Things You'll Need:
- Brainstorming
- Paper and pen
- Local and on-line fabric stores
- Input from the intended recipient of the quilt
- Advice from fellow quilters
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Step 1
Consider the intended recipient of the quilt when deciding what fabric to use. A quilt for an infant or toddler needs to be colorful, washable, soft, and durable. A quilt for an older adult might need to be made smaller and thicker if they intend to use it as a lap quilt or shawl. A quilt that is intended to be displayed on a wall or quilt rack can be made of sheerer, more delicate fabrics.Unless the quilt is intended to be a surprise, involve the recipient in the choice of fabrics, patterns and colors. Often, a quilt will be an even more cherished gift if it incorporates pieces cut from old clothing, or uses a much-loved blanket as part of the batting.
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Step 2
Do not mix! The Biblical directive not to mix wool and linen together was more than just a religious whim. According to researcher Robert Jamieson, wool collects static electricity, while linen does not allow its easy release. Thus, like a child walking across a carpet, the wearer is constantly building up static electricity, which becomes intense heat. Perhaps the Myth Busters could be persuaded to examine this phenomenon.One thing that is certain, though, is that different fabrics shrink at different rates, and have varying ability to stretch. Therefore, it is not a good idea to mix cottons with polyesters, nor cottons with wool unless the quilt will be a wall hanging and will not be subjected to washing. It is also important to use the correct thread to sew your quilt. Do not use polyester thread to sew a cotton quilt, and vice versa.
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Step 3
Choose: Your fabric choice will also be influenced by the pattern of your quilt, your sewing expertise, and the limitations of your sewing machine. If you choose a pattern with lots of pieces, you will want to choose fabrics that are easier to control, such as cotton, muslin, or even thin denim. If your pattern has appliques, you may find yourself using sheer, metallic, and other easily snagged fabrics. If yours is an older machine, you may want to check for special attachments for use with sheer and metallic fabric, such as rufflers and quilting feet. If you are a less experienced seamstress, you may want to quilt in a group or attend a few classes at your local craft or sewing supply store before attempting elaborate patterns with sheer fabrics.
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Step 4
Select fabric: If you are certain your quilt will need frequent or regular washings, you will have to select easy care fabrics such as flannel, jersey, or fleece. These are soft and durable fabrics that have a great deal of stretch, so you may find yourself needing to use a serger, which is a machine designed to finish the raw edges of a garment to keep it from fraying.
