Quilting for Beginners

It's time to learn about quilting for beginners. Quilting is not a modern craft. It has its roots back in the early 18th century. History of the quilting shows that it basically originated from America. For any craft as old and as common as quilting, there is no doubt that millions of crafters will be found in the world. With so many crafters and such old history, there is a sure chance to get hundreds of tips from them as well.

Quilting is generally stated to origin as a utility not a decoration. But with the passage of time, quilt crafters have innovated so many types and designs for quilts. It will be nearly impossible to get you all the tips form the crafters all over the world, but at least I can share my own personal tips for quilting for beginners. Right?

QULITING FOR BEGINNERS:

1. For prewashing fabric fill the washer with HOT water and laundry detergent, push the fabric into the water, and let it soak for almost 20 minutes, swishing it occasionally (NOT agitating). Then drain and then spin but make sure you do not agitate it or it will fray.

2. After washing the fabric you can use a liquid starch to press. It gives the fabric a shiny new, stiff look as if it is new. Just mix 1 part liquid starch to 3 parts water. A 32oz. Bottle (under $2.00) equals 10 aerosol cans (about $2.00 a can.) When mixed in a spray bottle there's no clogging. Or you can even use high quality ready made spray starch.

3. Before washing the fabric baste the cut edges together. This keeps the fraying down during washing and spinning.

4. When pre-washing your material, particularly for red, aquamarine and other unstable colors, place a piece of white plain muslin cloth in the washing machine that way you will be able to tell if the fabric is really going to run or you need to switch it with another fabric piece.

5. At times it is not possible to focus on all the squares and blocks on the quilt, when placed on design wall. So why not take picture of it and then you can watch the picture on your computer screen for any deformity to confirm.

6. A superb way to lay out your quilt blocks without the pins and stick on glues is to buy a piece of the vinyl with the fuzzy backing and nail it to a wall. (Fuzzy side out). The blocks stick to it exclusive of pins and you can move them around easily until you get what you need!!

7. We all get upset when we have the template but we are unable to cut the fabric accordingly for appliqué. This usually happens because template slips from its place. Try making a template in fine sand paper. It will never slip away.

8. There is a tool called Glad Press N Seal. It is great to stick pieces in place if you have trouble getting it in place.

9. When finishing a quilt cut all my remaining fabric into small standard squares therefore you can get them when you will be making appliqué patterns.

10. When you finish sewing a quilt, you can cut the left over fabric into the largest strips possible with 6" being the largest. Then store the strips in a plastic container for later usage.

With a little practice and learning, quilting for beginners becomes second nature and soon you will be on your way to creating a beautiful quilt.

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