Step by Step Quilting Instructions

You can follow a classic pattern or create your own.

Making your own quilt is a time-honored tradition in many families. It was a necessity in difficult economic times to provide bedding for the home; in modern times, it is an exercise in artistic expression. A few simple steps need to be followed to accomplish this task. Whatever your age, you can achieve the satisfaction of creating your own quilt.

Things You'll Need

• Quilt pattern
• Quilt fabric
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Rotary cutter
• 6-by-24 inch rotary ruler
• 12 1/2-inch rotary ruler
• 18-by-24 inch rotary cutting mat
• Straight stitch sewing machine
• Size 80 sewing machine needles
• Scissors
• Silk pins
• Seam ripper
• Mechanical pencil
• Quilting stencils
• Cotton thread
• Stretcher bars
• Long quilter's pins
• Batting
• Size 00 brass safety pins
• 10-inch quilting hoop
• Quilting thread
• Size 10 betweens quilting needles
• Thimble

Instructions

1. Choose a quilt pattern for your quilt top. Keep it simple for a first quilt. Refer to the pattern for the fabric requirements; purchase the best quality cotton fabric you can afford. Look for good thread count, good print registration and dyes that are fast and do not rub off on your hands. Sort the fabric, according to lights and darks; wash, dry and iron.

2. Lay out your rotary mat with the short length parallel with the edge of the table near you. Referring to your pattern, cut the necessary strips and pieces from your fabrics, using your rotary cutter and ruler on the mat.

3. Thread your sewing machine. Place a new needle in the holder on the needle shaft. Plug in your machine. Refer to the pattern for piecing instructions. Use silk pins to secure the pieces together before sewing. Sew your seams using a 1/4-inch seam. Use your iron and ironing board to press each part of the quilt top as you sew. Use your seam ripper to remove stitching on pieces that are not properly aligned.

4. Lay out your top on a table. Mark your quilting designs on the top surface, using your mechanical pencil. Mark the top by tracing the designs through the slots on the quilting templates. Adjust the placement of your designs over the surface so that the quilting will be relatively uniform.

5. Unpackage your batting and allow the creases to relax. Lay out your stretcher bars to fit the size of your quilt top; secure the bolts to form the proper size rectangle. Pin the backing to the stretcher bars, using the long quilter's pins, with the wrong side of the fabric facing up. Lay your batting on the backing and smooth the top over the batting, centered on the backing. Secure the three layers together, using the safety pins. Remove the quilt sandwich from the stretcher bars.

6. Loosen the retaining nut on your quilting hoop and slip the inner hoop under the quilt. Place the outer hoop over the top; push the two hoops together and tighten the retaining nut. Thread your needle and make a small knot in the thread. Bury the knot between the layers of the quilt and quilt your pre-marked designs. Trim the outer edge of the quilt and bind the raw edge with binding.

Tips & Warnings

• A multitude of quilt top patterns are available for you to try. Start simple so you can learn the basics before venturing into the more complicated designs.

• Keep your scissors, pins and rotary cutter out of the reach of children.

References

• "Quilter's Complete Guide;" Marianne Fons and Liz Porter; 2001
• "From Basics to Binding: A Complete Guide to Making Quilts;" Karen Kay Buckley; 1992
• "Your First Quilt Book (or it Should Be );" Carol Doak; 1997