how to quilt Archives - Beth Ann Doing

Quilting Away a Perfectly Good Day

Painting Laundry, quilt tips, free quilt pattern

January has a different kind of rhythm this year. And I am trying so hard not to rush myself. “You don’t have to do everything today.” And honestly that is the way I like my life.

Living slow doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means doing one good thing at a time. Make the coffee. Sit down. Pull out a project that isn’t urgent or impressive or Instagram-worthy. Just something that feels nice in your hands. Quilting has a way of turning an ordinary day into a good one for me. Please click the links and see all I do.
The Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns
and All Beth Ann’s Books

My laundry closet took over a week, paint for an hour…let it dry…paint again if it needed before bed and then again in the morning . Kind of like me folding a quilt, unfolding it just to make sure, I love it as much as the first time folded…5 minutes before…

Here is my 2017 before of our laundry
Reason for the re-do…New Washer and Dryer and the doors CANNOT go back on…

It’s a bit of a 70’s thing and I as usual it’s all about me, it’s now a laundry hall and it’s open to see and pretty.

In the before, I painted everything before hung, this time, removed doors and painted cabinets on the wall…a my project.

Doors all painted, out and inside.

Measuring and cutting paper.

Thank goodness only 4 doors. What a project wallpaper is?!?!?

Yes, I’m the only one to see side and they needed pretty too !

This hall turned out with the same satisfacton as pulling out a quilt and dressing up my bed with a new/old quilt to sleep under.

Press, don’t iron. Why this matters
(and us old quilters will repeat it forever):
Lift your iron and press straight down.
Don’t slide it back and forth like you’re ironing dress shirts.

Think of it this way:
Ironing = smoothing wrinkles.
Pressing = training fabric to cooperate.

Your quilt doesn’t need to be flattened into submission. It just needs a little firm guidance.

BEFORE the emails start: pressing seams open is a thing now?!?!
Pressing seams open can be useful, but it’s not always your best friend.
Reasons to be cautious:
The seam is weaker (there’s no fabric overlap for strength)
Quilting stitches fall directly on the seam line, increasing the chance of popped stitches
Seams don’t “lock” together when piecing, which can affect alignment

NOW I have added this quilt block pattern as a PDF for you just Click on it and it’s yours: NO SIGN up nothing, it’s YOURS

Why a PDF instead of typing it all out here?
Because I’m old enough to work smarter, not harder.
I type it once. You get a pretty printable, print, save, share and alway let them know it’s from ME ! Here it is for YOU
Finished quilt block is 14″ x 14″

So, my day or my week is going to be slow. Quilt a little. Rest a little. Let the world spin without your supervision. The laundry will wait. January understands. And So Does Husband.
And again,
HERE Is the Quilt Block Pattern for YOU to Make

Have a GREAT Week, Love yourself, Each other and Quilt, Sew and Laugh !

Please support my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Books and Quilt Pattern Books

The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop

My Books and Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns in Print and eBooks

www.BethAnnDoing.com www.TheQuiltLadies.com

Self-Binding Tutorial of a Quilt

Tuesday Thread How to Quilt

Self-Binding Quilt Tutorial

Self Binding means:

Bring the quilt backing to the front and using it as your binding, I am bring this over from The Quilt Ladies, this post is used and asked for all the time, Thank you for that.

Just a few days ago I received this comment on my original post:

from Helen:

After reading the tutorial 3 times I committed to try it.
It worked perfectly. I just followed the instructions and it worked
on a table runner. This method stops so much waste of material.

See all MY Books in PRINT HERE

Step by Step How to do Self Binding on a Quilt

Make your quilt block, add batting heat resistant, and quilt. Trim the batting even with your quilt top

Cut one backing 1″ from the quilt edge

Fold the backing to the edge of the quilt, 1/2″, I like to press it down

Again, fold the backing over onto the quilt top, make sure you are on the quilt top with the edge, this is your sewing edge, pin it down

Fold the corner over as shown
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Self-Binding Quilt Tutorial from The Quilt Ladies

And then do the steps as before,

fold over half way and

then fold over half way again.

Pin well.

Sometimes at the corner you will have to move it around a bit

to make the corner perfect, go slow and pin well.

When I get it like, I like, pin and I press a bit, between pins and at the corner

it holds it just a bit better.

Remember, pressing is up and down with an iron.

Doing it up and down your fabric will not stretch or move.

With your machine sew along the backing edge, do a few back stitches to hold ends

I like doing 2 rows of stitching, just my personal like.

How to Survive Retirement my new book

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

How to Make a Triangle Quilt Block

Triangle Tutorial

How to Make a Quilt Triangle

Just like the square if you are not ready to purchase a rotary cutter and mat. You will need to make a freezer paper pattern. How to do Square’s HERE

Take the FINISHED size of the square you want and add 7/8 of an inch.
example:
for a finished size 2 inch square you will cut your fabric 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″
for a finished size 3 inch square you will cut your fabric 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
for a finished size 4 inch square you will cut your fabric 4 7/8″ x 4 7/8″

And so on, either make you freezer paper pattern or up with a rotary cutter and ruler.

I’ve used a 3 inch FINISHED Square cut 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″A light and a dark.

On the Wrong side of the light fabric draw a line from corner to corner.

This is the cutting line NOT sewing line

On your sewing machine sew a straight seam, 1/4″ from the line. Pencil is on if you need, my sewing machine foot is 1/4″

Turn and do the same thing on the other side.(when I have many to sew, I do chain piecing, one right after another, not stopping the machine until all finished and then turn and do the other side)
If NEW do them one at a time.

Cut on the drawn Cutting line.

You have 2 triangles

Open them up and 2 triangles

Press your seam to the dark fabric and trim the end tail off.

This is your finished triangle

GIVE IT A TRY…. IT’S NOT HARD.

I recently posted a quilt block on Facebook and there was a lot of take about points.

Here’s how I do it.

how to not cut off triangle points in quilting

Pieced together a triangle to a block

Added this as a strip to another piece. Pin as much as you need, check as you pin to make sure

you have the 1/4 seam allowance.

On this seam I had to move the needle in just 2 threads to make the point perfect.

Press the fabric

The point.

I can ONLY do this because you purchase my books and quilt pattern book, Thank you, Beth Ann
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

A Few Things about Learning to Quilt – How to Quilt

Tuesday Thread, Let’s start to Sew that Quilt Block

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 the sewing process.
My Quilt Patterns on Etsy, and NOW on Amazon

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/thousands 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. I will share how to soon.

1)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

Cutting – 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, Add a ¼ inch seam allowance around the entire outside edge –the cutting line, the – – – line. The – – – – will be the sewing line

How to Start Quilting with The Quilt Ladies

(example – 2 inch finished size cut square 2 ½” x 2 ½”) Cut pattern out

With a glue stick. Paste the pieces to the 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 Ladies

fabric.

At this point in quilting classes, it’s time to make a quilt block! Use the method, ruler/cutter or freezer paper.

Here is how to make a quilt square – A 4-patch quilt block

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

1)sew seam with a 1/4 inch seam allowance,

you may need to mark your machine with this measurement.

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

3)sew these together

Watch your color placement, sew good side to good side.

4) A 4-patch quilt square

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

#bethanndoing #thequiltladies
www.bethanndoing.com
www.thequiltladies.com

How to Quilt – Choosing Fabric Colors

How to Build Fabric Colors

Fabric colors are always on a Quilter’s mind, And here is the way that I was taught, years and years ago. Last Week I shared how I do color using a photo, post is here for you.

1) Start with one fabric. Take this one fabric and work from it. Is that one fabric, a dark, medium or light color?

This is a Dark

Pick your Quilt Colors by The Quilt Ladies

Add the light and medium. Move and change it until you like it.

Lay them out in front of you.

How to Pick your Quilt Colors by The Quilt Ladies

Then add, a dark medium, a light medium, until you have the mix of what you like.

2) Choose colors and patterns you love. An average a twin size quilt will take me about a week to piece together, and if hand quilted another, 3-4 months. If tied or machine quilted 3-4 weeks, you have so much time and cost involved you have to love it.

3) Natural or background colors. These are the corner stone. More often than not

the background color is your light color. Your background color helps bring the blocks together. It does not always need to be a light either, dark or medium work well to, any color can be used.

4) Color Wheel. I’m not a big fan of the color wheel, I do like when colors pops and on most of my quilts the start fabric is not the most prominent color used it in, it is just a starting point.

5) Make one block. This should always be done, a Quilters practice, cut only fabric for one block and live with it for a few days. Especially, if it’s something you’ve never tried before. Most times you will know right away if you like it or not.

6) Have fun. This is the best way I’ve found to pick colors, enjoy the process, your quilt will be fantastic.

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

How to Quilt Tuesday Thread – Make a Triangle Block

Triangle Quilt Block

Last week we learned to use freezer paper and made a 4-patch quilt block, today let me share how to make a triangle quilt block.

Tuesday Thread - How to Quilt — Beth Ann is The Quilt Ladies

Many quilt blocks start with squares and triangles and this is the way I learned to do they SO many years ago. Of course there are new methods, do and use what you like, you do YOU!
My Books in Print on Amazon
My Etsy Shop

How to make Triangles
Take the finished size, add 7/8″ to it and that’s the size you cut your square. You want a FINISHED size Quilt Block of 2 inches, you cut the fabric 2 7/8″ to get it. etc. etc. (if using freezer paper cut it example: 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″)

Place good side of fabric to good side of 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

Clip off the end triangles

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

Tuesday Thread – How to Press Quilt Block Seams

Quilt How-To with The Quilt Ladies

Welcome to my Tuesday Threads: Quilt How-To with The Quilt Ladies! Every Tuesday, I’m sharing simple, step-by-step quilting techniques straight from my sewing room to yours.

I have so many brand new to quilting or if you just want a quick refresher, these posts are here to help. Grab your fabric, pour a cup of something cozy, and let’s get stitching, one technique at a time!

I am starting with pressing because I see SO many new quilters pressing as they would IF you were sewing a dress, with quilt blocks you do NOT press the seam open, you press to the darker fabric and here is why. NO Steam, a hot, dry iron.

press to darker fabric — press your quilt block to the darker fabric, here the red

make a table topper — seam opened and how the nest into each other

When you press both layers of fabric and the seam allowance all to one side, you’re giving that seam more fabric layers to support it. This extra layer of fabric over the stitching line helps protect your thread from wear and tear over time.

As your quilt gets used, loved, washed, and tugged on, the seams take a lot of stress. By pressing to one side, you’re wrapping that stitching line in a little fabric shield. The thread sits just under the fold, with fabric on top of it and underneath it. This extra cushion means the thread is less likely to snap or break down over the years.

Press to the Dark Side… Always (Well, Almost Always)

I HOPE you have heard this rule a hundred times: “Press your seams to the dark side.” But why?

It’s not just some old quilting superstition. There’s a real reason for it!

When you sew two fabrics together—especially a light fabric next to a dark one—the seam allowance can show through the lighter fabric if it’s pressed the wrong way. This is called “shadowing.” Nobody wants to finish a quilt top, hold it up to the light, and suddenly see dark seam lines peeking through those lovely light fabrics.

By pressing your seam allowance toward the darker fabric, you’re tucking that extra bulk safely under the dark side—where it stays hidden.

Press, Don’t Iron: Up and Down, Not Side to Side

Now let’s talk about the motion of pressing.
When you’re at your ironing board, it’s tempting to treat your quilt block like a wrinkled shirt and slide the iron back and forth. But don’t!

In quilting, you want to “press,” not “iron.”
That means setting your iron down straight onto the fabric, holding for a few seconds, then lifting it up and moving it to the next spot.

Why?
Dragging your iron side to side can stretch the fabric, especially along diagonal seams (the bias). This leads to wonky blocks, wavy edges, and points that don’t quite match later.

This a little thing, but the pressing of the quilt block the right way can make your quilt pop just a little more, and last a bit longer.

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

Free Star Quilt Block Pattern

Twelve by Twelve Quilt Block

This quilt block is twelve inches by twelve inches and the white background fabric helps the quilt block show off!

The center consists of rectangular pieces in various patterns, including floral, geometric, and abstract prints . Outside triangles forming a star.

See all Beth Ann’s Quilt Books in Print here
The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop here

Center Block

Cut 8 Assorted Colors – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Piece as shown

How to make Squares

How to make Triangles

White Edge

Cut 1 White – 1 ½” x 4 ½” sew to the top
Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 5 ½” sew to the right side and bottom
Cut 1 White – 1 ½” x 6 ½” sew to the left side

Cut 2 Orange – 3 7/8” x 3 7/8”
Cut 2 White – 3 7/8” X 3 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 2 Green – 3 7/8” x 3 7/8”
Cut 2 White – 3 7/8” X 3 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 2 Gray – 3 ½” x 3 ½”
Cut 2 Yellow – 3 ½” x 3 ½”

Sew as Shown

Free weekly quilt block pattern from The Quilt Ladies — Hand Quilting for Pillow

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

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 ! !
www.bethanndoing.com
www.thequiltladies.com

Weekly Quilt Block Pattern

Weekly Quilt Block with Triangles

This week’s quilt block that is used and loved by many. My Friendship Star today has a finished size of three by three inches.

There are many methods to make quilt triangles, I like this way.

3 inch by 3 inch finished quilt block

Cut 4 corners – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 1 center – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 2 Colored – 1 7/8”’ x 1 7/8”
Cut 2 White – 1 7/8” x 1 7/8”
Make Triangles

Sew as shown

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This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase.

How to do Triangle Corners – Adding Triangle to corner unit

Learn to Make a Triangle Corner

This is the method how “I” do my triangle corners. Had an ask for a bit more information on HOW and here it is. I added also, How I do center square blocks is also here.

Triangle Corners Adding Triangle to corner unit

Cut your Squares into triangles as stated in the pattern.

Sew triangles (finished size plus 7/8″) to square or triangle block,
trim and press.

Cut your Squares (finished size plus 7/8″)and then into triangles as
stated in the pattern

Place the good-side of fabric to good-side of
fabric, sew from corner to corner.

Using a 1/4” seam allowance, trim, press to larger triangle.

Here is a fun way that I do a Center Square Quilt Block

Center Square

Cut your Squares and then into 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

January 2025 Quilt Pattern — January Quilt Pattern

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and
my Quilt Ladies Books Beth Ann
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

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How to Make a Quilt Triangle

I recently posted a quilt block on Facebook and there was a lot of take about points.

Here’s how I do it.

I can ONLY do this because you purchase my books and quilt pattern book, Thank you, Beth Ann SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

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Things needed to start a quilt project:

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Fabric colors are always on a Quilter’s mind, And here is the way that I was taught, years and years ago. Last Week I shared how I do color using a photo, post is here for you.

Share this:

Like this:

Last week we learned to use freezer paper and made a 4-patch quilt block, today let me share how to make a triangle quilt block.

How to make Triangles Take the finished size, add 7/8″ to it and that’s the size you cut your square. You want a FINISHED size Quilt Block of 2 inches, you cut the fabric 2 7/8″ to get it. etc. etc. (if using freezer paper cut it example: 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″)

Share this:

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Welcome to my Tuesday Threads: Quilt How-To with The Quilt Ladies! Every Tuesday, I’m sharing simple, step-by-step quilting techniques straight from my sewing room to yours.

I have so many brand new to quilting or if you just want a quick refresher, these posts are here to help. Grab your fabric, pour a cup of something cozy, and let’s get stitching, one technique at a time!

I am starting with pressing because I see SO many new quilters pressing as they would IF you were sewing a dress, with quilt blocks you do NOT press the seam open, you press to the darker fabric and here is why. NO Steam, a hot, dry iron.

Press to the Dark Side… Always (Well, Almost Always)

Press, Don’t Iron: Up and Down, Not Side to Side

Share this:

Like this:

This quilt block is twelve inches by twelve inches and the white background fabric helps the quilt block show off! The center consists of rectangular pieces in various patterns, including floral, geometric, and abstract prints . Outside triangles forming a star.

Share this:

Like this:

This week’s quilt block that is used and loved by many. My Friendship Star today has a finished size of three by three inches.

Share this:

Like this:

This is the method how “I” do my triangle corners. Had an ask for a bit more information on HOW and here it is. I added also, How I do center square blocks is also here.

Triangle Corners Adding Triangle to corner unit

Here is a fun way that I do a Center Square Quilt Block

Center Square

Share this:

Like this:

I can ONLY do this because you purchase my books and quilt pattern book, Thank you, Beth Ann
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

How to make Triangles
Take the finished size, add 7/8″ to it and that’s the size you cut your square. You want a FINISHED size Quilt Block of 2 inches, you cut the fabric 2 7/8″ to get it. etc. etc. (if using freezer paper cut it example: 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″)

This quilt block is twelve inches by twelve inches and the white background fabric helps the quilt block show off!

The center consists of rectangular pieces in various patterns, including floral, geometric, and abstract prints . Outside triangles forming a star.