Quiltmaking for Beginners Handy Pocket Guide: Everything to Get You Started; Tips & Techniques

GETTING STARTED

Have you wanted to learn how to make a quilt but you weren’t sure where to start? If so, this book is for you. Cloe and I love making quilts, and we can’t wait to show you how to make your own quilts and quilted projects from start to finish.

WHAT IS A QUILT?

Before you can make a quilt, you need to know what it is. A quilt is a blanket made of three layers held together with stitching. People usually think of quilts as being used on beds, but they can also be wall art, or the quilting techniques can be used to make other useful, decorative objects. The top layer is called the quilt top and is usually sewn together as a patchwork, but it can also be a single fabric. The bottom layer is the back of the quilt and is also a piece of fabric. It can be a single fabric or pieced from several fabrics. The middle layer of a quilt is the batting. It makes the quilt warm and cuddly.

SUPPLIES

Before you get started, you should have the right tools. In this section, Cloe and I will tell you all about the supplies needed to start your quilting journey.

NOTE

All the supplies can be found at local quilt shops, fabric stores, large craft stores, or online.

Notions

Some basic supplies you will need include straight pins and a pincushion, scissors, all-purpose sewing thread, an iron, and an ironing board.

Sewing Machine

To make the projects in this book, you will need a sewing machine. You may already have a sewing machine you can use. But if you need to buy one, don’t worry about getting one with all the extra features. All you need is a sewing machine that can sew a good straight stitch, and a ¼˝ presser foot. A walking foot is helpful as well.

Rotary Cutter, Ruler, and Cutting Mat

I am so glad I wasn’t a quilter in the 1800s! Back then, quilters had to use scissors to cut each piece separately. Now we have a much faster and more accurate method: cutting with the rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat.

A rotary cutter is a cutting tool with a handle and a circular blade. It makes cutting fabric much quicker. There are