Search Results

Here are a couple of tips which I hope you will find useful: You do need to make sure that when you have two pieces of fabric being sewn together that they start and top together - don't assume that the machine will do that for you because the way the machine works is the top fabric is being pushed towards you and the bottom fabric being pulled away from you;  this 'drag' varies on the machine and on the fabrics you are using and a little with the foot you are using.   So always hold onto the fabric with a pin or with your hands until you have sewn right to the bottom and if you are using a thread catcher, this will encourage you to do this.

You need to start with the fabric: some for the top, wadding for the middle and backing fabric; The wadding and backing fabric should be the same size as each other AND they should be larger than the top fabric, by approx 4" all the way round. Layer together with pins or tacking ready for quilting. see layer quilt and bind Click here: You need to quilt the sandwich either by hand or machine: if you plan to work by machine you have two options: free motion:  Jennie has a couple of workshops on the website - the first is free motion embroidery - but don't be put off by the title - it will help

and then the second is about free motion quilting: or using the walking foot.:  this is really easy to use as it is just another foot and just sews, but fitting it can be a bit of a trick, so here is some help:click here and then you can sew in straight lines or use simple wavy stitching as suggested by Valerie.

Question: Hi I'm a new quilter making 12" squares.  At which point do I add batting?  Is it with the individual square or when it's all joined together ? Answer: There are two ways of doing a quilt - by squares - Quilt as you Go (see Carolyn Forster) or making the whole quilt top - which is my preferred method - see Layer Quilt and Bind in the Block of the Month series First Sampler Quilt

So now thinking of doing a pieced back.   Is that a good idea?  I have 15 10" squares left. I was going to cut more out of the border and binding fabric I have left.

Problem 1: How do I cut a 10" square with my ruler?!

Problem 2: If I do 5 squares by 8 squares is this big enough for the back...or should I do 6 x 9?

Problem 3: How on earth do I position the back under the front so it lines up?

Or should I scrap this idea!

To wash or not to wash – that is the question I love the feel of new (quilting) fabric and make so many quilts that I don’t have time to wash them all BUT I am aware that certain colours are notorious for ‘bleeding’ – red and blue in particular – so when in doubt...... no don’t leave them out – deal with them!!