How to Pin and Sew to Quilted Fabric

Sewing quilted fabric is a simple process for the beginning quilter. While the fabric is thicker, the steps for pinning and sewing remain the same. Take extra precaution to make sure your fabric isn't creasing as you pin and sew.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a large work area to lay out your fabric. A kitchen table or work bench both work great.

2. Iron the quilted fabric and any other materials seperately to remove the wrinkles. This method also helps to ensure each layer is smooth and together.

3. Lay your layer of quilting fabric down with the material you want to attach on top of the quilt. Keep right sides facing one another.

4. Press the the two layers together using your hands. Slide your hands across the layers to smooth out any remaining wrinkles, and make sure the edges line up all the way around.

5. Start in one corner, and pin the two layers together every few inches. It's okay if some of the fabric overlaps. You can trim this later. Just make sure there are no areas where the quilted fabric isn't covered by the top material.

6. Sew the layers together using your sewing machine. Leave about a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and take pins out as you go. Watch out for pins which can damage your sewing needle or machine.

7. Iron the piece that you just sewed together to make sure there are no bubbles or uneven areas along the entire seam line. Trim any excess material from the edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sturdy, long pins on quilted fabric so the pin doesn't bend or break when you put it through the thick layers.
• Pick solid or a printed-pattern materials so your measurements aren't as important. If you use plaids or striped-material, you'll need to keep your cuts exact or the mistakes show uneven lines.
• Check the seams all the way around the piece when you're done. If there is an area that's uneven, rip it out and start over on that side to fix it.