This article explains a few things about Quilting, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

Many crafters do not take the time to learn about the correct batting for their quilting projects, but it can make the difference between a successful quilting project and an unsuccessful one. The right batting can have an enormous effect on the finished appearance of your quilting project. It can also make the difference between enjoying the process of quilting or hating it. You spend hours planning the design and look of the outer layers of your quilting project, why not take the time to learn a bit about the batting that goes inside?

Batting is the insulating fabric, which is the part of the quilt that creates warmth. Batting is layered between the quilt top and the backing. This quilting sandwich of three layers of fabric is then pinned at the edges in order to temporarily secure it. Most commonly it is then sewn together, either by hand or machine, but sometimes crafters tie the layers of batting and fabric together. Usually yarn is used to tie a quilting project together, but sometimes several strands of thread are used also. Be certain to tie a tight square knot if you choose this method of securing the batting to the fabric. You want to be sure the quilt will stand up to years of use.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Quilting. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Batting comes in several different fibers, most often polyester, cotton, and wool. Polyester batting has a high loft which will remain through repeated washings. It is generally hypo-allergenic and usable for either hand or machine quilting projects. Cotton batting is a quilter’s dream. It has a much lower loft than the polyester batting, and is often used when quilters want to achieve an antique look. Because cotton is a natural fiber, it “breathes,” meaning it will help you to remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Cotton batting is not as suitable for tying, as it has a tendency to clump. Like cotton, wool batting breathes. It is easy to quilt, and thus a much beloved batting of many quilters. There are two different ways batting is manufactured–needlepunched or bonded. Needlepunched batting is a good utilitarian choice for a quilting project that needs to stand up to hard use. It is made by thousands of needles piercing the batting, interlocking the fibers. The needlepunched batting is firmer and heavier than bonded batting, which is manufactured by using a bonding agent to adhere the layers of the batting together.

Many battings, whatever form you choose, are available either pre-cut or rolled on a tube so that you can cut your own to size. If your quilting project is a standard quilt size (such as twin, full, queen, or king) you will probably be able to find a pre-cut batting quite easily. For other sizes you may need to buy batting on the roll.

Taking the time to learn about your choices in batting can change your quilting for the better, making it easier to complete projects, and increase your chances of being satisfied with the finished project.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: GVO

Embroidery is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, much the same as quilting and knitting and other hand crafts. Many crafters who enjoy quilting also end up enjoying embroidery and might feel as if they have torn loyalties-which craft to pursue in the small amount of time available for hobbies? The good news is that quilting and embroidery make excellent companions. Crafters who love quilting but are attracted to the depth and color that embroidery stitches offer can follow both their loves by combining the two crafts.

A quilt embellished with embroidered stitches is one of the most beautiful hand-crafted creations imaginable. Take a look at some of the “crazy quilts” from the Victorian era. These quilts are most often made of silk, often from leftover men’s ties or other bits of fabric, and were pieced together in a random manner (hence the name) and then heavily embellished with embroidery. Even if your interest in quilting slants more toward traditional quilts, it’s worth taking a look at these crazy quilts to get ideas for using embroidery to embellish your quilts. Crazy quilts use embroidery extensively, in many cases covering nearly every bit of the quilt’s surface, but you can use touches of embroidery here and there on your quilts or quilted clothing to give it depth and texture.

Embroidery stitches are easy to learn, and you may even know some already. Browse through sites on the internet, and you’ll find many with clear photos or pictures of embroidery stitches. Some common embroidery stitches you might want to use include blanket and chain stitch for outlining, and feather, herringbone, lazy daisy, straight and cross stitches for decorative touches.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Quilting story from informed sources.

Many quilters enjoy doing appliqu? as part of their quilting techniques, and embroidery is a natural partner to appliqu?. The process of appliqu? involves layering one fabric atop another, as opposed to sewing pieces of fabric together, and embroidery stitches such as the blanket stitch can be used to decorate the edges of the appliqu?d piece. Or perhaps you may want to use embroidery on the background fabric, to emphasize the appliqu?d pieces. The manufacturers of embroidery floss have kept pace with developments in the world of crafting, and now offer floss in an array of fibers, including perle cotton, rayon, silk and even linen and hemp. They also feature brilliant colors, with some even offering hand-dyed and variegated flosses.

Many quilters prefer to do their quilting by machine, instead of hand, and these same quilters may also prefer to do their embroidery by machine. With the huge variety of incredibly powerful sewing machines on the market, this is a snap. Many sewing machines have embroidery functions with extensive lists of stitches, which are as easy to accomplish as flipping a switch on the machine. As with embroidery floss, there are many specialty threads available for machine embroidery.

Look into adding embroidery to your quilting and open up a whole new world of quilting and crafting pleasure to your life.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new site for adsense publishers: Free Adsense Websites

Originating from the French word appliquer, appliqu? means to ?put on.? It is a quilting basic technique that includes cutting pieces of fabric of various designs, sizes, and shapes and sewing them onto a background material. Appliqu? quilting expresses a quilter’s artistic potentials and yields beautiful, pictographic quilts. However, some quilters often think that appliqu?ing is so hard a technique and therefore should be left to the master quilters. How afraid they are to try their hand on it. The truth is, appliqu?ing is not as difficult as people imagine. It is quite easy to learn and, if mastered, opens so many creative quilting possibilities.

So how do you exactly make appliqu?s? Here’s how:

1. Prepare the design pattern. You can do this by tracing the design you want on to a freezer paper using a marker. Note that you have to draw the reverse side of the design. Then, cut out the pattern. Do not add a seam allowance.

2. Place the shiny side of the cut-out freezer paper on the wrong side of the fabric. Next, press it with a hot iron. Take note: press. Do not slide the iron over the freezer paper. Note that the freezer paper will adhere to the fabric, but it can be peeled off easily.

If you find yourself confused by what you’ve read to this point, don’t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

3. Cut out the fabric following the pattern of the freezer paper. Make a seam allowance of about 1/8 to1/4 inch. Then, fold the seam allowance over the edges of the pattern. If you are dealing with curves, you have to notch the allowance all the way around to make smooth, rounded curves. Again, press the seam allowance. After which, remove the freezer paper.

4. Begin sewing the appliqu? pieces to the background fabric. Remember to first sew the bigger pieces onto which you will lay and stitch the smaller pieces. For example, if you are doing a butterfly appliqu?, first stitch the wings, then follow it with the body. You have to keep a stitching order in attaching appliqu? pieces.

5. Make small stitches. Whether you do hand or machine appliqu?, it is important to make small stitches because they prove to be stronger and less visible in the quilt. You can use several kinds of stitches in appliqu?s, although the most widely used is blind stitch. If you are using a machine, you can do zigzag stitch, satin stitch, among others.

6. Be careful with curves. Approaching curves is relatively easy when hand-sewing. It can be quite a concern, though, when using a machine. To perfectly machine-stitch curves, decrease your speed, make a few stitches, then put the needle down and slightly reposition the fabric. Doing so will avoid gaps in between stitches. Make fewer stitches and do more fabric repositioning as you approach tighter curves.

Your first attempt at appliqu? quilting may not produce your desired result. But don’t be disheartened; rather keep this as your motivation to do better each time you do appliqu?. Before you begin with actual appliqu?ing, it would help to get a few scraps and practice your stitching. What you need to watch out for are puckered background, uneven stitches, and sloppy appliqu? pieces.

Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what’s important about Quilting.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: Billigt Webbhotell – from SEK 10:- per month!

Are you looking for some inside information on Quilting? Here’s an up-to-date report from Quilting experts who should know.

After hundreds of years, quilting has evolved into such a specialized craft that had produced some of the most spectacular works of craftsmanship. Today’s art of quilt-making has come a long way since needles, pins and hoops.

The following are some of the many tools that can help drastically reduce the time in quilt-making. It is important to learn how to be fluent in their use.

Fabric markers

Pencils with soft lead are the most commonly used in marking fabrics. They leave some faint marks that will fade later. Chalk is also a good alternative because it washes out easily. It is, however, not recommended for use in detailed drawing because it is blurry.

Today’s fabric marker pens washes off in time and are better than pencils and chalks.

Long arm quilting machines

First, the bad news is that these machines are quite expensive. Unless you do enough quilting work or are into business, or have the money to burn, it is not recommended.

On the other hand, this sewing machine with a 12-foot wide frame is a quilter’s dream. Essentially, it can do intricate designs and does a month’s typical quilting work in a much shorter time.

Machine quilting needles

Modern technology had also given today’s quilters the machines and needles designed solely for quilting. They allow the use of stippling and other techniques which used to be painstakingly slow in those days.

The most popular are Schmetz needles for both thin and thick quilts. They are compatible with a lot of different threads.

Pins and thimbles

Pins are for holding fabrics together for sewing, basting, pressing, or tacking. Safety pins provide quick solutions in holding quilt fabrics during quilting.

Thimbles had been around since the advent of sewing by hand. Traditionally, they are made of silver but there are china thimbles and those made of leather. The leather kind is popular because they are flexible and more comfortable on the finger.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Quilting is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Quilting.

Quilting hoops and frames

These wooden devices (which every quilter must have) are for holding fabrics together. They are badly needed when working on large projects. They keep the working material taut enough and easier to work on.

The four-sided quilting frames are for very large quilts. Round quilting hoops are for working on smaller areas.

Hand sewing quilting needles

Called ?betweens’, traditional quilting needles are smaller and stronger than sewing needles. They have smaller eyes to make it easier to pass through layers of fabrics.

They can make very small stitches and help reduce puckering.

Rotary cutters and boards

Rotary cutters are very strong and very sharp instruments to cut precise and accurate blocks of quilting materials. It is a circular blade which is very strong and accurate for cutting and trimming.

It is used with a rotary board which resets any cut or tear done to it by the cutter. The board also prevents material slippage.

Templates

In creating patterns, a quilt-maker needs templates to work with. Made usually of acrylic, templates ensure all your pattern pieces are of the same size every time, whether they have curves, angles, and other intricate line.

Other tools

Threads, with the correct color and strength, are part of your needs in quilting. They should, of course, be closest to the fabric’s color.

Scissors are also essentials in your work. Pin cushions are needed to temporarily store your needles while working. Happy quilting!

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you’ll be glad you took the time to learn more about Quilting.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: Billigt Webbhotell – from SEK 10:- per month!

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Quilting? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Quilting.

Now that quilting machines are widely available, hand quilting is often considered the last option. This is because hand quilting is associated with finger sore and pain, eats up a lot of time, and seems a laborious process. Yet, there are still a good number of quilters who devote themselves to hand quilting and, while putting up with these kinds of drawback, manage to come up with beautifully and intricately designed quilts and receive awe and admiration from peers. Their works, which yield a classical appeal, eventually become some sort of a standard.

How do they do it? Aside from not having their drive sapped by the thought of hand quilting being hard, time-consuming, and painful, they apply some techniques to make the activity more fun and enjoyable. Since then, they experience minimal, if not zero, difficulty or pain. You can do it as well, and here’s how:

1. Use a thimble. This will keep the middle finger, which maneuvers and pushes the eye end of the needle, from sore and needle pricks. There are now various options for thimbles. There are those that are designed for people with long nails and those that address sweating. In place of a commercial thimble, some quilters use homemade thimbles made from leather scraps and other like materials.

2. Quilt with a hoop or frame. A quilting hoop is more like an embroidery hoop that holds and stretches out the quilt, making it steady. This consequently keeps a proper tension and makes stitching a lot easier. But unlike an embroidery hoop, in which a fabric for embroidery is tightly tucked, quilting hoop functions best when the quilt is loosely attached. The center of the quilt must be pushed down and the sides should be hanging loosely.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Quilting. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

3. Keep the thread, at the most, 18 inches long. If it is too long, the thread is more likely to get tangled. It is also best to thread all the needles before beginning the actual quilting session. Doing so will keep you from stopping to thread again and again.

4. Use smaller needles. In quilting, smaller stitches are more ideal, but the problem with hand quilting is often about the stitches being large, uneven, and non-identical. Smaller needles can solve this problem.

5. Practice hand movement and rhythm to perfect stitch size and consistency. This will be at first difficult, but as you progress from project to project, you will be able to make beautiful stitches. The key here is not to be overly obsessed with the size of the stitch. Focus on the stitch evenness first; after a while, making smaller stitches will come almost naturally.

6. Stick to tools and materials that you are most comfortable working with. But try to experiment with different kinds of brand every once in a while because manufacturers are always introducing innovative products.

7. Remember that hand quilting is a continuously improving craft and that quilting techniques are developed every now and then; therefore, never stop learning from different people and other sources even if you’ve become a master yourself.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: Billigt Webbhotell – from SEK 10:- per month!

There are many different types of fabric that may be used in patchwork, quilting and appliqu?. The following information will help you identify and choose the best fabric for your projects.

Calico is a strong, plain weave fabric. It is available in a variety of weights and is usually white or natural with darker flecks.

Corduroy or fine-wale corduroy is a plain-weave fabric with vertical pile-effect ribbing. It frays easily but is suitable for appliqu? and large-scale patch pieces.

Cotton is the choice of most quilters. It is hard-wearing and easy to work with. Cotton comes in a wide range of plain and patterned print colors. It is the best choice for patchwork quilt fabric.

Felt is made from wool. It is non-woven fabric. Instead, the fibers are compressed with moisture and heat. Felt shrinks making it unsuitable for most articles that need frequent washing. It is ideal for appliqu?

Gingham is a cotton or cotton blend fabric. Alternating stripes of colored and white threads in the warp and weft produces a checkered pattern.

Lawn is a fine crisp cotton, or cotton blend fabric. It is available in prints and plain.

Linen is fabric that is woven from fiber produced by the flax plant. Linen frays and creases easily but is suitable as a ground fabric.

Muslin is a white or natural open-weave cotton or cotton blend. This fabric is suitable for backing quilts and is also used in shadow quilting and appliqu?.

Organdy is a fine cotton fabric that is starched. It is used for shadow work.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Quilting is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Quilting.

Organza is a gauzy fabric woven from silk or synthetic fibers. It may also be woven from silk and a synthetic blend. Organza is available in plain colors and with metallic and iridescent effects making it suitable for appliqu? and shadow work. It is also sometimes used for delicate patchwork.

PVC is a plastic, cotton-backed cloth. It is difficult to work with because of its lack of flexibility. It is used for patchwork and appliqu?.

Sateen is a soft fabric that has a surface sheen. It is a popular quilt fabric.

Satin is a shiny fabric that can be woven from cotton, silk, or synthetics. It is used in appliqu?.

Silk is fabric that is woven from natural fibers produced by silk worms. It works well for almost any project and is available in a variety of textures, colors, patterns and weights.

Shantung fabric is woven from yarns of irregular thickness giving it an uneven surface. It is used for quilting and patchwork.

Taffeta is a plain-weave fabric with a two-tone effect. It is suitable for appliqu? and small patchwork.

Velvet has a closely woven backing and a dense cut-pile surface. It is used in patchwork, especially crazy patchwork, but the nap should lie in the same direction as the patchwork.

Voile is a fine woven fabric that is used for shadow work

Wool is made from woven fleece. Wool does not launder well and should only be used for inlaid appliqu?, unless it is lightweight. Light weight wool may be used in patchwork.

That’s how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Adsense Sites and make sure to download the free adsense sites package!

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you’ll find that the subject of Quilting is certainly no exception.

Quilts (and most ideally all the quilting materials before they are made into quilts) need to be washed. The only exceptions to this are those antique quilts good only for exhibitions and quilts that are not in good condition.

The advice of washing your quilt materials (main fabrics, batting, threads) before they are assembled into a quilt is important if you are not sure about them.

Washing the fabrics first before incorporating them into a quilt releases any excess dye from the fabric. (Colors in new fabrics tend to run at the first laundry sessions.) Washing also gives the fabric the chance to stretch into its natural ?worn? shape.

Fabrics

The first consideration on washing is the fabric or fabrics your quilt is made of. Traditionally most quilts are made of 100% cotton or of cotton mixes that are very close to 100% cotton.

This is because cotton is a natural fiber, hardy and available in so many varieties of patterns and colors. (It is also the top choice in making clothes.)

Check next what type of material the thread and batting of your quilt are made of. Once you know, you would know the detergents to use and how to treat your quilt in the laundry process.

Detergents

Use only an unscented liquid-based, color-free detergent in your quilts. Do not use any detergent that has fabric softeners in them. Fabric softeners can damage the fabric fibers as can scents and dyes.

NEVER use bleach on the quilt. This does not only ruin the color, they will damage the fibers of the fabric as well.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Quilting now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

Carefully read the detergent’s composition and follow religiously the instructions well. They may be harmless, but some additives in some can be harmful to the fabric when used regularly.

Washing proper

Fill the washing machine with warm water, never hot water. While it is filling up, add the detergent. Stir to make sure the detergent is fully dissolved.

Put in your quilt. Do the regular warm/cold water wash cycle.

Put the quilt in the machine and select a regular warm/cold water wash cycle. Finally, do the cold/cold water wash cycle minus the detergent.

If your quilt is made of delicate materials, air-dry it in an area out of the sun. This will keep the colors intact because sunlight can fade fabric colors.

Let your quilt have a regular tumble-dry if it is made of good quality fabrics. Do not wring your quilt. It might cause a permanent crease and stresses the quilt’s materials.

Hand washing quilts

You can do hand washing of your quilt if you are up to the hard work. Do it in a large bath tub. Fill it with enough water to submerge your quilt fully with an inch or two of water allowance.

Again, make sure the detergent is fully dissolved before stirring the quilt in the water with your hands. Let the machine do the laundry if you are not up to it.

When you are confident that your quilt can be washed and your fabric can take the stress, then you can have the peace of mind that your quilt will be in good condition for years.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Adsense Sites and make sure to download the free adsense sites package!

This article explains a few things about Quilting, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

Choosing the fabric materials is one of the most critical decisions in quilt-making. This is because there are so many things to consider ? the colors, textures, patterns, styles, characteristics, etc. ? all of which are important in quilting.

Here are some random tips.

Quality

First, be sure your quilting materials are colorfast, whether these are old scraps you had been saving to use on your quilt or new fabrics you have bought specifically for your project. Wash a piece to check if the colors don’t run.

Is the fabric strong enough? Too tightly-woven fabrics are difficult to quilt. Fabrics that are woven loose, on the other hand, are good candidates for rips, tearing, and damage.

Pure cotton had been proven to be the best materials yet for quilts. Man-made fibers (synthetics) and some cotton-combination fabrics are difficult to handle. They have a tendency to curl at the most inopportune places.

The good point, however, is that these fabrics have more options in terms of colors and designs than plain old cottons. The colors are more brilliant and designers have done more work (and experiments) on them.

If you are an experienced sewer, you may be able to surmount these handling difficulties. These same difficulties are also present in knitted, stretch and crepe fabrics.

Color and fabric design

Expert quilters always remind beginners to choose colors and combinations well. This may sound easy but once you have your finished quilt, it is not easy to undo things.

People declare the best judgment call is to trust your instincts. It might also be good to add some time-tested formulas from the arts and from general consensus.

The information about Quilting presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about Quilting or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

It is said that blue-based colors are ?cold? and that red and yellow-based colors are ?warmer?. Black will dim any color next to it, and white brightens any color placed side by side with it.

Generally, people are said to be energized and active with warm colors. With cool colors ? like green and blue ? people tend to become calmer and relaxed.

This is an important consideration if you are intending to give away your quilt to someone important to you (a friend, a loved one, or your boss perhaps). It is worthwhile noting their prospective responses to your present.

If it is for your personal use, you may also have to consider your own feelings of your finished work.

Backing materials and quantity

Always try to have your backing materials similar to your top quilt material in weight and color. The rationale for this is ease of sewing. It is difficult to sew through uneven levels of materials or materials of unlike textures, thickness or weave.

Buy a little more than what you need for your quilt. This is to preclude any eventuality of your running out of materials. The extra fabric you bought will always have some use for you in the future, especially now that you are into quilting.

Your choice

In the end, your fabric choice will depend on your design, the colors you want, and the quality of your work. Of course, once you become a confident quilter, you can always choose any fabric that catches your fancy and imagination.

Quilting is such an exciting art and there is no limit to what you want to create.

Those who only know one or two facts about Quilting can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Adsense Sites and make sure to download the free adsense sites package!

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Quilting? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Quilting.

Whether you are a beginning quilter, or an advanced practitioner of the craft, you will find many books on quilting that will help advance your knowledge. Quilting books fall roughly into several categories, and numerous titles abound in each. The categories of books are how-to, pattern encyclopedias, historical, books about the joy of quilting, and art books.

How-to books are probably the most popular, and the first stop for the beginning quilter. They range from books which discuss the overall craft of quilting and give step-by-step instructions, to books which will take one aspect of quilting and explain how to do it. The instructional books start with such basics as fabric selection and which tools you’ll need and proceed through instructions for assembling the blocks of the quilt top and the quilt itself, down to explanations of quilting, both hand and machine. Every quilter needs at least one of these books in her library, and usually will manage to collect a number of them. It’s amazing how many times you need a ready reference when you are in the middle of a quilting project.

Another type of book that every quilter will want to have on hand is an encyclopedia of patterns. These books collect many different quilt block patterns and show the basics of their assemblies. Because their aim is to cover a lot of ground, these books are valuable starting points but won’t go into intimate detail. For that you need to turn to books which feature instruction on a specific pattern. With the wide variety of quilting block patterns and techniques, you can imagine that this category of quilting books is quite extensive and stocked with titles. Books in this category may devote an entire volume to explaining the nuances of, for instance, the Log Cabin pattern.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Because quilting has its roots in American history, quilts and the craft of quilting have been studied extensively, and many historical quilting books exist. Looking at these books and seeing what our ancestors did with a fraction of the materials and supplies available today can be a great source of inspiration to modern quilters. Along the same lines are books which discuss the pleasures to be derived from quilting, both in its social form (such as quilting bees) or as a solitary pursuit. Finally, there is a whole segment of quilters who have advanced the craft into art. These quilters regularly show their work in galleries and museums, and publish books not only about their quilts, but the thoughts and processes that went into making them. Sometimes collectors of quilts will publish books, too. These art quilt books are as inspiring in their way as the historical quilting books.

A good way to choose quilting books that will become a permanent part of your library is to choose a time when you’ll have a couple hours of uninterrupted time. Go to the library, or your local bookstore, or fire up your computer and look at books on the internet. Take your time, browse, and get a feel for the vast number of titles out there. You’ll no doubt end up with a much longer list than you have time or money for at the moment, but you can purchase or check out a few titles and start a wish list for more.

Part of the joy of quilting is finding books on the topic, and luckily for modern quilters, there is a huge array of titles to choose from.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Adsense Sites and make sure to download the free adsense sites package!

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you’ll find that the subject of Quilting is certainly no exception.

Today, there are two ways to express your quilting art ? with your hands or with a modern machine. Whichever way, the finished art produced is more important than the answer to the debate about which way produces more beautiful quilts.

For machine quilters, there are still some technical problems that have to be addressed. One of them is doing your quilt all the way to the finish without any marks on it.

This means not using any chalk, water-soluble markers or any pen that risks the chance of ruining your delicate quilting fabric.

Marking template

To make a no-mark template, choose a continuous-line design that is perfect for your project. Enlarge or reduce your design taking care of leaving at least a half-inch of margin around the edges.

Here’s a tip on how to compute the scale factor for use in photocopying your design. Simply divide the desired length or width of the design by its actual length or width.

With the sum, you multiply it by 100 to get the percentage of enlargement (or reduction) of the design. Take note that the enlargement (or reduction) of your design automatically alters the other dimensions of the design.

The next step is to trace your quilting pattern on a stabilizer paper. Simply pin the paper onto your project and machine-quilt through it.

This method is for all types of continuous-line patterns, repeating or not. It is right for any quilting project: bed or wall quilts, pillows, table runners, etc. This technique is even usable on embellishing ready-to-wear garments.

Pattern play

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

Positioning the templates on the quilts may need some decisions. Generally, you can move the templates around until you like the placement.

Once you are satisfied, mark the templates accordingly so you will remember the exact position. Then, pin (or tape) the template one at a time and stitch. It is best to work segment by segment to avoid confusion and catching the paper.

Template paper

Get any lightweight vellum-type tracing paper from any office supply store. (Wax paper from groceries will also work.)

Vellum paper is good because it is sheer enough to see through, tears away easily from the stitches, and not much to clean up after. Use a permanent pen on the paper to avoid the chance of staining your fabric in case the needle hits the pattern and stains itself and brings it to your fabric.

For smaller projects, simply trace the design onto a laid-out design on a single template cut matching the pattern piece. For embellishments, or stitching on ready-to-wear garments, sew the designs from the garment’s wrong side using the template reversed.

Quilting

When quilting, start out from the center and work your way out to the border. If it is a whole cloth design, break it down into segments and work your way segment by segment, placing a template on each segment and stitch.

After you finish each section, remove the templates. It is easy to remove perforated stabilizers. The vellum paper is brittle enough to be scratched away with finger nails without damaging a thread.

After you finished your quilting, take some time off to examine your finished quilt from all sides and angles to check for marks, stray threads or other stuff that don’t belong. You can also congratulate yourself for a job well done.

Knowing enough about Quilting to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you’ve just learned about Quilting, you should have nothing to worry about.

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By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest acquisition: Adsense Sites and make sure to download the free adsense sites package!