Start with Some Basic Quilt Knowledge

From The Quilt Ladies

Here is some information that is nice to have when you start quilting, the need to knows.

simple quilt pattern block
 Basic Quilt Making Information
Standard Cut Sizes of Fabric
Fat Quarter – 18” x 22”
Fat Eighth – 9” x 22”
Fat Sixteenth – 4 ½” x 22”
1 Yards is 36” x 44″ to 45”(width may be different per
fabric company)
Standard Mattress Sizes
Crib – 23’ x 46’ or 28” x 52”
Twin Single – 39” x 75”
Double/Full – 54” x 75”
Queen – 60” x 80”
King – 76” x 80” or 78” x 80”
Standard Batting Sizes
Crib Size – 45’ x 60”
Twin – 72” x 90”
Double/Full – 81” x 96”
Queen – 90” x 108”

King 120” x 120”

There are MANY ways to piece quilt blocks, I’m sharing the way I like to do it.  My How to do Squares Tutorial

Cut 2 – 2 ½” x 2 ½” squares the same size (finished size of square plus 1/2 inch)
Good to good Fabric
¼ inch seam allowance, sew
Trim threads
Open and Press to the dark 
Cut 2- 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” Squares
(finished size
plus 7/8”)
Good to good fabric, with a pencil draw a line corner to
corner, this is
The line you measure your ¼” seam allowance from
Sew from edge to edge use a ¼” seam
Cut in half on the pencil line, trim threads
Open and press to the dark fabric,
There will be 2 blocks 
Cutting Chart for Half-Square Triangles
triangle made into square chart

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

How to Sew a Four-Patch Quilt Block

Back to Basic’s

Here we go, Let’s make a quilt square Four-Patch 

Always remember that quilting has been done for hundreds of years and all the new gadgets are great.
 
You can still do things very simply and fill your sewing closet with new innovations as your talent grows.
 
No need to purchase a rotary cutter and mat your first time out. Take your time and enjoy.
Things needed to start a quilt project:


A sewing machine that sews a straight line, borrow one or purchase one at a large chain store. No need to spend hundreds on a machine to straight stitch. OR

Hand piecing can be done too. Everything is the same as a machine, but you hand stitch using the same ¼” seam allowance.

How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies1)Graph Paper
2)Freezer Paper – Plastic coated paper, like the butcher’s wrap meat in. You can purchase it at your local store or if you ask they may give you some at your butcher counter
3)Glue stick
4)Iron
5)Gray thread
6)Ruler
7)Pencil
8)Basic sewing supplies, Scissors, thimble, sew riper, etc.
9)Needles – for hand piecing Sharps size 7-12, for quilting Between needles size 10-12
10)Sewing Pins
11) Fabric and Batting

Fabric – The best rule of thumb is to purchase the best fabric you can afford. Always 100% cotton. Avoid loose woven fabrics. Wash cotton to check for color fast and iron if needed. If new to quilting it is always best to start with a light and dark color.
How to Start Quilting with The Quilt LadiesCutting – Rotary cutter, mat and ruler can be used if you have them. If you are new to quilting and are not sure you want to buy all these supplies try Freezer paper. It may be purchased at any grocery store. You will notice that one side is shiny, one not.
Draw the pattern pieces on to graph paper, the finished
size, the – – – line. The – – – – will be the sewing line
Add a ¼ inch seam allowance around the entire outside edge –the cutting line
(example – 2 inch finished size cut square 2 ½” x 2 ½”) Cut pattern out
With a glue stick. Paste the pieces to How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladiesthe NON-shiny side of the freezer paper.
 
Cut the pattern out.



You can now iron the pattern to your fabric, shiny side down.
This pattern can be used over and over. It will leave no film on your How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladiesfabric.

Square
Cut 2 squares the same size (finished size of square plus 1/2 inch) example cut 2 ½ x 2 Good to good Fabric
¼ inch seam allowance, sew
Trim threads
Open and Press to the dark

How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies

 

1)sew seam with a 1/4 inch seam allowance,
you may need to mark your machine with this measurement.

How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies

2) You can chain piece a few at a time
Cut thread and open

 






3)sew these together

How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies

Watch your color placement, sew good side to good side.
 
 
 
4) A 4-patch quilt square

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

Doing a Four Patch Quilt Block by Hand

Do a Bit of Hand Sewing

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and can take some time to sew. I’m showing hand stitching a four patch quilt block,  but you can do it on a sewing machine too !

make four patch quilt block Cut 80 – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares
Piece together to form a 4-patch block
how to hand stitch a quilt squareI started with cut size 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares, I like a soft gray thread, needle and thimble.
 Cut the thread about 20 inches long, 
sewing a four patchknot one end of the thread
four patch quilt block
I don’t mark a  sewing line, I measure the outside edge of my left thumb in and use that as my guide.
As long as you do the entire project, it’s just fine to do it this way. Group project, draw the 1/4″ seam line, I use a pencil line, if line is drawn. 
how to make a four patch quilt blockAt the edge
four patch quilt block tutorialI make what I call a circle knot, a loop and through, 
do it once or twice. 
four patch quilt block tutorialI don’t cut my thread just work into the next piece
hand stitching a quilt blockDo another circle knot to start this piece. 
four patch quilt blockYou will have 40 – 2-patch blocks
four patch quilt blockOpen up the 2-patch blocks, press the seam to the 
dark fabric side
and add another 2-patch
four patch quilt blockMatching up the seams, open to check and 
make sure before sewing
four patch quilt blockYou will have 20 – 4-Patch blocks
making a four patch quilt block

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read about All of Beth Ann’s Books

Beth Ann is a Quilter and an Author who decided to self-publish her books and quilt pattern books

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

I am the Author of The Quilt Ladies Book Collection
and Little Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns

Fun Log Cabin Quilt Block Pattern

Make it NOW !

This is the first quilt I made for myself after we moved to Florida full time. (sometimes I just can’t get warm) 
 
Log Cabin Plaid Quilt PatternIt’s a fun and happy quilt. 
It is machine pieced and I hand quilted with large stitches. 
It’s been washed hundreds of time and is soooo…. soft.
 
Simple blocks and fun fabric.
 
Log Cabin Plaid Quilt Pattern FreeFinished block is 6′ x 6″
 
Cut on center – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Cut 2 green plaids for sides – 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
Sew to sides
 
Cut 2 green plaids – 4 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
Sew to the top and bottom
 
Cut 2 blue plaids, 4 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
Sew to the sides
 
Cut 2 blue plaids – 6 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ 
Sew to the top and bottom
I made the log cabin blocks, added two inch borders, quilted and binding added, NO over thinking on this one !

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

Little Yellow Quilt Block to Make

Just for YOU to Make

I want to say, “Thank you all,
I can’t tell how my little company 
has change my life, thank you….”
Finishing size of this quilt block is six inches by six inches

Triangle Quilt Pattern free Tutorial
Cut 2 Yellow – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 2 Gray – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles
Cut 1 Gray – 2 ½” x 2½”
Cut 4 Yellow – 2 ½” x2 ½”
Piece as shown
Sew rows and then rows into blocks
Triangle Quilt Pattern free TutorialWhy do you give away free quilt patterns?
I love giving patterns away on this site it’s fun
and a tradition of quilting.
But, I can only do this because, You buy my books at my store – HERE
Thank you for making my dream a reality ! !

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

A Little Holiday Quilt Topper for YOU to Make

Just in Time for the Holiday’s

Happy Holiday’s !
Let’s make a little Quilt ! 20″ x 22″ finished size. 

4 patch quilt block pattern for a table topper

quilt pattern for a table topperYou will need 9, 4-Patch blocks
 
Cut 36 squares – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Sew together to form 4-patch blocks
 
Lay them out and like color placement.
 
Cut 6 Dark – 4 1/2″ x 1 1/2″  
quilt block pattern for a table topperSew into 3 Rows
 Cut 4 – 2 1/2″x 1 1/2″ 
Cut 6 – 2 1/2″x 4 1/2
Sew into 2 Rows
table topper quilt pattern freeSew all Rows together to form center of quilt
Red Table Topper Quilt Pattern for YOU !Cut 2 Dark – 2 1/2″ x 16 1/2″ 
Cut 2 Red – 2 1/2 x 16 1/2″ 
Sew to the sides
4 patch quilt block pattern for a table topperCut 2 Red – 2 1/2″ x 22 1/2 
Sew to the top and bottom
 
Cut binding 88″ x 2 1/4″

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

Adding Outside Square to Nine-Patch

YOU asked and this is how “I” do it !

This is a different take on a center of a quilt block and can be added when you like, here is how I do it!   For this quilt block as shown, finished size five x five inches.

how to make a square nine patch quilt block

Cut 8 Green – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
Cut 1 Red – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
making a nine patch quilt blockMake 1, 9-Patch blocks as shown above
  
Cut 1 Red – 3″ x 3″
Cut corner to corner
 
Block How To:
free quilt table topper pattern
Cut your Squares (Pieced square) and cut triangles as stated in the pattern.
Sew on the top triangle, Trim the ends even.
Sew on the bottom Triangle, Trim the ends.
Note: sewing the pieces across make the square lay flat, as does trimming the ends.
Sew on the side triangles.
Trim the block make sure to leave the 1/4” seam allowance. Press
 Trim block INCLUDING Seam Allowance to 5″ on each side
 
how to make a square nine patch quilt block

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

Make a Simple Ironing Board

From The Quilt Ladies 2014

 I saw this ironing table on Pinterest, my Pinterest page if you’d like to follow me HERE It was very easy ! 

iron board from a tv tray how too

I purchased a 9.00 wooden TV tray

iron board from a tv tray
Took batting, the kind that is used for hot pads, I used 2 layers and an old bath towel folded in half, but you could use just about anything for your top.
how to make an iron board from a tv tray

The tray was VERY hard and Husband helped me stable it all around the outside edge.  I have changed the towel a few times and even tried a silver press cloth, all I know, I press more and blocks look better ! 

KINDLE and NOW in PRINT TOO 
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How to Make Bias Tape

It’s Really at Easy from The Quilt Ladies

Bias Tape is NOT hard to make, you will need 
2 Straight Pins
1 Piece of fabric cut 1″ x 3″ approx – Holding Strip
 
The strip you will make into bias tape, I cut mine large to show, normal cut will be  3/4″ to 1 1/4″ wide. 
 
A dry Iron  and Ironing board.
Bias Tape the OLD Fashion Way

How to make Bias TapeIron over your edges, 1/8″ to 1/4″ and Press

How to make Bias Tape the OLD Fashion WayDo both sides
How to make Bias TapeLay your started binding down, press side up.
Take your Holding Strip and lay on top, Pin into your ironing board cover next to the bias tape.
How to make Bias Tape the OLD Fashion WayPull the bias tape
How to make Bias TapeAnd, with a hot, dry iron press, at first do a bit, and lift iron, pull and iron.
How to make Bias Tape the OLD Fashion WayAs the tape becomes longer you can leave the iron and pull slowly.
(Other side view)
How to make Bias Tape the OLD Fashion WayPull tape slowly
How to make Bias TapeGood side of bias tape.
How to make Bias TapeI like to roll mine  to keep it until I’m ready to use it.
I learned this years ago from a Home Eco. teacher in the 70’s
No need to buy a machine to do this for you !  But, you can if you like !

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

I am the Author of The Quilt Ladies Book Collection
and Little Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns

Red Fabric and Fade

Do This With all Fabrics

I start by WASHING and DRYING all my fabrics as soon as I get them home. Color fabric with colors and whites/background together in cold water. I am in Florida and our water on cold is like a medium temp water in the Midwest.  NOTE: Red and White Quilt Pattern Coming Soon to The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop. 

When I use Pre-cut fabric I wash the quilt after the top is pieced, before batting and quilting.  I still do this EXTRA step as shown below when using a solid color with a white background., after machine washing and drying fabric.
These are the fabrics that I will check for color fade. check for red fabric fade

I make my own little washing, I use dish soap and hot tap water
check for red fabric fade

Add fabric, move it around
check for red fabric fade

Add lid and shake as a washer does. Let is set for a bit. 10-15 minutes.

check for red fabric fade
check for red fabric fade

Rise well, this fabric DID NOT fade.

check for red fabric fade

IF NO fading please check for fade or bleed in drying. Lay fabric on clean white paper towel and let dry. Some fabrics will dry color onto another fabric.

check for red fabric fade

These fabrics did NOT fade or bleed, time to cut a quilt ! !


check for red fabric fade

Generations Quilts I have shared this post here for YEARS and it’s one of the best. I DO NOT like using any form of product on my fabric/quilts. But these products are here if you like. She has linked all in the post ! as I did.

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

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