You can learn how to quilt and pass along your knowledge to generations

There are basic fundamentals of the quilting craft that you should know as you learn how to quilt. A quilt is a block or assortment of squares of fabric that are all sewn together to make a large rectangular blanket. Each block has three layers that are stitched together Each of the squares is made individually and then the finished squares are all sewn together to make a point on the end. Because the fabric pieces are all square with four corners, it is possible to make the quilts larger and larger by adding squares.

Quilting is a very popular hobby that people start so they can explore their creative side. They may even join quilting classes or become a part of “quilting bees” to make new friends and socialize with others who share the same interest. Contrary to social ideas, it’s not limited to older women, or certain cultures or particular regions of the country. Anyone can learn how to quilt if they have an interest and a knack for fabrics and seeing things come together.

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Many quilting groups or ?bees? that meet and design quilts with a theme also grow their quilting projects by adding squares that they are all sewing together. These quilt squares are made from any type of fabric, texture or material that can be connected together with thread. Most times, the pieces of the fabric are from something that has sentimental value and are passed down from one generation to another. Many young women learn how to quilt while sitting with their mothers, watching them, learning about their own history and partaking in a craft that is both fun and practical.  

Since quilting is a craft that can be tailored to a person?s own preferences and design, to learn how to quilt is as intricate as the art of sewing. It’s a matter of finding what you like and prefer as you make your patterns confirm to it. Let?s look at how:

Study Quilting Patterns

Become familiar with quilting techniques by studying the designs and patterns that are needed to make them. Learn quilting terms and what they mean. Do this before you begin your hobby, as it will make your learning the craft easier.

Learn Quilting Fabrics

What types of fabrics are easier to stitch? Which fabrics bleed when they?re wet? Which kinds of fabric are absorbent, hold odors ore need to be pre-treated?  

Take the time to learn about caring and treating quilting fabrics to avoid any errors or mishaps when you begin. Before you begin pre-washing or cutting any fabric to ready it for quilting, it?s important to know how the material may react or what it will do once you begin working on it.

Acclimate Yourself to Color and Texture

Learning the nuances of colors and textures in quilting fabric is very important too as you learn how to quilt. Fabric stores have assortments of color and design choices and will also have color wheels that will help you understand colors and patterns. Color wheels can also help you choose how to place your squares in your quilting project. You can also mix and match fabric textures to achieve a certain look or feel with your design. Don?t be afraid to mix up colors and textures to make the quilting project more personal or even more creative for large groups.

Block Construction

Fabric and garment construction is determined by a preset block design used in your quilting project. It involves understanding the structure of how the blocks fit together as you begin to design and sew the quilt. If the block is not pressed carefully and accurately, it will cause problems with your quilting. Use a block design consistently until you become more familiar and comfortable with block construction and layout.

Quilt Layout

Do you want blocks that are on point or on a straight set? This is important as well because it will help you determine in which direction your quilting work will flow. Use a standard mattress size dimensions until you become more familiar and more comfortable with quilting templates and fabric patterns.

Assembly

Assembling the quilt will consist of a border and backing to make the quilt complete. The ?stuffing? that is used inside of quilts is what is called batting and the backing is made with a different, more firm type of fabric than what the quilts are made of.

Sashes, Borders, Finishes

To finish up the quilt and make it pretty, you will need borders that are:

1.) straight sewn   

2.)mitered    

3.)pieced

4.)border print

This is a personal preference and you can design the border to make your quilt different, personal and totally unique.

Additionally, at the end of finishing your quilting art, you can complete it by sewing binding to the quilt or applying binding strips. You can also attach either a hanging sleeve or a permanent sleeve to the quilt at the same time that you at any binding.    

Proper finishes keep the quilt from fraying and unraveling and coming loose when they?re washed and used. A good finish will also help you enjoy your project for a very long time and pass your labor of love on, from one generation to the next.