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Quilt Backing Specification:
Quilt Prep
Quilt Preparation Check List:
This is a helpful guide to assist you in preparing your Quilt Top and Backing for the longer quilting process. If you follow these steps, you will have an amazing quilt!
The best way to keep a quilt fresh & the fabric bouncy & non-stuffy smelling is to use it!
The worst thing you can do for your quilt is to place it in a closet or keep it tucked away from the world! Your quilt was created to be used & enjoyed! Snuggle under it & let your worries fade away. Every single stitch has love in it!
When it comes to cutting fabric for quilting, one of the most important things to have is consistently straight lines. There are multiple ways to achieve this. You can measure your fabric using ruler grid lines or using a cutting mat grid lines.
Tools
With so many different brands, types and styles of quilting rulers and mats available on the market today it can be difficult to know what is the most accurate to use. There are a variety of different rulers and mats and no matter which one you choose the most important thing to ensure is that you are cutting straight lines. One method is to cut a strip measured at two inches based on the mat grid lines and one cut at the same width based on the ruler grid lines to compare the two. Both come out at the same width, which shows that it is not necessarily important to use one set of grid lines over another. What is most important is to use what is comfortable for you and what gives you consistent results.
Technique
One thing that can help you achieve consistent results when using quilting rulers and other quilting ruler accessories, is accurate technique. It begins with proper hand position to use when holding a quilting ruler, which is with a cupped hand rather than a flat hand. Using a flat hand has a higher tendency for the ruler to slip leading to an inaccurate cut. When using a cupped hand you can also move your fingers more and use your pinky finger to help hold the ruler in place. Using this proper cutting technique is not only a good way to achieve consistently accurate cuts it is also a safer way to use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter. Clear, acrylic quilting rulers in various sizes are a favorite to use among most quilters, however, they can tend to slip on fabric.
Don't Obsess Over Errors
Understanding color value is just as important as understanding the color wheel, maybe even more so, but it's essential to learn as much as you can about each of those elements. We all make errors, both technical and in our choice of fabrics, but our boo-boos nearly always lead to a better understanding of the quilting process. 'Mistakes' are really just learning experiences, so analyze them and tuck that knowledge away for the next project. Your skills will grow with every new quilt you sew.
Any quilt is made up of 5 main parts:
1. Quilt top
2. The batting
3, The backing fabric
4. The binding
5. The quilting
We frequently receive questions about the entire process of quilting and since we love to talk about quilting we decided to post the entire process steps for making a quilt.
First, you’ll need to decide if you want to quilt by hand or machine. Hand quilting, though a lengthy process, is a labor of love and truly makes your quilt an heirloom piece. You can also take your quilt to a longarmer like Annie's Longarm Quilting and have them stitch it with a machine. Annie's schedule varies but usually take her no more than 2 to 3 weeks to complete. Certain times of he year can impact the schedule so plan ahead.
Lets Begin:
1. Gather your supplies. In order to make a quilt you will need a few supplies. A sewing machine for starters. You will also need thread fabric (both for the quilt top and the backing), batting and then a coordinating fabric to make binding. Other tools that can help with the quilting process are: a cutting mat, a quilting ruler, a rotary cutter, pins or wonder clips and a needle and thread.
2. Cut your fabric according to your quilt tutorial or pattern. This step is mostly about following directions according to a tutorial or pattern but there are good posts online on how to cut fabrics that are square and even if you need one.
3. Sew together your quilt top together. This process of sewing together a quilt top can be as simple or as complicated as you would like it to be. The next step is to make the quilt top itself, making sure to press each seam as you go. You will also want to press the quilt top as flat as you can before the next step.
4. Baste your quilt. There are several ways to baste a quilt but the process is the same. Basting is a temporary way of holding together all the layers that will be in your quilt. Many quilters call this “making a quilt sandwich.” The bottom layer will be your backing (right side down), the middle layer will be your batting, and the top of the sandwich will be the quilt top you just made in step #3. Some quilters like to use special pins that look like a curved safety pin.
5. Quilt your quilt. There are quite a few ways to quilt your quilt and a lot of it depends on your personal choice but we recommend taking to Annies Longarm Quilting so they can apply beautiful quilt patterns to enhance you beautiful quilt. The actual “quilting” in a quilt is to permanently hold the quilt top, the batting and the backing of your quilt together.
6. Bind your quilt. The last process of making a quilt is to bind your quilt. The binding will be made from the coordinating fabric that you picked out. I usually buy 1/2 yard or 2/3 yard pieces cut from the fabric store for binding and have a stash of simple bindings that go with many fabrics. I love to use stripes and dots—so when in doubt go with a stripe or a dot! The first part of the process is to make the quilt binding. And then the second part is actually sewing the binding to the quilt itself.
For this list, I thought about when I first started quilting and the quilting tips I wish I’d known when I first began. Keep in mind, some of these “tips” are more like suggestions.
Quilting is an art and shouldn’t have strict rules surrounding it.
Index:
1. You don’t need all of the gadgets at the very beginning. (Updated 10/2022)
2. Always use a seam allowance of at least ¼”. (Updated 10/2022)
3. Use 100% quilting cotton.
4. Prewash or not to prewash your fabrics., That is the question. (Updated 10/2022)
5. The seam ripper: friend or foe?
6. Double-check your measurements before you cut.
7. Take it slow with the rotary cutter.
8. Start with a simple project.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
10. Know your needles. (Updated 10/2022)
11. It’s better to have too much fabric than not enough.
12. If you question your fabric selection, get another opinion. (Updated 10/2022)
13. Use the internet for inspiration. (Updated 10/2022)
14. Check out the skill level requirements on quilt patterns.
15. Use a starch spray when pressing your fabric.
16. Precut fabrics are a time saver.
17. Quilting is the actual process of sewing the layers of your quilt sandwich together. (Updated 10/2022)
18. One step at a time.
19. Coming up with your own techniques is fine. (Updated 10/2022)
Quilting Tips for Beginners
For this list, I thought about when I first started quilting and the quilting tips I wish I’d known when I first began. Keep in mind, some of these “tips” are more like suggestions.
Quilting is an art and shouldn’t have strict rules surrounding it.
1. You don’t need all of the gadgets at the very beginning. (Updated 10/2022)
It’s tempting to go to your local quilt shop or online to purchase a bunch of gadgets and fabric, but you don’t need to invest a small fortune initially. You don’t need to buy a fancy quilting machine to make gorgeous quilts. You can make something beautiful with the sewing machine you paid less than $200 for on Black Friday.
I suggest purchasing a rotary cutter, cutting mat, reliable sewing machine, iron, scissors, thread, and just enough fabric for your first project. Buying too much fabric or too many gadgets can make you feel overwhelmed.
2. Always use a seam allowance of at least ¼”. (Updated 10/2022)
The standard when quilting is to use a ¼” seam allowance on all your pieced blocks. Practice and measure. It is important to have consistent ¼" seams.
A seam that’s less than ¼” can be problematic because any tension put on that seam could cause the fabric to fray and the seams to come undone.
Once you have sewn your seams be sure to press them. This is the second most important thing to do after sewing your ¼" seams.
3. Use 100% quilting cotton.
This suggestion is one of those vital beginner quilting tips that I wish I had known when I first started. I know it’s tempting to purchase cheaper fabrics that aren’t 100% cotton, but unfortunately, they won’t last as long as 100% quilting cotton will.
That said, you don’t have to buy expensive “designer” fabrics to make something beautiful and long-lasting. Most fabric shops or your local arts and crafts stores (such as Hobby Lobby or JoAnns) have a beautiful selection of fabrics that often go on sale.
4. Prewash or not to prewash, that is the question? (Updated 10/2022)
This is totally personal preference.
Some quilters like to use their fabrics right away without pre-washing because when they wash the finished quilt, the fabric shrinks and gives that beautiful “quilt crinkle” texture. You may or may not want this to happen.
If you choose to prewash I recommend that you use color catchers, Retayne or Synthrapol the first time you wash your quilt.
When using color catchers don't be stingy, use at least half the box 12 - 24 catchers.
Color Catchers are available in the dryer sheet isle in most Grocery Stores.
Retayne - Use to presoak fabric to set the dyes.
Synthrapol - Washing your finished quilt with Synthrapol will suspend any extra dyes so they don't deposit where they don't belong.
Retayne & Synthrapol is available for purchase at most Quilt Shops and Amazon.
5. The seam ripper: friend or foe?
It may seem like the seam ripper isn’t a tool you’d want to use, but a seam ripper will soon become one of your favorite tools. When you are drawing a picture, sometimes you need to use an eraser, right?
Think of the seam ripper as the quilter’s eraser. It is much easier to remove unwanted stitches with a seam ripper than trying to do it with a pair of scissors or by hand.
6. Double-check your measurements before you cut.
This tip especially rings true for those who are just starting. It may take you a little longer to cut your pieces, but you will be happy when you’ve cut everything at the right size the first time.
7. Take it slow with the rotary cutter.
When you’re using your rotary cutter, be sure to take it slow. I’ve heard some pretty gruesome stories of quilter’s going too fast and slicing a chunk of their fingertip off.
Also, if you are using a ruler, keep your blade against the ruler’s edge and be sure not to stray. Going slow will help you to keep your cuts straight and neat.
8. Start with a simple project.
When you are first starting, don’t choose to create a king-sized quilt that you plan to be an heirloom piece for generations to come. This kind of project puts way too much pressure on you for your first few projects, and quilting should be fun, not stressful!
I suggest doing some small, simple projects like making up some potholders and placemats for yourself or a friend. Maybe progress to a mini quilt that you can hang on your wall or a simple baby quilt pattern.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Every experienced quilter has been in your beginner’s shoes. We know how you feel when you just can’t get something to work or you don’t understand how to proceed.
10. Know your needles. (Updated 10/2022)
Not all needles are created equal, and some needles are better suited for quilting than others. Be sure to read the packaging of the different needles you’re considering to ensure they work with your machine and are suitable for your projects.
Along with that, know when you should switch out your needle for a new one. I’ve seen many different suggestions for how often you should change your needle. However, it can rely heavily on the quality of the needle you purchase and how often you sew.
11. It’s better to have too much fabric than not enough.
When shopping for fabric, I always purchase slightly more than a specific pattern calls for. I usually get ⅓ to ½ yard more of each fabric.
That may seem like a lot of extra fabric, but with the shrinkage factor and squaring it up, you’ll need plenty of excess just in case you make a “whoopsy” with your cutting.
You don’t want to experience that sinking feeling when you realize you didn’t purchase enough fabric for a project and then can’t find the same fabric for the rest of your piece.
12. If you question your fabric selection, get another opinion. (Updated 10/2022)
Fabric selection can be a bit overwhelming. So many colors, patterns, and textures to choose
from can make choosing the right fabrics for your project difficult.
If you catch yourself just staring at your fabrics and wondering, “Do these work together?”
I suggest getting a second opinion. It's always fun to shop with a friend. If your friend can't come along - ask another shopper.
If you are in a fabric store and see another person looking at the quilting fabric, chances are they will be happy to give you their opinion on your choices. I’ve made several “5-minute friends” while fabric shopping. It’s fun to get another person’s perspective.
13. Use the internet for inspiration. (Updated 10/2022)
Whether you are trying to find a quilt pattern or fabric inspiration, the internet is an excellent tool to find all kinds of ideas. Pinterest or Instagram can get your quilting brain wheels turning in the right direction.
14. Check out the skill level requirements on quilt patterns.
Did you know that most quilt pattern designers include skill-level requirements for their patterns? This info is extremely helpful when you’re shopping around for your first or next quilt pattern.
If you cannot find that information, try sending a message to the pattern designer or asking an experienced quilting friend to help you with your selection.
15. Use a starch spray when pressing your fabric.
I figured out this tip early on in my quilting journey, and it has helped me immensely when pressing my fabric in preparation to cut it. Starch spray such as Best Press is a fantastic choice, especially if you have stubborn wrinkles in your fabric.
16. Precut fabrics are a time saver.
When you go to a fabric store, you will see a precut fabrics section. This section will consist of jellyrolls, layered cakes, fat quarters, charm packs, etc.
These different sized bundles are convenient — not only because they save time, but many quilt pattern designers create quilt designs specifically with these different bundles in mind.
17. Quilting is the actual process of sewing the layers of your quilt sandwich together. (Updated 10/2022)
18. Quilting is the actual process of sewing the layers together.
Instead of focusing on the quilt as a whole, just focus on the block you are working on right now. Going step-by-step gives you the ability to focus on your current step without stressing about the future steps in your project.
19. Coming up with your own techniques is fine. (Updated 10/2022)
Some quilters may act like there is only “one way” to do specific steps, but if you come up with a different way to do something, that is totally fine! I encourage you to find what works best for you and design and create the way you want. Quilting is an art form, not a rule book.
I love quilting and sewing, and I also love to see others pursue their paths in the wide world of quilting. There are so many different quilting styles, skill levels, and techniques. You are sure to find something that works for you and that will help you fall in love with the art of quilt making.
Have fun with it, and happy sewing!
The Final Borders
When creating a border, it’s always a temptation to simply sew on a strip and then cut off the excess but don’t do that. This is especially important if you are placing your blocks on point, with so many bias seams you can change the size of your quilt. Forcing your quilt to match identically cut borders forces it to remain flat.
Step 1. Measure your quilt through the center vertically. Cut two borders to this length. Matching the center of the border strip with the center of the quilt, sew one on each side. Use a walking foot if you have one of a few pins if you don’t. Press to the border.
If one side of the quit is just the finest bit larger than the border, place the quilt top down on the bed of your sewing machine when sewing the border on. The feed dogs will help take up the slack. Reverse the process if it is your border that is bigger.
Step 2. Measure your Quilt through the center horizontally. Cut borders to this length. Matching the center of the border strip with the center of the quilt, sew one on top and bottom of your quilt top. Press to the border.
1. PRESS, DON'T IRON
2. SET YOUR SEAMS
3. LET THEM COOL
4. FINGER-PRESS FIRST
5. AVOID SEEING SEAM SHADOWS
6. BEGIN AGAIN
7. KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
8. AVOID CRUSHING RESULTS
9. KEEP IT STRAIGHT
10. FOLLOW THE GRAIN
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