Learning Quilting

Every quilter sticks her finger sometime and gets blood on her quilt. A lot of time on the white backing. As soon as it happens if you will use your own saliva and put it on the spot and rub, it will go away. I have tried this and it does work. Has to be your own saliva.

When I make blocks I don't press the seams until I am finished.

I use the little wooden iron that was originally intended for paper piecing. This also eliminates having to get up after each seam to go to the ironing board.

This prevents distortion of the block and my points come out much better.

Also, I use sizing before cutting the pieces, this adds body to the fabric.

-d

when doing foundation piecing use very thin paper it costs alot less than useing fabric and is easy to remove when you have completed the piece

A great way to learn to quilt or advancing your knowledge of quilting is to join a local quilting organization.  Many communities and churches offer opportunities for quilters to get together and enjoy working together on individual or group projects.  Additionally, many fabric shops or craft stores regularly offer lessons or programs that are excellent for learning and acquiring new quilting skills.  Most of these lessons require a minimal fee for participation.  In additional to learning new skills, you will develop friendships and quilting connections.

Many people are visual learners, so when they read instructional information from a book or manual, the information is not fully understood. Instructional television programs, video tapes, or DVDs are an excellent learning tool. Many popular television channels, such as Home and Garden Television or Do It Yourself Network have shows on quilting topics. These shows provide instruction and ideas for projects. Instructional videos or DVD are available for rental at your local library or video store. Additionally, these materials can be purchased from stores or websites.

An excellent way to learn to quilt is to purchase a book that will lead you through a quilting project from beginning to end. A small pillow or sampler quilt is an excellent way for learning. These books provide a step by step instruction for completing a quilt, from cutting the fabric to the actual quilting. There are also a multitude of websites that offer similar information and guidance. Some websites have a "block of the month" program that allows you to access a private website and receive a quilt pattern, photographs, and complete instructions.