How to Stitch Quilts

Invented as an economical way to provide a warm bedcovering, quilts today are valued for their beauty. As the joined pieces form blocks, the design takes shape.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Quilt Patterns
• Fabrics
• Ironing Boards
• Irons
• Needles
• Sewing Machine
• Straight Pins
• Thimbles
• Threads
• Straight Pins
• Scissors
• Scissors

1. Place the right sides of two quilt pieces together.

2. Hand or machine stitch one adjoining edge along the 1/4-inch seam line.

3. Use medium-length stitches.

4. Backstitch to seal the seam at the beginning and the end.

5. Add another quilt piece by placing the right sides of the fabric together and stitching along the seam line.

6. Add pieces until the quilt block is complete.

7. Trim the excess fabric and press the seams open or to one side.

8. Sew your individual quilt blocks together.

Tips & Warnings

• Pinning, basting or taping pieces together may help anchor them while you work.

[Aslynn]

on 4/25/2009 Most pro quilters will tell you that step #2 is wrong! You cut your pieices a 1/4 inch larger but you stitch a scant 1/4 inch along the join. This allows room for the seam. Most new quilters don't understand why their finished blocks are slightly smaller then they should be, this is why!