I love quilting for many reasons, not the least of which is that it originated as a way to reuse scraps of fabric in a creative, beautiful and functional way.
Quilting, as beginner sewing project, is also a terrific idea. Sewing a straight, quarter inch seam, is the primary skill required to get started. As for sewing though, if you have never touched a sewing machine or sewn a hand stitch, you should consider signing up for a local class in basic sewing or quilting.
getting started
Janet Wickell's about.com site on quilting is a fantastic resource on quilting basics. This site includes articles on:
- Quilt Making Essentials
- Patchwork & Sewing Skills
- A,B,Cs of Rotary Cutting
- Quilting Fabric Tips & Techniques
- Quilt Borders & Binding
- Quilt Design Tips & Techniques
- Color and Color Value for Quilters
- Applique Techniques
- Fabric Embellishments
and I have found it to be the best online knowledge base.
If you prefer to work from a book - I too find it hard to run to my computer every time I need to reference something - there are many options available.
One of the most comprehensive books for getting started with quilting is Complete Guide to Quilting (Better Homes & Gardens Crafts). It is very reasonably priced and contains detailed photographs of techniques and tools.
For inspiration, I absolutely love the Kaffe Fassett books. When I was learning to quilt, I often had to augment the books with other references, but love the colours and vintage modern appeal of many of his quilts. Also lovely, he features quilts using fabrics purchased at vintage sales and has a baby quilt that I have seen copied several times, made out of scraps from men's shirts. Many of his books are a part of our studio's library.
materials and tools
There are many tools available to save time when cutting and piecing quilts, but for the basics you require:
- light to medium weight fabric in quantities dictated by the size and pattern for your project;
- batting, either linen, cotton or wool are personal favourites;
- iron and ironing board;
- rotary cutting tools, cutter, blades, ruler, and cutting mat;
- small, sharp scissors;
- thread and needles;
- thimble for hand quilting;
- straight and safety pins;
- needles appropriate for hand quilting and piecing;
- quilting or walking foot for your sewing machine.
For more on quilting, please visit our feature page.
