Learning Quilting

when trying to figure out a quilting design to put on my block. I bought a clear piece of plastic to draw on. I then can see what my quilting design will look like. I use a wet magic marker. If I don't like it just wipe off and start again. This works great for boarders you can adjust the design to fit the boarder Patty

I use painters purple tape.  Just place the tape where you want your sewing line, then place the edge of the presser foot beside it and away you go.  The tape can be replaced several times before losing it's tackiness, but it will leave nothing behind on the fabric.

Best,

Storyteller

Keeping thise pesky loose threads from finding a home on your clothes, floor and project can be kept under control by keeping a simple paper coffee filter next to your machine. As you clip the threads, just put them on the filter. It acts practicaly like a magnet for those little guys! When your through with your work for the day, just pick it up and throw it away.

To make half square triangles, I cut 1 rectangle of each fabric. One side is the size of the finished square I want, plus the seam allowance. The other side is the size of the square, plus the seam allowance, plus an extra inch. I sew then from one corner down, then from the oposite corner up, in the perfect triangle shape. After sewing THEN I cut the piece into 2 triangles, and press the seams open.

Gives me perfect half square triangles every time without having to worry about the fabric stretching!

To make it easier to cut your fabric, when pressing, use either a little spray starch or sizing.  It gives the fabric a little more stability.

If you are trying to get a 1/4" seam allowance for your quilt seams and need a sewing guide, cut off the top part of an index card.  The lines are spaced a 1/4" apart.  Move the card over from left to right until you can bring the needle down to the first 1/4" line.  Drop the needle down into the card.  Straighten the card and apply a double or triple layer of tape along the right side of the card.

Many times your machine stitches look like they could be better and more even. Try using the dental floss that is thick then thin and back to thick. This is soft and the thickness catches thread ends that may be there.

When cutting your strips, squares, etc., make sure that the cutting line of your ruler is on the edge of the fabric itself (not butting up on the outside)  That tiny little bit will make a difference in your blocks.  Think of it as your stitching / thread line. It doesn't seem like much, but it really does add up.  Your squares will be a lot more accurate if done this way.

Always wash your fabric and iron before using to insure that every piece is preshrunk to keep quilt top from shrinking unevenly when washed.  To eliminate most of raveling when washing fabric clip across each corner before washing.