learn to quilt Archives - Beth Ann Doing

Rotary Cutter for Fabric and Acrylic Rulers

Learning How to Quilt

Let’s learn a bit about rotary cutter quilt tool, it makes cutting out your quilt quicker and easier. If just starting to quilt and not sure about all the quilting supplies, HERE is my tutorial on using freezer paper to make quilt templates. IF new to quilting and you are thinking about purchasing a cutter, here is a set that’s very good. Yes, I do get a few cents if you purchase through me and thank you.

A rotary cutter is a tool used by quilters to cut fabric with precision and ease. It resembles a pizza cutter with a sharp circular blade that rotates when used. The blade is typically made of high-quality stainless steel and comes in different sizes, ranging from 18 mm to 60 mm. A fun thing about quilting and us quilters is we LOVE quilt products…
Place your fabric on a cutting mat using an acrylic ruler. Acrylic rulers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making it possible to find one that fits your specific project needs. You can choose from long rulers for cutting wide strips of fabric or small rulers for more intricate cuts. Additionally, some rulers have special features, such as grids, angles, or markings, which help you make more complex cuts and create unique designs.

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

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

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

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 ! !

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 ! !

Rockin’ Around a Star Holiday Quilt Block

Star Quilt Block

Missed any of the Star Holiday Quilt Blocks? I have added a link for you to find them all, this time of year can be a bit crazy and they are here for you anytime !
Today is Day 9 and it’s moving the corner squares used before to the center. Here you go with day nine. Finished quilt block is 8″ x 8″ How I do triangles for a these star holiday quilt blocks

Red quilt block cutting for ONE quilt block

Cut 4 Green – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 Red – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 Red – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Make center block

Cut 4 Dark Green – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangle Points

Cut 4 Green – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 White – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Make Corner Blocks
Sew as Shown

Green quilt block cutting for ONE quilt block

Cut 4 Lite Green – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 Dark Green – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 Dark Green – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Make center block

Cut 4 Dark Green – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangle Points

Cut 4 Dark Green – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 Lite Green – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 Dark Green – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Make Corner Blocks
Sew as Shown

Blue quilt block cutting for ONE quilt block

Cut 2 Lite Green – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 Red – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 2 Dark Green – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Make center block

Cut 4 Blue– 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangle Points

Cut 4 Red – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 White – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Make Corner Blocks
Sew as Shown

Meet Beth Ann:
I’m a Quilter and an Author who decided to self-publish my quilt books and quilt patterns, SEE MY BOOKS on Amazon and See everything eBooks and Quilt Patterns.

The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Etsy Shop HERE for YOUThis post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase.

All in One Year Quilt Patterns

Start a NEW Quilt NOW

Checking off goals is one of favorite things, something about making that line on paper, makes things real for me. This is a huge project and I am thrill that it is NOW all finished and ready for you to purchase. IN PRINT and also an eBook

A Different quilt to make every month and then I added 8 variations to make a total of 20 Quilt Pattern for YOU !Just click over and see all sizes !

April Quilt from All in One Year Quilt Pattern Book

December Quilt Pattern from All in One Year Quilt Pattern Book — December Quilt Pattern

NOW available in Print and Prime

Meet Beth Ann:
I’m a Quilter and an Author who decided to self-publish my quilt books and quilt patterns, SEE MY BOOKS on Amazon and See everything I have there, eBooks and Quilt Patterns.
The Anxiety to Anxiety
How to Survive Retirement
and The Quilt Ladies COMPLETE Collection in Print

The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Etsy Shop HERE for YOUThis post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase.

In eBook form too !

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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 !

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 !