If you want to learn how to quilt, it is essential that you understand some of the basic quilting terms you hear or see in instructions and patterns. Learning these terms will help you create wonderful pieces of quilting craftsmanship in no time.
Batting: This is a term used for the filler used between the layers of a quilt project. There are many different types of batting available. Batting is available in cotton or polyester varieties and thicknesses. Choose the batting according to the project.
Buttonhole Stitch: This is also sometimes referred to as blanket stitch. This stitch is often seen around the edges of fleece blankets. It is also used as an embroidery stitch to attach appliqué designs. Some newer sewing machines come with the buttonhole stitch to use in your quilt appliqué.
Clear Acrylic Rulers: There are several different types of rulers on the market made especially for quilters. Check out your favorite quilt supply store or in any fabric department that carries quilting supplies. These rulers are marked in different increments and angles to aid in exact piece cutting. Choose one or several rulers to suit your quilting needs.
Fabric: With so many choices for fabric today, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Keep in mind that 100 percent cotton fabrics are your best choice for quilting. Keep the project in mind when choosing the fabrics. Will it be washed often? Choose fabric that will hold up to repeated washing and still retain its shape and look. Is the quilt intended as a wall hanging? If so, other fabric choices could be considered.
Fabric Stash: In simple terms, your fabric stash is your hoard of fabric or your future hoard of fabric. Stash is the fabric bought for future projects you haven't even thought of yet.
Fussy Cutter: Refers to the person doing a" fussy cut," which is centering the same design or motif on the fabric in the center of the piece being cut.
Hand Quilting: Use quilting thread made especially for hand quilting. Choose a quilting needle, called a between, that you are comfortable with. Use a size 8 if you are a beginner. Hand quilting is usually done on a quilting frame or hoop, depending on the size of the project. The needle is inserted vertically through the layers of fabric and batting and pushed back up through the layers with a finger held underneath the quilt. This process (rocking of the needle up and down through the fabric) is repeated until several small stitches are on the needle. Pull the thread through and repeat.
Machine Quilting: No time to hand quilt or want to try a new technique? Try machine quilting. If your sewing machine does not have a "walking foot" and you want to try machine quilting, find a machine that has this as an option. A walking foot allows pucker free quilting. Also, see if your sewing machine has a darning foot. This foot is used for free motion machine quilting.
Marking Pens and Pencils: Choose the marking tool you are most comfortable with. There are several different types of water soluble markers available made especially for fabric. Also, quilting pencils are available in different shades including white, gray or black. Make sure you have the appropriate marking tool for your fabric before you start tracing onto your quilt or making a label.
Paper Piecing: Use a foundation paper piecing technique to sew your eight inch string quilt blocks. Cut the pattern piece needed of paper like news print. Layer strips of fabric over the paper pattern. Sew the strips together directly to the paper. Make sure the entire pattern area is covered with fabric. Trim any extra fabric to match the same size as the paper pattern.
Quarter Inch Seam: Not sure if your sewing machine's presser foot measures a quarter inch seam? In order to check, use a piece of graph paper with a ¼ inch grid allowance and drop the sewing machine needle on the ¼ inch line. Tape where the edge of the graph paper fell on your sewing machine. You will now have the ¼ inch mark. Remove the tape for other projects if the tape is in the way and re-tape using the graph paper as needed.
Quilt Labels: Any form of labeling you choose to use to mark your finished quilt. A simple swatch of fabric written upon in permanent marker and whip stitched in place is a label. You can also create fancy computer generated labels with the information directly printed onto the fabric. It is important to label your quilt with your name and the year and any other information you deem pertinent for future generations.
Quilting Needles and Thread: Don't use a regular hand sewing needle and white thread from your sewing basket when quilting. Special quilting thread is available and it is strong enough to go through the layers of fabric being quilted without fraying. Betweens is a term used to refer to the needle used for hand quilting. They come in different sizes: 8, 9 and 10. Size 8 is the best size for a beginner.
Quilt Sandwich: A term used to refer to the layering of the quilt project- quilt top, batting in the middle and the quilt back at the bottom. The quilt backing is placed with the wrong side of the fabric against the batting. These layers are then basted or pinned together so the fabric layers won't shift while quilting. The decision to pin or baste a project depends on the size of that project or personal preference.
Rag Quilt: It is not a quilt made out of rags. The term comes from the fact that the edges on this type of quilt are left to fray and look ragged.
Rotary Cutter: A very sharp, round bladed cutter. Always close the blade after every cut. Rotary cutters are available with blade guards. These cutters are designed to cut through several layers of fabric at one time. The blade can be changed when it becomes dull. Always remember safety when using a rotary cutter.
Rotary Cutting Mat: A mat made specifically for use with a rotary cutter. These mats are also referred to as self-healing and are often marked with one inch grids to aid in cutting.
Stitch in the Ditch: This is a term used to describe the quilting done along the seam lines of the quilt top.
String Quilt: You can use a specific color scheme for your string blocks if you like. The idea behind string quilting is to use up scraps of fabric. When using scraps, any length and width works as long as you cover the entire foundation pattern pie.
Template: A quilt pattern piece cut from suitable material for tracing the pattern onto fabric. Templates can be bought already precut in certain shapes. Material can also be purchased especially for cutting out your own templates and is usually a sturdy plastic. These templates are intended to be reused. A sturdy paper or cardboard can also be used.
Thread for Buttonhole Stitching: Use two strands of a six stranded embroidery floss. You can use more to get the effect you want. Perle cotton can also be used.
UFO's: Unfinished objects or the quilts in progress using fabric from your fabric stash. It's a vicious cycle and very addictive.
 | If you are new to the craft of quilting, have no fear. Beginner quilting can be easy and therapeutic with some basic quilting supplies and techniques. Whether you choose to quilt by hand or by machine, quilting enables you to show your creative side with personalized gifts for family and friends. |
If you tend to save your shirts, maybe it's time to create t-shirt quilts with your memories. |
What better way to showcase those favorite photos and to enhance your fabric crafts than to transfer photos onto fabric and sew them into useful items to be used or displayed? |
Use this free quilt pattern for a nine patch quilted potholder if you are new to quilting and trying to create an easy project. |
English paper piecing is an old technique often associated with patchwork quilts. Because this method of piecing is so time consuming and cumbersome, a lot of people avoid patchwork. |
