Easy methods to Quilt - For Beginners
These are instructions for someone who is new to hand quilting. This informative article covers items needed, in addition to useful tips to make your hand quilting experience faster and more enjoyable. If you have never quilted before, we recommend that you start small, start by making a doll quilt or a baby quilt, unless you get more comfortable with quilting.
Items needed:
Quilting needles - We prefer Sharp brand quilting needles. For size, we prefer a needle that is 1) thin-because it is going though fabric easier and 2) long-because it enables you to take more stitches.
Quilting thread - We recommend quilting thread this is the same color as your quilt backing.
Thimble - Some would rather push the needle through using their thumb and some prefer to use their pointer or middle finger. Find a thimble that fits the finger that you like to use. I like to use my thumbnail to push the needle through because it's faster than using a thimble. It's just a matter of what works most effective for you.
Needle grabber - A needle grabber works great when you find yourself quilting through thick fabric, seams, or if you just like to look at a lot of stitches at once. It helps you get a grip on your needle to pull it from the fabric if your needle gets stuck.
Quilting Frames, Clamps and Large Tacks - see article - How to Put a Quilt On Using Frames
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A Quilting Hoop - see article - The way to Put a Quilt On Using a Hoop
The Quilting Process
The purpose of quilting is to support the layers of a quilt together (quilt top, batting and backing). We recommend that you don't leave greater than about a 6" area of your quilt unquilted.
Thread approximately 1 yard of thread by way of a needle and tie a double knot with both ends. Poke the needle from the top layer of fabric approximately ½" from the point you want to start at. Bring the needle back up through the top layer at your beginning point and pull the thread until the knot is hidden between the top layer of cloth and the quilt batting. Now you can take approximately 1/8" stitches around the area you are quilting. When you come to the end of your thread or the end of a line, tie a double knot right next to the fabric, then poke the needle from the top layer of fabric and produce it back up approximately ½" away. Pull the thread until the knot goes through the top layer and is also hidden between the top layer and also the quilt batting. Cut the thread very close to the fabric. Continue this technique quilting until finished.
Tips:
1) Be sure to keep everything flat and tight in order to avoid puckers.
2) Avoid quilting on seams where it'll be more difficult to pull your needle through.
3) It does not have to be "perfect", specifically if you are new to quilting! You may be the only one who will notice your minor imperfections!
4) Use a quilting party! Invite friends and family over to help you quilt. You will have a lot more fun visiting and eating food when you are quilting.