Learn to Quilt Archives - Page 2 of 2

Let’s Make a Quilt – Scissors, a Seam Ripper, all That Fun Stuff

Quilt Supplies to Make Quilting Fun

To be 100%, I love all this stuff and they do make quilting easier and fun. NEW quilting pins, NEW seam ripper, my old and wonderful scissors ! These things make me happy ! SO, here I go.

Basic Sewing Supplies
Sewing Machine
100% Cotton Fabric
Fabric Scissors
Seam Ripper
Sewing Needles
Quilting Pins
Rotary Cutter and Mat
Freezer Paper

I am starting with my sewing scissors. I purchased these (mine) in Sioux City, IA (1980″s) as my local quilt shop, as a gift to myself. I had a terrible week/month, I was so down and why I thought new scissors would help?!? But they did ! ! I can remember them being VERY expensive, but NOW…not so much. And these are just like mine

So, why is it important to invest in quality sewing scissors? Well, for starters, they are designed to make clean, precise cuts, which is essential in creating a beautiful finished product. A good pair of sewing scissors will last you a lifetime, and in the end, save you money in replacement costs. I do have a set of everything, every day and cut what ever scissors.

A Seam Ripper – I probably have 5-10 seam rippers around my sewing table. And yet, MOST TIMES, I just cut a NEW couple of quilt blocks and re-sew the seam, I did like a seam ripper. BUT you do you ! HERE

SEWING Needles for Your Sewing Machine

There are a few factors to consider when choosing sewing needles for your machine. Firstly, it’s important to choose a needle that’s compatible with your specific machine brand and model. Most machines will list the recommended needle type and size in the user manual, so be sure to check that out first.
Next up, consider the type of fabric you’ll be sewing. A universal needle is a great all-purpose option for medium-weight fabrics like cotton

Don’t forget to change your needle regularly! A dull or damaged needle can cause skipped stitches or uneven tension, leading to frustration and wasted fabric. AND then you have to PULL that seam ripper out ! NO! I try to change mine, before I start a new sewing project…I try.

Quilter’s Straight Pins

Stainless steel quilting pins are strong, LONG and can withstand use. This means that your pins won’t bend or break easily, which is great news for those of us who are prone to getting a little carried away with our sewing!

Saying all this about Quilting Pins…I LOVE THESE Quilt Clips too !

I have used these to hold binding for years and just love them.

I’m an Amazon girl and here’s the link if you like ! !

Mine came is a little box too ! Plus, plus !

Meet Beth Ann:
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

Simple Quilt Block Pattern for You to Make

Basket Quilt Pattern

Are you a quilter who loves simple quilt patterns, yet beautiful designs? If so, then this is the quilt block pattern for you, it’s simple and great for using up scrap fabric pieces you have around.
With this quilt block pattern, you can easily sew this simple quilt block together in no time.

This quilt block have a finished size of six inches by six inches.
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Cut 2 Color 2 3/8” x 2 3/8”
Cut 2 Background 2 3/8” x 2 3/8”
Make Triangles

How to make Quilt Block Triangles

Cut 1 Color 3 7/8” x 3 7/8”
Cut 1 Background 3 7/8” x 3 7/8”
Make this triangle and reserve one

Cut 1 Background Top 2” x 2”

Cut 1 Color Bottom 2” x 2”
Cut 2 Background Strips 2” x 5”

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

100% Cotton Fabric for Quilt Making

Learn to Make a Quilt

Today, lets talk about quilt fabric
One of the best things about quilting is the Wonderful Fabric.

Basic Sewing Supplies
Sewing Machine
100% Cotton Fabric
Fabric Scissors
Seam Ripper
Sewing Needles
Quilting Pins
Rotary Cutter and Mat
Freezer Paper

FABRIC ! ! THIS IS THE WAY I Do Fabric, this is MY Way.

Purchasing fabric is fun, please, always buy the best fabric you can afford and what you like. For quilts you will use 100% cotton fabric. Fabric will cost between $6 and $17 per yard. If you are just purchasing for a maybe project, I do most cuts 1 to 2 yards. If you have a quilt pattern, follow the recommendations, but as I say in my books, “Please think of purchasing more fabric than needed, as a pattern designer I have no idea how you will cut and use your fabric.” One way to pick fabrics

I recommend for a new quilter to purchase charm packs, these are pre-cut 2 1/2 inch or 5 inch packs. (They go larger but start with these sizes and DO NOT WASH)

Purchased cotton yardage, wash, dry and iron your fabric before starting any project. Please think of purchasing more fabric than needed, a pattern designer has no idea how you will cut and use your fabric. From My Quilt Ladies Site HOW to Pick Fabrics

When talking about fabric it always brings up the conversation of washing fabric. Here is what I do,

I wash and dry all my fabric BEFORE sewing cutting and piecing a quilt. You only have to pull out one finished quilt from the washer and see bleeding to know you must/should wash all fabric.

Cotton fabrics bleeding means, the dyes used on the fabric will become loose when washing. It’s said that it’s common is cottons, but all fabrics can bleed. Dyes will/can stain other fabrics in a prewashing, the biggest problem is the dye transfer after a quilt is finished.

When cotton fabric is made it is stretched on a loom, pulling the fibers straight. A stabilizer is applied to keep fabric straight and that is what you are washing off. Washing allows the fabric to relax and return to a more natural state. A dryer lets the fabric relax or shrink. All cotton fabrics are different you cannot know the amount any fabric will shrink.

Knowing a cotton fabric will not bleed and not shrink is worth a bit of time for the perfect quilt in the end.

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

When prewashing quilt fabric, I use my daily machine washer detergent, the same type that will be used when the complete quilt is washed. Same with the dryer, use the setting that will be used when the quilt is completed.

With 100% cotton fabric after washing and drying you will need to clip away all the threads that have twisted. If fabric is wrinkles you can shake it to smooth out more wrinkles, or press the fabric with a dry iron.

It’s a habit for me to wash/dry as soon as I purchase fabric. You will develop YOUR way of caring for your quilt fabrics.

When using/cutting the fabric I will press and starch it BEFORE any cutting and square up the fabric so that all cuts with a rotary cutter are straight. I use what I use for clothing as my starch just plain old Niagara brand, it makes it just a bit stiff and will washed very easily.

All this being said,
“I do not EVER wash contest quilt fabric before sewing, or quilting the quilt.” That is just me, you do YOU !

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

Beth Ann and as always, Thank you for making my dream a reality ! !

Let’s Learn About Quilting

How to Start Quilting

I am asked questions all the time about how to start quilting and the things needed and why. I have done these posts a few times and will try to link back to those posts too. Today is a Sewing Machine

Basic Sewing Supplies
Sewing Machine
100% Cotton Fabric
Fabric Scissors
Seam Ripper
Sewing Needles
Quilting Pins
Rotary Cutter and Mat
Freezer Paper

I have NOTHING fancy in a sewing machine, I can pull it out, plug it in and sew! I have used this Brother sewing machine for over 10 years. I did have at one time a Singer in a wooden cabinet, (high school graduation gift from my folks) BUT with the last move into our little condo, I let it go ! ! ! YES, I am still dealing with letting it go… for $35.00. That even hurts to type! What was I thinking ?!?!

The first thing on the list is a sewing machine that sews a straight line, borrow one, ask around, or purchase one they are now available at large chain stores. You only need a sewing machine that does a to straight stitch. IF you do go the borrow a sewing machine routine, please set with some one for a bit and learn to thread it, adding the bobbin etc. OR have the owners manual, need to have fun with sewing, not fight with a sewing machine.

OR Hand piecing can be done too. How to HERE Everything is the same as a machine, hand stitch using the same ¼” seam allowance.

Meet Beth Ann:
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

At NO Additional cost to you Disclaimer, this quilt pattern post contains affiliate links. I receive a few cents if you click to my links and purchase. These few cents help with my fabric collection and or obsession.
Beth Ann and as always, Thank you for making my dream a reality ! !

Are you a quilter who loves simple quilt patterns, yet beautiful designs? If so, then this is the quilt block pattern for you, it’s simple and great for using up scrap fabric pieces you have around. With this quilt block pattern, you can easily sew this simple quilt block together in no time.

This quilt block have a finished size of six inches by six inches. SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Today, lets talk about quilt fabric One of the best things about quilting is the Wonderful Fabric.

All this being said, “I do not EVER wash contest quilt fabric before sewing, or quilting the quilt.” That is just me, you do YOU !

Are you a quilter who loves simple quilt patterns, yet beautiful designs? If so, then this is the quilt block pattern for you, it’s simple and great for using up scrap fabric pieces you have around.
With this quilt block pattern, you can easily sew this simple quilt block together in no time.

This quilt block have a finished size of six inches by six inches.
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Today, lets talk about quilt fabric
One of the best things about quilting is the Wonderful Fabric.

All this being said,
“I do not EVER wash contest quilt fabric before sewing, or quilting the quilt.” That is just me, you do YOU !