Quilting is a methof of sewing material together to make a thicker padded material usually using three layers. Quilting can be done on a variety of textile products including wall hangings, clothing and bed spreads. Quilting can make a project thick, or with dense quilting, can raise one area so that another stands out. Quilting can be done by hand, by sewing machine, or by a spacialist longarm quilting system. The padded quilted fabric was used for its warmth and or for its protection. Ancient Eqyptian sculptures are seen with clothing which appears to have been quilted; probably for added warmth.
A quilter is the name given to someone who works at quilting. Quilting is usually done with three layers, the quilt top, batting and backing material. “Paper” quilting was used during American pioneer days. Hand quilting and machine quilting are the more widely used methods. Hand quilting uses a running stitch by hand to sew your thread across the entire quilt. A quilting hoop or frame is used to hold the pieces being quilted. Hand quilting is enjoying a resurgence today and especially well done by the Amish. The pieces of the pattern are put together with the sewing machine before quilting. Quilters may use multicolored or metallic threads to add to the richness of the quilting design.
Your quilting stitches can be either done in decorative patterns or straight lines. Quilting serves three purposes: 1) to hold all three layers of fabric together, 2 ) to add design and beauty to the finished product, and 3) to trap air in the layers to make the finished quilt much warmer than just the three pieces of fabric would be. Quilters usually start quilting from the middle and working out to the edges. Quilting can use decorative stiches in complex designs and patterns. Quilting is often combined with embroidery, patchwork, applique and other forms of needlework.
Traditional quilting is a six-step process that includes: 1) selecting a pattern, fabrics and batting; 2) measuring and cutting fabrics to the correct size to make blocks from the pattern; 3) piecing (sewing cut pieces of fabric together using a sewing machine or by hand to make blocks) blocks together to make a finished “top”; 4) layering the quilt top with batting and backing, to make a “quilt sandwich”; 5) quilting by hand or machine through all layers of the quilt sandwich; and 6) squaring up and trimming excess batting from the edges, machine sewing the binding to the front edges of the quilt and then hand-stitching the binding to the quilt backing.
You can fold fat quarters into triangles and bundle them to create stacked stars before giving them as gifts. Once your have learned the basics of quilting; you can create the quilt of your dreams. Quilting basics are included from cutting to finishing and quilting tips. This is a fabulous opportunity to bring your friends, daughters, sons, or granddaughters (or anyone else) to see what quilting is all about and why we enjoy it so much. Invite your friends and family to join you in quilting. If you love quilts your will find something you can do regardless of your skill level.
Whether you are an absolute beginner that wants to learn the art of quilting or a seasoned quilter looking for expert tips and inspiration you will find helpful information here with this FREE Ebook. Download the Ebook and share it with your friends. You will find valuable resources and tips here that you want to refer to again and again. There are millions of quilters world wide.
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