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How to Quilt>Tips for Machine Quilting
Tips for Machine Quilting
New quilters often get frustrated when trying to select a quilting technique. Let’s face it, quilt block patterns are very specific. You know exactly how many squares to cut, how many triangles to stitch together and the exact size of everything. Once the top is pieced, however, many new quilters feel left out in the dark as far as finishing their project goes. That’s because the actual quilting of your project is based on personal preference. To learn your personal preference, you will have to try various methods and quilt styles. The easiest to start with, especially if you are quilting by hand, is either the in the ditch method or the outline method. When you quilt in the ditch, you use the quilt block pattern seams as stitching guides. So, when you sew into the seams, they serve as guides for you. The outline quilting technique is similar in that you use the seams of your quilt block as guides. However your stitch is not directly in the seam. Instead, it outlines the seam, about one-quarter inch away. If you are machine quilting, these two techniques can prove rather difficult at first. An easier way to machine quilt your first projects is to try continuous line quilting. You don’t have to use a particular pattern. Just freehand your fabric underneath your machine. This is called free motion quilting. Squiggles that you sew into your quilt are called stippling. In stippling, it’s important that your quilt lines never cross. Adhering to this really only matters if you are entering a quilt show. For personal use, it’s fine to cross lines. Another way to quilt is to sew straight lines down the length or across the width of the quilt. If sewing straight lines is an issue for you, stick to the free motion technique. If you are a new quilter who thinks you might grow weary of your project when it comes time to quilt, why not try tufting, or tying off, y our quilt? This looks especially nice with some quilt patterns. The more simple the pattern, the better the tying technique looks. If you tried to tie a very busy quilt, your quilt might be distracted by the tufts of yarn hanging out. When you tie a quilt, you thread yarn through a needle. Pull the needle through so that the two ends are on the top of the quilt. Knot the yarn at the base of the quilt. The knots hold the quilt sandwich in place and save you from time consuming hand or machine quilting. The best way to learn about various quilting techniques is to try them. Practice on small projects, then work your way up. As you gain skill in the various quilting techniques, you will undoubtedly begin to select your favorites. And just because you love quilting in the ditch for one quilt doesn’t mean you’ll love the same technique for your next quilt. The best advice is to let the quilt top inspire your choice of quilting technique once you’ve had a little practice and developed several quilting skills. Don’t forget as you practice to develop your quilting skills that not all threads are the same. Hand quilting will require a different thread than machine quilters use. Needles are another consideration for hand quilters to remember. You’ll need a need the right length to ensure not so tedious quilting. Machine quilters need to use the right foot on their sewing machine, which could be a walking foot or a darning foot - depending on the type of machine quilting you are doing - and might also have to change needles for their project. If you have any questions about which thread or needles to buy, talk with the clerk in your craft department. They’ll be able to help you select the right supplies for your quilting project.
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren www.How-to-Quilt.com
©2009, Penny Halgren This article courtesy of http://www.How-To-Quilt.com. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
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