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How to Quilt>Machine Quilting
Machine Quilting - Stops and Starts
After you have been quilting for a short time, you will likely start to fuss over the technical aspects of quilting. One of these technicalities is the stopping and starting of quilt lines. Stopping and starting refers to exactly what you think it would – the stopping and starting points at which you begin your quilting stitches. The technicalities are not life threatening if you don’t get them just right, unless off course you are showing your quilts in contests. Then, the stops and starts will be very closely judged. If you are a hand quilter, it is easy to control your starting and stopping stitches by burying the knotted thread. To start hand quilting, bring your thread up for the first time through the batting and top layer of fabric. The knot, then, will be between layers. From that point, stitch through all three layers of your quilting sandwich. When you get to your stopping point, bury the knot in between the layers. You can do this by stitching into the batting again and tying the knot between the layers. If you are machine quilting, however, stopping and starting is a little different. It’s not much more difficult, but does require a little practice if you intend to show your quilts. In machine quilting, you can control your stitches by sewing over your beginning and finishing stitches. For instance, instead of starting your quilting stitch and rolling right along, you would backstitch over the first few stitches to make sure they are reinforced. The same goes for your final stitches. Backstitch over a few to make sure they are secure. No tying is needed when this type of reinforcing stitch is done. Another way to control your beginning and ending stitches if you machine quilt is to leave long strands of thread and hand tie the knots. For instance, you will start with extra thread and bobbin and will cut your thread and bobbin long after finishing the last stitch. To finish it off, use a needle to bring your threads back to the middle (between the layers) and tie tightly by hand there. Remember ultimately that your quilting stitches should not obviously start and end. Your finished result – if you are showing in a judged quilt contest – is to present a quilt that looks like there was no stopping or stopping throughout the entire project. This is not as important if you are quilting for utilitarian or even professional purposes. While the stitches do need to be secure to prevent unraveling, the minor imperfections in quilting make each project unique. Don’t stress over stops and starts in your personal quilt projects unless you are practicing for quilt shows. Sometimes it’s fun to participate in quilt shows, even if you don’t quilt competitively. Participating gives you some feedback from area professionals on how you can better improve your quilting skills. You might even be surprised to find that the judges like your work and find very few corrections! If you don’t know where to get started in showing quilts in your area, check to see if your area has a county extension office. They can usually put you in contact with area quilting shows. Also, start at your local county fair. They have judged contests in many states across the United States. You can also ask at a local museum. The museum may host an annual quilt or textiles show in which you could display some of your fine work. Online searches are also great methods of turning up area quilt shows. While you may not intend to be a competitive quilter, you may just find yourself hooked on making show quilts! 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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