Learning Quilting

Tape or glue a sheet of sand paper to the back of a cutting mat. This is a great method when working with templates, the fabric will not move as you are tracing the shape.

One thing I like to do if I have a block I just want to try out, or if I've made a block that I don't have a use for, is make a hotpad out of it. this works for blocks up to 8 inches or so. Just quilt it to a square of batting (I use cotton so it will be more heat-resistant). Then layer it with a square of pre-quilted heat resistant "silver stuff", or use more batting and an old ironing board cover. Bind the edges and leave a loop at the corners for hanging, and you have a beautiful hotpad to use or give as a gift.

Sometimes we do blocks which for various reasons we never use and end up with several ufo's. These can be used, regardless of size or colour, by sashing each one to make uniform sizes. They can become a picnic quilt, lap quilt or alternatively a pet quilt. This makes less ufo's and more room for more stash!!

When I am trying new designs I usually sit down and make myself a drawing on graf paper of the individual blocks, then I number them.  When I start cutting and sewing I use these numbers as a quide so that sewing is as easy as following the numbers.  I also use this system when I am designing a new pattern.

I have two little girls at home 3 and 5.  They have beening sewing with me since they could sit on a chair.  When I cut out peices for a pattern I always cut a few extra small scraps for them.  I them give them a piece of heat and bond.  They stick the scraps to the heat and bond in the design they want.  Then I iron it for them and iron a piece of backing on.  They use it for their dolls.  It keeps they occupied while I can get some quilting done.

Graph paper is an excellent tool for designing your own quilts, especially if you are using a lot of straight lines.

Remember the days before arctic and polar fleece - you know; when we made track suits with cotton-poly fleecy interlock?

If you're like me, you will have lots of this stuff left over.  Why not use it as batting (for your smaller home-use projects)?

Another use is to make strip or patchwork blankets, and use fleecy side down - of course - for the snuggle factor.  They're lightweight and snuggly and cheap!!!

When I start to make a quilt, I always read the pattern from start to finish.  I then cut enough fabric to finish 1 block to ensure I fully understand the pattern and that the instructions works out.  After I finish the quilt, I also make my test block into a matching cushion sham, by adding borders or whatever it needs to make it a suitable size to fit a form.

Dianne McCallum

First I must say that quilting is relaxing.

So when quilting please keep your Sewing Machine in tip-top shape, by keeping yourmachine clean.

Keep bobbin case and race clean and lent free , use a can of air to blow dust and lent from that area if your machine is not self lubing , then place a drop of oil where needed.

Use your lent brush,or q-tip,or pipe clear.

next change your needle ,a sharpe needle sews better.

Again a can of air works great to keep all area clean

use a stiletto when sewing patches to guide the bulky seams through as you sew the patches together. This ensures a neat seam with all seam allowances facing the correct way.