Quilt Along Series: Sewing the Quilt Together
Machine quilting can be done in a variety of ways, but I’ll focus on machine quilting. Basting is an important step in the quilting process that requires some skill and attention to detail; if done correctly, it will result in a professional-looking finished project.
Basting is a method of temporarily holding the three layers together while you ‘quilt,’ and there are two options for machine quilting: spray baste and/or safety pins. Basting spray can be found in the notions section of most sewing supply stores. I like to use a hera, which gently scores the fabric. Other options include disappearing ink pens, chalk pencils, and so on.
How do you layer a quilt together?
Smooth the batting and place your quilt top on top of it. I like to press both layers together to remove any wrinkles and to help the quilt top adhere to the batting slightly. Once the top and batting are smooth and flat, carefully roll them together.
Do you sew binding Front Back quilt first?
By starting on the back and wrapping to the front, you’ll be able to do the final stitching by machine and it will look awesome (front and back.) I’ll walk you through the steps below: 1. Sew the binding to the front of the quilt and wrap to the back and sew it down by hand (or machine).
Can you mix fabrics in a quilt?
Making a two-color quilt, with one color being a background of just one fabric and the other being a variety of choices, is a good way to get started combining different fabrics and patterns. It’s OK if the fabrics don’t match.
Do you Backstitch when piecing a quilt?
In addition, you do not backstitch when piecing because you will most likely be sewing across the seam later, locking it as you continue to build the block/quilt. You may also need to adjust stitch width.
How much bigger should the backing be than the quilt top?
Backing should be at least 4-6″ wider on each side, top and bottom, than your quilt top, for a total of 8-10″. Trim the top and bottom edges of your backing to make them straight and square.
What do you use for quilt backing?
Substrate refers to the type of fabric used as a quilt’s backing; in most cases, the same substrate is used for both the quilt top and the backing. For example, if your quilt top is made of quilting cotton, you should use a cotton fabric for the backing as well.
Do I quilt or bind first?
Binding a quilt is the final step in the finishing process; however, before you bind, you must first u201c quilt u201d your quilt, which means attaching the front and back with batting in between.
Can I quilt on a regular sewing machine?
The short answer is YES, you can quilt with a regular sewing machine, with the machine you already own; there are two methods for doing so: straight-line quilting with a walking foot or free motion quilting with a free motion quilting foot.
What is the best size for quilt binding?
Strip width can vary from 2″ to 2 1/2″ and even wider if you prefer a larger binding than the traditional 1/4″ width. Quilt binding strips are generally sewn together with a diagonal seam for the most inconspicuous joining.
What is the best stitch length for machine quilting?
Set your machine’s stitch length to 2.5 to 3.0, or about 8-12 stitches per inch, for straight stitching; this range works well for the majority of machine quilting, but there are always exceptions when making a rule; use a longer stitch length for threads with sparkle or shine.
Can you use flannel to back a quilt?
I like using flannel as a quilt back because it is fuzzy and cuddly, but because it is made of cotton, it breathes better than Minky.
Can I mix cotton and flannel in a quilt?
If you’re always sewing flannel to flannel or flannel to quilting cotton, no problem; just set the seam allowance, test, tweak, and go. Flannel is a very forgiving fabric to work with, and a few extra pins here and there should suffice.
How do you pick fabric for a quilt?
Pay Attention to Scale When selecting printed fabrics, it’s important to consider the overall scale or size of the design printed on the fabric. Some quilts work best with small prints that almost read as solids, which are great for adding interest to your quilt.