a particular pattern. The blocks are sewn together to complete the quilt top. There are a variety of different patterns available for the beginner to those with more experience and skill.
The next layer is the batting. This is the insulation that adds warmth and body to the quilt. There are several kinds of batting available depending on the amount of warmth that is wanted, price range and type of quilt.
The final layer, which completes the quilt and brings it all together is the backing. The backing can be a whole piece of fabric or it can be two or more pieces of the same fabric sewn together, depending on the size of the quilt. A whole piece of fabric is generally all that a smaller quilt requires, but a larger quilting project often requires two or more pieces of the same fabric sewn together to complete the project.
When the top layer is ready, and the batting and backing are cut to size, all three layers are then layered together. To hold them together during the quilting process these layers must be basted. The stitching that is used to bind the three layers together is generally decorative and often follows a pattern. This can be done by hand or machine.
When choosing a first time quilting project, it is a good idea to choose a project that is simple and small. Some good beginner projects include baby quilts, lap quilts, doll quilts, pillows, and wall hangings. Quilts are generally constructed using 100% cotton fabrics and threads. Cotton fabric is generally easier to work with, it holds a crease well and is available in wide variety of colors. You can find packages of fabric that are color-coordinated and pre-cut for quilters at your local quilting shop. Use batting that is thinner, such as Warm & Natural and Warm & White. This is because it is less difficult to quilt and maneuver.
Be sure to use accurate rulers for measuring and use curved safety pins when pinning. Curved safety pins will make pinning your quilt much easier.
Always use ¼" seams and be sure to keep the seams uniform. A ¼" quilting foot is a useful and very handy tool to have. Also, always press the current piece and then move to the next step. And seams should be ironed towards the darker material.
Keep in mind, quilting is a hobby in which anyone can learn. It can be a wonderful way to relax while creating something beautiful.