How to Quilt Lines on Fabric

Beginning quilters can try straight quilt lines before moving on to more complicated patterns.

It's easy to learn how to quilt lines on fabric, and you only need a few basic supplies. Quilt lines can be added to fabric by hand or machine; the basic process is the same. Choose hand-sewing if you don't have a sewing machine, or if you have never quilted before. If you already own a sewing machine and know how to use it, you can add your quilt lines by machine. Once you master the art of quilting lines, you can create more complex quilted designs.

Things You'll Need

• 1 yard decorative cotton fabric
• 1 yard cotton backing
• Water soluble fabric marker
• Yardstick or quilter's ruler
• 1 yard batting
• Quilt spray adhesive
• Needle and cotton thread to match decorative fabric
• Sewing machine with cotton thread

Instructions

Prepare the Fabric for Quilting

1. Wash and dry the decorative fabric and the backing fabric, then press with a hot iron to remove any wrinkles.

2. Place the decorative fabric piece on a flat work surface. Use the ruler and water soluble pen to draw quilting lines on the right side of the fabric. The right side of the fabric is the "good" side, where the image is meant to be seen and looks best. Make lines that are horizontal, vertical or diagonal, or mark lines in a combination of directions.

3. Spread the backing fabric out on a flat work surface with the right side facing down. Spray with a light coat of quilt adhesive, holding the can 12 inches from the surface and moving it around to be sure all of the fabric is covered.

4. Lay the batting on top of the backing fabric and smooth it out. Spray the batting with the quilt adhesive.

5. Top the batting with the marked decorative fabric. The adhesive will hold all of the layers in place so you can add quilt lines to the fabric.

Quilt Lines on Fabric

1. Use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to sew along each of the lines you marked. Sew through all three layers of fabric and turn the fabric as needed to reach each area. Depending on the thickness of your fabric and your personal preference, you may want to use a quilt hoop to hold the fabric, but it is not required; most beginners find it easier to quilt without a hoop at first.

2. When you have sewn along each of the quilted lines, sew the layers together around the top, bottom and side edges to secure.

3. Wash and dry the quilted fabric, then use as desired. Washing will remove both the marker lines and the quilt adhesive.

Tips & Warnings

• Use quilted fabric to make handbags and other accessories.

• These directions also work for pieced patchwork and quilt tops.

• If you don't have quilt adhesive, you can use pins to hold the layers of fabric and batting together so they don't shift around when you sew. You will need about 12 pins per square foot of fabric.

• If you have never quilted before, add quilt lines to your fabric by hand first; it is harder to stay on the marked lines when you use a machine.

• Don't use too much adhesive, add just enough to make the fabric sticky.

References

• "Quilting for Dummies"; Cheryl Fall; 1999
• "Sewing with Vintage Linens"; Samantha McNesby; 2003