 | Simple & Small- start small and keep your choices
simple. Small projects like a wall hanging, table runner, or pillow
are easier to maneuver and quicker to complete. |
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| Template Free- Choose template free designs. These
designs allow you to cut multiple pieces at one time and quick
piecing techniques can be used. |
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| Choose Easy Blocks- easy blocks help to teach the basics of
quilting and how colour choices work together. Easy blocks include: rail fence,
4-patch, 9-patch,checkerboard, etc. |
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| Use Thin Batting- thin batting like Warm & Natural and
Warm & White are easier to quilt and maneuver. |
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| 100% cotton- use 100% cotton material and thread. Cotton
fabric is easier to work with, holds a crease well, and is available in a wide range of colours.
Also, 100% cotton material doesn't pucker a much as a Poly/Cotton blend when
washed. |
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| 1/4" Seams- always use 1/4" seams,
and keep the seams uniform. A 1/4" quilting foot is a useful
tool to have. |
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| Don't Backstitch- there is no need to
backstitch at the end of seams. Once the quilt top is finished and
quilted all layers will be locked together with the stitching. |
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| To Prewash or Not?- prewashing can be done
or not. It's up to the quilter. If you would prefer to have a more
antique look to the quilt do not prewash. If you choose not to
prewash be advised that the finished size of the quilt will change
slightly after the first washing. Prewashing is advisable if you
will be using fabrics that may bleed when washed, such as reds,
blues, or vivid-coloured fabrics. Cotton material on average shrinks
2-3 percent when washed and dried . |
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| Pressing- always press the current piece and
then move onto the
next step. |
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| Iron- iron seams towards the darker
material. |
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| Rulers- use accurate rulers for measuring. |
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| Chain Piece- chain piece whenever possible,
it will save time. |
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| Curved Safety Pins- using curved safety pins
will make pinning your quilt sandwich much easier. |
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