Quilts

Quilting a piece of flat material typically involves stitching a marked pattern through layers of fabric. However, you can create a more dynamic quilt by including more dimensional elements, such as…

Quilting is a fairly easy craft to learn, but it is necessary to have the right tools when laying out your quilt. Modern tools used today include a rotary cutter, self-healing mat and a ruler. Make…

Mitered corners add an expert touch to any project by creating a framework around your quilt. These corners resemble the sections of a picture frame and while achieving this effect will make your…

Stippling is a quilting technique of close stitches that can be done by hand or machine. It creates a textured surface, as the fabric puffs up between the stitching. By definition, lines of stippling…

The final process in quilting involves binding the edges of the quilt. Binding forms a protective boarder around the outside of the quilt, keeping together all three layers, including the top, batting…

A quilt sash is the border between the quilted squares that can be used to add color and definition to the quilt. Not all quilts have sashes, but adding a sash can add contrast to the quilted piece.…

Quilts often have two different strips around the outside of the quilt top: a border and a binding. Quilt borders can have butted or mitered corners. Butted corners have the vertical or horizontal…

A serger can save you valuable time and energy when finishing your quilt. Unlike a regular sewing machine, a serger will sew, trim, and finish the edges of your quilt simultaneously. Although the…

Finishing a quilt with mitered corners allows the edges to meet at a 45 degree angle. Though there are a number of techniques for finishing the corners of a quilt top, mitering the corners is a common…

The “cutting” size of a quilt border is not the same as the “finished” size. The cutting size represents what the dimensions of the quilt borders need to be in order to achieve…

Double-faced quilt panels are assembled together to create a beautiful bedspread or wall hanging that looks great on both sides. Rather than a regular lining backing, these quilts are made from panels…

A quilt top consists of several different parts. The quilt squares, the sashing and the border all combine to -- hopefully -- form an attractive and visually appealing top. The border, though the last…

Embellishments add to and enhance the colors, textures and look of a quilt -- creating a unique piece of artwork that can be admired for years to come. Common quilting embellishments include beads,…

Attach letter appliques to a finished quilt using a dual method meant for the security of the design. An iron-on adhesive sheet forms a firm bond between the two fabrics. A stitched edge ensures that…

Binding refers to the finishing of a quilt that is completed by securing its edges. A strip of fabric typically is folded over the unfinished quilt edges and stitched into place. You can then add yarn…

The sashing on a quilt is the decorative fabric used between the blocks. The blocks and their sashings combined give a quilt its distinctive decorative pattern. Mitering is the means by which the…

Most quilt edges feature binding, a long strip of cloth a few inches wide that fully wraps the front and back edges of the quilt and is sewn in place like a border. Some quilters prefer a simpler…

Quilting is a sewing project that combines different materials to produce a collage of swen pieces. Constructing a quilt is a project that a person can complete on her own or accomplish in a group…

Traditional quilting can be divided into four separate steps: sewing the front pieces together; assembling the batting and backing; connecting the front, batting and backing to the binding; and…

Binding your quilt refers to the process of sewing a thin strip of fabric all the way around the quilt. This hides the raw edges of the batting and backing, giving your quilt its elegant finished…

Quilted jackets are a great way to show off your love of quilting with an item you can wear. They are also warm and comfortable, just like quilts made for a bed. However, it can be a challenge to…

The practice of quilting still has many uses today in the industrialized world, even as many places have an abundance of virtually free clothes and fabrics. While quilting has its creative…

Quilting has been more than just another craft in America for hundreds of years. During many periods of history, quiltings were exciting social events. They were sometimes held for causes such as…

Appliqued quilts offer the quilt maker techniques to portray more elaborate designs than traditional pattern piecing, due to the ability to layer the pieces of the design. The technique involves…

Narrow borders are used on quilts when the quilt is small or the design or patterns on the quilt are meant to be the focus of the design. If you choose to use too wide a border, it can overwhelm the…

The border adds the final finishing touch to a quilt. You can use the border to complete the design or add a few extra inches to the quilt. Your first consideration when finishing the border on a…

A mitered quilt border results in a straight seam from the inside of the border corner to the outer point. This technique takes a bit more time than a butted border, which involves matching the ends…

Longarm quilting differs drastically from sewing machine or hand quilting in price, technique and continuous training needed to perfect skills. At 8 feet in length, this machine looks intimidating,…

Because cotton shrinks, it's important to wash the fabric infrequently to preserve its shape and prevent tearing. A quilt constructed of 100 percent cotton fabric and fill will wear evenly over time…

Quilts are often made in standard sizes to fit twin, full, queen and king-sized beds. However, if you have a non-traditional mattress size, you may want to measure your bed to create a custom-fitted…

A quilt top's corners should be trimmed to a 90-degree angle to make it easier to sew on a straight and strong binding. The binding fabric is also trimmed so that two of the sides extend past the…

A hexagon quilt is made up of many small hexagonal pieces of fabric that are joined at their sides. This technique is one of the oldest patchwork patterns, dating back to the early days of the…

Often those who quilt need to create a piece for practical purposes, rather than showcasing. In this instance, it is better to use more simplistic techniques that allow you to finish quickly, rather…

One of the simplest ways to bind the edges of a quilted pillowcase is by using the backing material of the quilting as the binding. Leaving the backing fabric longer than the quilt top allows you to…

Quilting is a sewing method that involves multiple strips or swatches of fabrics cut and joined together in various ways. In order to quilt, you first need your fabric swatches. A common way to obtain…

A homemade quilted headboard is made from a large piece of plywood that is layered with quilted batting and topped with decorative fabric. If you have made your own headboard for your bedroom, then…

Sashing a quilt provides visual definition and additional width or length to an assembled quilt, and requires just a bit more time and effort to complete. When sashing a quilt, consider the overall…

Down is made of the breast coat feathers of ducks and geese. This breast coat is hidden underneath the exterior breast coat that protects the bird from the elements. The older the bird, the softer the…

As you make a quilt, you aren’t limited to just one or two types of binding to finish your project. Depending upon whom the quilt is intended for, you can create a whimsical binding using strips…

Quilters often ooh and aah over tiny quilting stitches or intricately pieced quilts, but great quilters know that one of the signs of a well done quilt isn’t how small the stitches are or how…

The yo-yo quilt is assembled from multiple yo-yos of the same size. The small gathered circles of fabric are arranged in rows, blocks or other patterns and stitched together by hand to form a quilt in…

Though piecework quilting refers to making quilts from pieces of fabric, the fact is piecework and quilting are two separate crafts. Piecework is the practice of joining small fabric shapes together…

You have finally completed that quilt you have been working on for ages. You have sewn the pieces together and even transformed the corners of the quilt into gentle curves for a slightly different…

In many cases, a quilt is an heirloom that is handmade and passed from generation to generation. Quilts might become worn and threadbare or even stained over time. They could be thrown out, but that…

Binding a quilt with a border is really no different than binding a traditional quilt. It is simply a matter of placing the binding around the outside of the border or using the border to bind the…

Coping triangles, also known as setting triangles, are a type of sashing used between quilt blocks when the blocks are arranged in a diagonal pattern. These triangles fill in the space between the…

The edging you choose for your quilt becomes the frame for the finished piece. Add to your quilt’s pattern and color scheme by using multiple layers of edging or keep it simple to let your…

Quilting is a hobby that requires a fair amount of space to work in. No matter the size of your work area, it's likely that you can always use some more storage space and reduce the clutter. There are…

Quilters, whether they stitch the material in the quilt by hand or with a sewing machine, need to know which needles to use to get the best results, and which are practical to work with. The relaxing…

If you’ve found a stunning quilt pattern that you just have to make, but the dimensions are too small, don’t worry. You can enlarge your quilt top with some simple math and a photocopy…

Except for the rare, very adventurous quilter, most crafters will design a circular quilt to be a wall hanging. Round quilts are a different sort of design challenge from square and rectangular…

Kindness quilts are a popular and attractive means of promoting kindness among schools, churches and community groups. The quilts are created by joining together children's drawings of acts of…

Sometimes, recovering an old quilt can be almost as much work as making a new one. If pieces are missing, you might find yourself spending hours searching for similar, authentic antique fabric to…

Although there is no right or wrong way to arrange quilts on sofas, the way you fold and display them can affect the overall mood of the room. Because quilt materials are relatively stiff, the fabric…

Applique is the act of sewing on an embellishment to a piece of fabric so that it stands out from the rest of the background. In quilting, appliqué is used to add unique elements to the quilt…

Quilting requires a needle, thread and a combination of two or more layers of fabric or cloth. Most quilts have three layers: a top, a layer of batting and a backing layer. When a quilt is finished,…

Pictorial quilts are quilts that, instead of using traditional quilt blocks, use pieces of fabric to make pictures. The image can be almost anything, ranging from a train engine made of geometric…

Sashing strips are the material placed between the squares when quilting. There are many types of sashing that can be used, depending on the style of the quilt. One common style that works with most…

Appliques add color and interest to quilts. Fabric appliques have been adorning quilts and fabric crafts for centuries. Many little girls remember growing up with appliques of Sunbonnet Sue, that cute…

Sashing, or the strips of fabric between squares of a quilt, can add visual dimension to your quilt. Sashing can help your quilt pieces stand out. It highlight patterns and colors in your quilt…

A border for your quilt is the last critical decision you’ll make in a quilting project. Scale and color both are important. Think of a border as a frame that centers your quilt and showcases…

If you are a veteran quilter, it's likely that you have a lot more completed projects than you have beds where you can display them. A compression hanger will allow you to place your quilt on a wall…

Quilting emerged as folk art on the American frontier during the 18th and 19th centuries. Fabric became a valuable commodity among settlers who did not want to waste a single scrap. Frontier women…

Even the most well made quilt will develop tears and loose seams over time due to use or abuse. One of the most common problems with quilts is a binding that has come loose along part of the edge.…

Few things make novice quilters tremble more than the idea of finishing and binding a quilt. However, once a few simple techniques are mastered, quilt binding is nothing to fear. Many quilters enjoy…

Quilting is an art that is often passed down through the generations. Quilts vary from the traditional combining of small scraps of unmatched fabric, to elaborate appliqued scenes, to single pieces of…

Hemming the border on a quilt provides a strong and durable edge to the finished product. Hemming a quilt is the process of sewing the material so the fabric from which its made doesn’t unravel.…

Like a picture frame, quilt bindings are the finishing touches that highlight the quilt and seal in the raw edges of the quilt layers. Proper binding for quilt shows suggest that the binding be plump,…

Adding sashing between quilting blocks gives a quilt a final touch and added detail. The sashing of a quilt involves strips of fabric that are placed along the edges of a quilt and around each…

Constructing your own quilt involves several different steps, some more intimidating than others. The very last step in making that quilt, sewing the binding around the edges, is often the most…

If you're lucky enough to receive a handmade crib quilt as a baby shower gift, you may not want to risk actually using it with the baby. The various liquids that seep out of the average baby are…

A very popular quilting project for children ages six and up is a quilt fleece pillow. Simple, hands-on projects such as this teach children hand and eye coordination and how to follow directions.…

Stitching an entire quilt by hand takes time, dedication and skill, and until the advent of the sewing machine, countless hours were spent crafting beautiful, handmade heirlooms. Despite technological…

The Dresden plate quilt pattern is usually sewn with 12 to 20 equal-sized pieces of fabric assembled in a circle, with each piece also attached to one small center circle. The resulting design…

Creating a pleasing quilt border is more art than science. Choosing a design can be difficult, since border patterns are nearly as limitless as center patterns. A good quilt border enhances your…

A traditional Hawaiian quilt features one large needle-turned, floral-style appliqué design surrounded by shadow quilting stitches to give the appliqué greater prominence. Some Hawaiian…

Quilting has grown from a practical way to create warm blankets to a modern way to design beautiful covers. While quilts are considered art forms and documents of history and culture, they also need…

Successful games for quilt guilds are based on the common interests about which quilters are most passionate -- fabric, fabric, fabric and still more fabric. Lively games can build on this shared…

When most people imagine a quilt, they probably picture rows of squares lined up on a blanket. This is the traditional quilt look, but not all quilts have to share this appearance. The definition of a…

Along highways and country roads in middle America, barns dot the landscape. Every so often you’ll see one decorated in quintessential American fashion with a painted barn quilt. Unlike the…

Quilting enthusiasts can add a different technique to their existing repertoire by adding reverse appliques. This technique uses the underside of the top quilting fabric to outline the applique…

American quilting styles are known for blending European, African-American and other cultures' sewing techniques, symbols and designs. One of the hallmarks of the quilting tradition is how each…

A scalloped quilt edge has a lot of small, semicircular segments that can be a challenge to finish. But it can be done with the right supplies. Binding a scalloped edge takes time, attention and bias…

Measure your quilt to ensure you have enough binding materials before you sew to avoid running to the store to purchase more fabric. Binding a quilt protects the edges and finishes the look after all…

Quilt pieces are the building blocks of your finished quilt and must be cut exactly as described in the quilt instructions. Seemingly minor differences in cutting technique can yield big differences…

Quilts are typically comprised of three layers: a quilt top that features patchwork or applique elements, soft batting material in the center and a solid piece of fabric at the back. These three…

Foundation stitching a quilt refers to a process otherwise known as paper piecing. A template is made for the fabric pieces that are stitched together to form a quilt block, then the cut fabric pieces…

A quilt may be finished by using traditional binding, which may vary according to your taste, or a quilt may also be finished without a binding. Different types of edge trimming may be used, and one…

Basting is often overlooked as an important quilting skill because the basting stitches are removed after the quilting is finished. If you skip over basting or do a poor job of it, however, your quilt…

Crafts can be done solo or as a group. They can be for pleasure, profit or as a ministry. If they are enjoyable and affordable, you might want to do a craft more than once. Some crafts offer you the…

Binding a quilt not only gives off a clean, finished look but the binding material actually protects and preserves your quilt during use and even when being washed. The seams around the edge of a…

Online fabric and quilting sites abound with tips on setting the dyes in fabrics. Some quilters swear by soaking the fabric in white vinegar and water. Others rely on a mild saltwater solution for the…

Binding is a clean way to finish off the edge of a quilt. It not only secures the end of the quilt from tearing or fraying, but it can also be a great accent piece. You can use complementary or…

While a tall glass of Coca-Cola may taste sweet, an unexpected spill on a quilt is anything but pleasant. In severe cases, you may need to contact a professional cleaning company to remove the stain…

A kaleidoscope quilt incorporates a variety of patterns in a seemingly random way to create the effect of a looking into a kaleidoscope. As with almost any quilt, the level of difficulty of the…

String quilts are a great way to use up long strips, or strings, of fabric. String quilts do not require the fabric to be matching or coordinating; they are simply a way to effectively use old fabric.…

Framing your quilt with a well-constructed binding can perfect the look of your quilt. Since you have, undoubtedly, spent a huge amount of time and effort creating your quilt, it's important for the…

Today’s quilters use fusible materials in a myriad of ways. Thin sheets of fusible web can take the place of machine sewing in stitching together fabrics blocks. They can be used to create and…

Applique quilting techniques are used for bed quilts and home decor objects like wall hangings and pillows. Applique quilting differs from traditional quilting in that you do not assemble blocks by…

Adding binding is the final step to finishing your quilt. Take as much care now as you did stitching the top and quilting and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful finished product. Because your wall…

Using knots to secure a quilt is an alternative to hand or machine quilting to hold the three layers together. Though the technique is not generally used on traditional quilts, it is suitable for…

A scalloped edge on a quilt is a stylish option that produces a wavy, curved border. The finishing required for this edge, using binding material, is more difficult due to the lack of straight lines.…

Fractions are the quotient of two quantities, according to the "Free Dictionary." In elementary schools, mathematics instructors must teach students the equivalents of fractions. Dividing…

A quilting hoop is a double ringed hoop made of either wood or study plastic. Quilting hoops are available in a variety of sizes and are utilized by people embarking on hand-quilting projects. It…

A quilt with mitered corners gives a neat, streamlined finish. The mitered corner can show a pleat or a diagonal seam, both angled at 45 degrees. Double-fold bias tape can form a time-saving pleat. A…

The feather stitch is a type of embroidery stitch used in quilting and other forms of embroidery, sometimes referred to as a quilted feather stitch, coral stitch or briar stitch. The stitch can be…

A quilt can provide years of comfort and warmth for you and your family. Sew new binding to extend the life of an old and beloved quilt. Stitching ready-to-use blanket binding or double-fold bias tape…

Binding a hexagon-shaped quilt is done the same way you would bind a regular quilt. Even a beginning quilter can create a professional-looking quilt binding for her hexagon quilt. Choosing an…

Self-binding refers to the technique of wrapping the fabric at the back of a quilt sandwich -- top, batting, backing fabric -- around the raw edges at the ends of the quilt and sewing it down on the…

Quilters usually have an abundance of fabric scraps. Each project yields a few unused pieces of fabric, and after a few such projects, the stash of scraps quickly increases. When finishing a quilt,…

A border or a series of borders can be added to a quilt for interest or to make it larger. The fabrics in the patchwork quilt blocks can be used as border prints. The border requires long attached…

Scalloped edges pose a unique challenge for quilters. The scalloped edge makes a very decorative quilt, but finishing off that edge poses problems, especially in large quilts. Binding around curves…

Some quilters consider a quilt a fabric palette, the ideal spot for creating a scene or a picture out of fabric. When you applique fabric shapes or patterns onto a fabric background, you may have a…

Whether you quilt by hand or by machine, the three layers in the quilt sandwich must be fastened together by basting, so they won't shift during the quilting process. Basting a quilt may seem like a…

The last step in creating a quilt is attaching a binding, which serves as a way to close the layers of the pattern on the edges to prevent the quilt from coming apart. You have several options for…

Quilting the layers of fabric, also called topstitching, will prevent your quilt batting from coming apart and bunching as it is washed and used. Topstitching is the process of binding the three…

Binding a quilt is one of the most important steps in ensuring it is durable enough for many years of use. The binding secures the edges of the quilt, as well as holding together the quilt top,…

Traditional hand quilting is a relaxing pastime. It isn’t difficult, but it does take some time. Once the quilt top is completed and sandwiched together with the batting and backing, place the…

Binding can make or break a quilting project. Many quilts have lost competitions because of flaws in the binding. Bias binding is made from fabric strips cut on the bias, and it is suitable for all…

Whenever you have a cut in your quilt’s border, you have two options. You can purchase a new quilt or restore the one you have. Restoring the quilt returns it to a usable condition. Thus, you…

A border on your quilt provides a visual stopping point between the quilt blocks and the binding. Borders can be as simple or as complex as you want, and their design should be chosen early in the…

A kindergarten quilt project is one way to incorporate arts and crafts into weekly lessons. The quilt squares can include pictures, words or phrases related to the alphabet, community helpers, seasons…

Binding is the last step in quilting, as it puts a neatly finished edge on your project. This step requires a long strip of fabric 2 to 3 inches wide and equal in length to the perimeter of the quilt,…

The decoupage process works just as well for fabric as it does with paper products. When you decoupage items, you bring different colors and shapes together in a decorative way. Decoupage is also…

A quilt border provides a visual break between the quilt blocks and the binding. It is added to the top once the blocks have been assembled and sewn together and is meant to be the part of the quilt…

Finishing a homemade quilt with a colorful satin binding adds shine and interest to any project or gift. In the past, blanket bindings were available only in a limited range of pastel colors. Today…

Use bias-cut fabric strips when binding an octagonal quilt if you want to save time and effort. The initial setting up and cutting of the strips may take some time but you can make longer strips…

Quilting is a craft that has been popular for centuries and holds historical and cultural significance the world over. Traditional quilts are sewn by hand, requiring thousands of stitches to complete…

Binding a quilt is the final step before completion. When you are set for this task you can use a store-bought binding or you can cut your own binding. Cutting your own binding allows you to choose…

Quilting is a quintessential part of American history. The families of many children in your Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop may possess heirloom quilts made by ancestors. However; since parents rarely…

Star quilts follow their name closely in that they are quilts with actual stars sewn on them. This design is commonly seen in country- or patriotic-themed quilts. The stars can be small and spread all…

There are three main types of quilting: hand quilting on your lap, machine quilting in your home and longarm quilting. The latter is the faster of the three types of quilting and takes place on a…

You can make a quilt top sewing all the block sections together, or you can create a different look using sashing. You make sashing by cutting strips. Instead of placing the quilt block sections…

Whether a family heirloom or a lucky thrift-store find, a vintage quilt can serve as a gorgeous throw, interesting decoration or simply the best way to stay warm on a cold winter's night.…

That quilt heirloom or the beautiful quilt you just completed needs to be on display in your home. A decorative way to display the quilt is over your sofa. To get the most out of the beauty and, in…

Children have the ability to learn many things before the time they start school. “Around the age of three, children begin to develop the ability to mutually learn to identify letters and…

Quilts were first made for practical purposes hundreds of years ago. But even back then, women embellished quilts to make them attractive. Combining embroidery work with quilting showed off both types…

Binding is the last step in making a quilt. It is often put off because it is thought to be difficult. In reality, it takes very little hard work to bind a quilt. Larger quilts, because of their size,…

In a quilt, sashing is a strip of fabric sewn between the quilt’s blocks, separating the blocks just as a sash on a dress separates the top from the skirt. However, while a dress sash is…

When you are about to add the binding to your quilt, you have a few decisions to make. You will want to determine the grain, the width and the fold you want for your quilt. There are two types of…

Basting is an important step in making a quilt because it assures that your final product will be neat and wrinkle-free. Basting helps to make sure that the layers of your quilt lay flat and will not…

Geometry is the study of shapes and sizes and is first studied in early mathematics. Some of the simplest concepts of geometry include the calculation of areas within shapes as well as determining the…

The binding of a quilt can significantly modify its overall appearance. You can bind the completed quilt with an outer layer of ribbon or a double-fold binding tape for a smooth and sleek outer edge,…

Whether you’re new to quilting or have advanced skills, some terms can become confusing when you’re adding your own design to a quilt pattern. For example, filling, batting, padding and…

Making a quilt consists of approximately five steps. You measure and cut the fabric into patchwork squares and then sew them together. You bind the quilt, which entails covering the raw edges with…

Once you have pieced and quilted your handmade quilt there is one more step before you can attach the binding. Since quilting can shift the layers of the quilt against each other, you need to trim…

Although most people assume the best place for a handmade quilt is on a bed, you can also display a quilt on your wall like artwork. However, the last thing you would want to do is pound nails into…

A homemade quilt is a work of art that family and friends will treasure for generations to come. The binding is the final step after piecing and quilting. You can purchase premade binding strips or…

Quilts are often precious family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation. Care for your quilt properly and it can last for hundreds of years. To maintain the condition and maximize the…

The best quilting looks absolutely seamless with no beginning and no end. When you look at the work of the best quilters, you should have a hard time deciding where the stitching began and where it…

Quilting often seems like a daunting project, with many steps and elaborate designs. However, whether creating a simple square or extensive masterpiece, there's one step that is integral to the final…

While many seasoned quilters find a hemming or binding process that they prefer, it is never too late to learn some new tricks of the trade. Quilt making is a time-honored tradition with many American…

Whether your quilt was made by your great-grandmother or found at a garage sale, you may want to keep it forever. Quilts like many types of blankets are susceptible to damage — even normal wear…

Satin binding all around the edge of a quilt lends it a soft, polished finish. The satin is soft and smooth to touch, which makes satin binding a good choice for babies’ quilts or blankets for…

A handmade quilt can last for generations and become a treasured family heirloom with proper care. Most quilts hold up well when washed in a home washing machine or a commercial washer. Fragile quilts…

While most handmade quilts are held together with quilting stitches, there is an enormous number of ways in which to do this. The choice of quilting pattern can be based on the quilt top design, the…

Handmade quilts are passed from generation to generation as family heirlooms. The origin of quilting is lost to antiquity, having developed independently in different cultures. Historically, quilting…

Quilting uses leftover fabric and turns it into a useful blanket, comforter or bedspread. Quilted fabric makes warm robes, elegant coats and even unusual accessories. Quilting is as old as ancient…

Quilts make attractive bed coverings that keep you warm. Crafting your own quilt offers you many possibilities in matching your bedroom furnishings using several sets of flat sheets, purchasing cotton…

Barbour quilted coats are available in many styles and colors and include a waterproof dressing to make them a long-lasting product. The waterproof exterior repels liquids so they don’t stain…

Adding piping to a quilt border requires special attention to corners to achieve a professional look. Piping adds a decorative finish and can be used to add a pop of color to the quilt. By taking the…

Quilting has a long history in the United States. Since Colonial times, women have gotten together to hand sew large quilts for their families and for gifts to loved ones. When fabric was scarce,…

Silhouette quilts are an ideal way for needle craft enthusiasts to create special embroidery for quilts and other fabrics. Silhouette pictures emphasize shadow, creating mysterious imagery. The…

When sewing a quilt, one of the most frustrating things can be getting your sewing machine to cooperate with the plans. Whether you have a long arm quilting machine or a standard sewing machine,…

Some quilts are made from a single large piece of cloth, and the pattern of the quilt is formed entirely with thread. Most of the time, however, quilts are made from many small pieces of fabric that…

Binding can turn a quilt into either a masterpiece or a disaster. Joining binding neatly creates a professional, finished look. The key to excellent binding? Measure, measure, measure. The old adage…

Traditionally, quilts are created from scraps of material that are sewn together in a colorful pattern, but precisely cutting these individual pieces can be difficult and time-consuming. With the tube…

Handmade lap quilts require special skill, technique and craftsmanship, making them more valuable than commercially produced quilts. If you are a skilled quilter, you may find it lucrative to sell…

Quilters who stitch the final sewing of a quilt by hand must use a small hand-quilting needle and a hoop that holds the basted quilt layers together tightly. The process of pushing the needle back and…

From a distance this quilt may look like any other bed covering, but up close you can see the finished design is made using a collection of same-sized round pieces of material sewn together. Yo-yo…

When you construct quilts, your work will probably involve both machine and hand stitching to piece the fabrics together into a quilted design. A common hand-sewing stitch, the whipstitch, effectively…

A prayer quilt is created by members of a church congregation. Once the quilt has been created, it is placed in a prominent position in the church for the congregation to tie knots in the threads of…

Quilts are a symbol of old times and home-grown care. They remind us that we can be as self-sufficient as we choose to be. But not only can we piece together scraps of fabric into something warm, we…

Pebble quilting is a stitching technique that uses circles. Circles are placed close together and create a pebbled appearance on the finished quilt, hence the name. Vary the surface by using circles…

Goose down quilts are often labeled "dry clean only," but they can usually be cleaned and dried at home, as long as the fabric is washable. Goose down provides lightweight, warm insulation to quilts,…

A quilt binding is the finishing touch on a well-crafted quilt. Because the edges of a quilt see so much wear, they are the first places a quilt shows its age. By using a double-folded binding, the…

Becoming acquainted with your quilting ruler is useful when you are just learning how to quilt. Quilters use quilting rulers because they are designed to work with rotary cutters and cutting mats to…

The Pinwheel quilt pattern became standard in the Western world roughly 200 years ago. These patterns were used as both pieces in the quilt or as a border. Creating your own pinwheel quilt is simple,…

Quilts are small squares of fabric sewn together to create a large blanket. Some quilts passed down through families have scraps of clothing used by family members in the past. Cultures such as the…

The small triangles that extend from the borders of some quilts are called prairie points. Prairie point edging looks like it would be complicated, but it is not. The important thing to remember is…

If you are looking for a quick, easy project, consider preprinted quilt panels. They can be stitched up in less than a weekend, even by an inexperienced quilter. These panels are found in fabric or…

Quilts are heavy blankets that are perfect for placing on top of your bed for a decoration or to cover up with in the cold winter months. Damage can occur to the seams of a quilt that can cause it to…

Quilts are judged most often at a quilting guild show, county or state fair. The quilts are closely scrutinized for quilting techniques as well as artistry. Quilt judges are required to undergo…

Longarm quilting adds an artistic quality to a quilt that cannot be achieved with a home sewing machine. The most intricate stitch designs may be created with a longarm in a matter of hours (as…

The classic camouflage pattern is used in the military, by hunters, and in fashion. Camouflage can also be used to decorate a toddler's room. A room in camouflage decor should be enhanced by a…

A crazy quilt -- a colorful, patchwork quilt made of assorted fabrics, trims and embroidery -- is constructed block by block. No batting is required, merely a backing fabric. The pieced blocks are…

One thing that makes quilting special is that it tends to be shared within families, and quilts often are passed down from generation to generation. Eventually, these prized quilts will need repairing…

Traditional quilts are composed of quilt blocks sewn together to create a quilt top. The blocks are usually made from a patchwork or appliqué design involving several different fabrics. The…

Small quilts can be used as decorative table toppers and are easy to transform into wall hangings with curtain clips. Larger quilts are a different story. Their transformation into wall hangings…

The folded corner technique is used in quilting to piece small triangles of fabric to the corners of square or rectangle patches or on top of larger triangles. Learning the folding corners technique…

Quilters make a number of artistic decisions when designing a quilt, one of which may be whether or not to sash it. Sashing is what goes between the blocks in a quilt. Not all quilts have sashes, but…

Making quilts is a hobby that leads to decorative wall hangings or large blankets to be used on couches or chairs in living rooms and great rooms in many homes. Quilting requires patience and…

The idea of friendship quilts began years ago, and these quilts were extremely popular in the 1940s and 1950s. During those years, women often held quilting parties where they would make friendship…

A quilt is a symbol of pride and joy as well as a useful, functional blanket or wall decoration. Quilting is a national pastime amongst ladies of all regions of the country. Quilting is usually done…

Quilts made especially for display are often made with a hanging sleeve attached to the back. With this sleeve, a curtain rod is threaded through the back of the quilt for quick and simple display of…

Yo-yos are circles of fabric, each hand-stitched around the edge, gathered and flattened to form little rosettes. Usually, they are sewn together in rows to make a scrappy, multicolored coverlet,…

Once you've finished a quilt, whether it be for the bed or wall, it's important to finish the edges with an even border that complements your handiwork. A self-border is the easiest way to finish the…

That kitchen staple cheesecloth is a fun, new way to add interest to modern art quilts. Artists are using the thin, lightly woven fabric for a number of effects. Dyed or painted and scrunched up, it…

Bow tucks are popular handbags and tote bags you can make yourself. The sides of the bags have ties that create tucks when you tie them into bows. Choose a bow-tuck pattern you like and follow the…

Shadow quilting has an ominous sound to it. In reality, it is a method of quilting where the quilter stitches various things on top of their quilt. The quilter then covers the design with a…

Turn your backyard into a high-seas adventure with a fence post and a little ingenuity. Decorate a wooden post to resemble the mast of an old-time sailing ship. Your children will enjoy hours of…

Binding a quilt is one of the most important and most overlooked parts of the quilt-making process. Even the most beautiful quilts can suffer from poor binding, and a well-bound quilt can make an…

While the center of the quilt is focal point, the border acts as a frame. Once you have finished blocking the center, you will be ready to put on the border. Using a machine can make this go much…

Quilting with children is a fun interactive project, but has the potential to be very challenging. Until children are about seven years old, even the most basic stitching is difficult and may not be…

The intricate linear designs of Celtic symbols and letters can be incorporated into a Celtic quilt. The technique involves a needle-turned hand-stitch applique method on strips of fabric. The Celtic…

Finishing a quilt edge -- also called binding a quilt -- is both the final step and the finishing touch. It is one of the most important steps in producing a good-looking item. Double binding a quilt…

Many quilt makers like to add dimension and character to their quilts by adding appliques. These are created by adding a piece of cut material on top of a background material. Appliques are often…

The term "fat quarter" refers to a way of cutting fabric off the bolt to give the most useful area of fabric. Normally 1/4-yard of fabric cut from the bolt would result in a wide narrow strip of…

Twilling is the art of adding embroidery to the surface of a quilt top, creating texture and a tactile embellishment beyond the quilting stitches. Reminiscent of candlewicking, twilling is…

Binding is a way to hide raw edges on sewing projects, typically quilts or other quilted items. Making and attaching the binding is a time-consuming part of finishing a sewing project, but if done…

Handmade quilts quickly become treasured heirlooms. The amount of time and concentration the quilter put into the project makes them special. Even though quilt patterns may be repeated, making it by…

Aside from its grim namesake, the scaffold knot has many purposes for survivalists and fishing enthusiasts. It is a simple-to-tie but sturdy knot. The knot creates a loop that can be secured around an…

Half-square triangle units, sometimes shortened to HST, are the basic building blocks in many quilt patterns. Quilters sometimes run into problems when creating half-square triangle units. When you…

The Double Wedding Ring is one of the most favorite of all quilting designs. Its interlocking bands of color symbolize the intertwining of two lives, making it a natural wedding gift. The pattern was…

Many intricate quilt designs require triangles of all sizes, most of them containing one right angle. Cutting these triangles, while thinking about geometry learned in middle and high school, can be…

Tie quilts are a no-sew quilt where two identically sized pieces of fabric are tied together to make the quilt. You can use any type of fabric, though most tie quilts are made with fleece fabric. You…

Quilters devote attention to every detail of their craft, from the selection of the fabric and design to cutting and piecing the fabrics together. With flawless construction, the artistry of the quilt…

Applique sewing involves fusing and sewing smaller pieces of fabric to a larger background fabric. Often the applique pieces create designs or shapes such as flowers. After attaching the applique…

Creating a unique photo quilt is an excellent gift to commemorate birthdays, births, graduations or anniversaries. The technologies used to put your photographs onto fabric have greatly improved in…

Longarm quilting is achieved by using a special type of longarm sewing machine to sew together the top, batting and back of a quilt to make it a finished project. Providing you have the quilting…

Batting usually refers to the cotton, foam or polyester material that goes in between the layers of a quilt. The quilter pins the batting in between the layers and then sews it in place. You can also…

When figuring out how to cut triangles in quilting, make sure the bias-cut edges do not fall along the outside of the block or outer edges of the quilt center. You can cut squares into half-square or…

Invisible machine applique is the process of sewing fabric templates to a background using machine stitches that are invisible to the eye. Applique is usually done by hand so that the stitches can be…

You can make a simple block quilt and embellish the quilt with a scalloped binding edge. Customize the quilt with fabric blocks and scalloped binding in colors and patterns that coordinate with your…

A child's quilt is a special thing to make. Use their favorite colors, designs or fabrics to create a quilt they will really love. A child's quilt can also be made from favorite clothes they have…

A double-folded quilt binding finishes the edges of a handmade quilt and creates a durable border around the outer edge. The double-folded binding has two layers of fabric holding the quilt top, back…

Sewing uses a needle and thread to control fabric. A seam joins pieces of fabric along a line. A tack joins fabric at a single point. Use tacks to join two items without creating a visible line on the…

Transferring a photographic image onto a quilt requires only an inkjet printer, iron and blank transfer sheets. You choose any image you'd like, run it through your printer and use an iron to transfer…

Yarn tying is one of the easiest ways to quilt. It keeps the layers of the quilt together quicker than traditional quilting. Yarn also adds a colorful touch to the finished product. Yarn tying is a…

Creating quilts for the peopled you love is a rewarding activity. Making toddler quilts square in shape rather than the more traditional rectangular shape takes some thought and mathematics. Once you…

If you are trying to teach children how to fold a quilt, you can use a 12-by-12-inch piece of scrap paper to do it. After practicing with paper folding, your children can pair up and practice folding…

Origami is an art with ancient roots. Originally, origami involved folding paper into designs ranging from the simple, such as paper airplanes, boats and the fortune-teller popular with school-age…

When you want to frame, enlarge or embellish a homemade quilt, add a border in a contrasting or matching color or print. A new border can allow a well-loved quilt to grow with a child or enliven a…

Wool is a warm and versatile fiber that makes a great batting for hand and machine quilting. Felted wool appliques can bring the warmth of the wool to the outside of the quilt and add color and…

Shadow quilting produces a delicate design that is particularly appropriate for a pillow or baby quilt. The shadow is produced by hand-stitching a transparent layer of sheer fabric over an…

Sewing and quilting shows are a way not only for people to showcase their work and sell products, but to also stay updated with the trends in these industries. A good sewing and quilting show takes…

Quilting in America grew out of women's desire to use every scrap of fabric available. These antique quilts used natural wool or cotton batting. Cotton batting was preferable because, like wool…

Quilting was a part of the social fabric of America from colonial times, it was enjoyed by those who could afford hired help, through the Industrial Revolution, when fabric became readily available.…

Quilts usually adorn a bed and can be symbols of love and affection by the quilt maker for those who receive them. One way to use quilting that does not take as much time as a full-sized quilt is to…

Collectors know that before making an investment in an item, the item must first be appraised so that a fair price can be offered. Many quilts are handed down through generations, while the advent of…

Create quilts with fabric patches stitched together to form specific patterns. The quilter cuts fabric patches in various shapes to make the overall quilt pattern. Traditional patchwork quilts…

Quilt tops can be stitched by machine or by hand. They can also be tied to secure the layers together. No markings are needed in a tied quilt. Quilting frames are a traditional tool used to fasten…

Save your spare buttons to make a thrifty button doll. Fashion a doll using antique buttons and use it to add personal style to your home decor. Or, collect buttons handed down from a loved one to…

Children learn through hands-on experience. Doing crafts with children is a way to spend quality time together while teaching them developmental skills. Using crayons and markers allows children to…

At the most basic level, quilting is the process of sandwiching a layer of batting between two pieces of fabric and binding all three layers together to make a warm blanket. Quilts can be pieced…

Moon over the mountain is a charming quilt pattern for a throw or bed quilt. The pattern is uncomplicated and can be make in a variety of cotton prints. The quilt would be a great addition to a rustic…

Sewing a straight edge to a curved edge is a common practice for seamstresses and tailors, who use the technique to attach sleeves and collars. Before sewing the curved edge to the straight edge,…

When you enjoy quilting, you may become quite prolific in the quilts that you produce. A natural extension of quilting is to share your passion with friends and family. Often, children are eager…

Mitered corners are simple to make on a quilt and make the quilt look clean and complete. By using a mitered corner, you do not have to do any cutting on the binding; you simply fold and continue…

A quilting block is a square piece of fabric sewn from several smaller pieces of fabric. Quilting blocks are sewn together to create quilt tops that can be layered with batting and backing, and used…

Quilt a finished quilt with binding only if the front and back are tight. Stitching on top of a loosely bond quilt will result in puckers and gathers along the quilt line. Hand quilt a bond quilt…

Yarn is not a common material for finishing a quilt, but there are few textiles that work better for finishing a comforter quickly. If you're making a gift for a baby or small child, you might not…

A scallop edge is a series of curves. This is a way of dressing up the trim of almost any fabric. The scallop's dimensions can be made in your choice of width and height. They don't all have to be…

Rustic ladders have made a resurgence in popularity over the past ten years as people are finding ways in which to use them. These ladders can serve as practical purposes such as hanging clothes,…

Installing binding is a relatively simple way to conceal the rough edges on a sewing project. Use binding on the edge of a quilt or blanket or around the hems of a sleeve or neckline. Make your own…

When it comes time to bind the quilt you are working on, you have a few different techniques to choose from, such as self binding -- also known as fold-over binding, bias binding and French binding.…

A triangle is a geometric shape that contains three sides and three angles. There are three different types of triangles: equilateral, isosceles and scalene. The sides and angles can all be equal but…

Traditional quilt making entails stitching three layers together in a decorative stitch pattern. The bottom and top layers are fabric, and the center layer is batting. Tying the quilt is an effective…

A wall quilt hanger is designed to display quilts on the wall. Quilt hangers can also be used to display weavings, rugs and other large pieces of textile art. Quilt hangers can be made with decorative…

Children grow up so quickly that they often outgrow their clothes before they've had much wear, particularly clothes that are bought for special occasions. Instead of throwing away this good fabric,…

Adding an applique scallop to fabric adds charm and femininity to an otherwise plain garment. Scalloped lace is one of the most common types of scalloped applique. Scalloped lace is lace that has a…

An applique is a cut out design that is sewn onto another piece of material like a piece of clothing, a pillow or fabric square. There are a variety of applique techniques such as stained glass…

Convert the sharp, 90-degree angled corners on a frame into rounded corners by using one tool. Rounded corners create a softer look to any shape and will make the corners of the frame stronger. A…

There are a few ways that quilts can be finished, with the most time consuming being stitching decorative patterns through all three layers of quilt top, batting and backing. However, tying a quilt…

Applique is a quilting technique in which small pieces of fabric are sewn on top of a larger piece of fabric, or the base quilt block, to form a design. Applique allows quilters to create a more…

Binding is one of the final jobs when you are finishing a quilt. In order to make the quilt binding look smooth and even around the entire quilt perimeter, you will need to miter the binding at each…

Model shipbuilding can be challenging even to advanced hobbyists. Some of the oldest model ships have been found in archeological digs dating back to ancient Greece and Egypt. Modern model ships range…

A birds of the air quilt creates a pleasing image of movement with an abstract vision of a flock of birds in flight. This charming quilt is often made with just two different fabrics and the geometric…

A double mitered border is a method for adding a border to a quilt. The miter refers to the way the corners of the border come together, forming an attractive diagonal line from the corner inward…

Cutting quarter square triangles is an efficient way to trim fabric for a quilt without any waste. When you cut quarter square triangles, you begin with a square that is larger than the size of the…

A wide solid-colored quilt border surrounding pieced patchwork or appliquéd blocks will be enhanced with a scalloped border. Once the hand stitched, needle-turned appliqué technique has…

A charm pack is a selection of 50 different squares of fabric. The squares are typically 5 inches and the fabrics coordinate with each other. When you buy a charm pack, you may have trouble deciding…

One of the explanations for the equal-sided triangle trend among the group often referred to as "hipsters" is that it is the symbol for the band YACHT (sometimes spelled with a triangle instead of an…

Quilt blocks can be set into a quilt in two different ways: straight set and on point. Straight set is just like it sounds, running across and up and down like a grid. With blocks on point you turn…

Manufacturers continually make improvements to quilting threads, and the number and types of thread now available to quilters is overwhelming. Machine quilters who have also quilted by hand notice…

Applique is a technique of adding one fabric on top of another to create an applied design. Quilters often use applique to add special shapes, scenes, designs or patterns to a quilt block. An applique…

Patchwork quilting at its most basic involves squares of different fabrics sewn together to create an attractive pattern. Quilters also use triangles and other shapes of fabric when piecing together…

Making a quilt involves selecting a quilt pattern, choosing fabrics, cutting the fabrics into smaller pieces and sewing the fabric pieces together to create the pattern. After you sew the quilt top,…

Quilt making is a skill that has been taught to generation after generation in America. Since colonial times, women and some men have passed down patterns and techniques. Most quilts in America were…

Stitch up a cozy Christmas quilt and capture the spirit of the season for all to cherish. Express your Christmas joy with patchwork, appliqué or theme-printed fabrics using a holiday motif that…

Quilts are often passed down through the family generations. What looked good when it was first made now looks tattered and torn. Repurpose the old quilts in your home so you can still enjoy them. If…

Knotting, or tying, a quilt is an alternative to hand quilting. It serves the same purpose of joining the three layers of the quilt -- the backing, the center batting and the top piece -- together,…

Paper rolls come in a variety of sizes and are generally made of cardboard materials of varying thicknesses. Paper rolls without paper on them can be cut through with a hand-saw, but paper rolls that…

A triangle is a shape with exactly three sides and three interior angles. All triangles have defining properties and characteristics that remain constant no matter what the exact size of their sides…

Using ties as a form of quilting requires little more than a thread and needle to create a series of knots to hold the different layers of the quilt together. The method of finishing a quilt by tying…

Needle-turned appliqué will add a creative yet traditional element to your quilt. Appliqued squares of fabric can be sewn together for a quilt that features an uncomplicated piecing structure…

Quilts can be bound in a number of ways. The quilt back can be folded to the front and stitched in place. Ribbon can be stitched on the edge of the quilt. You can use bias binding tape or straight…

Quilt rotary tools make cutting multiple layers of fabric fast and accurate. Rotary blades become dull with use, however, which causes rough fabric edges and requires more pressure to make each cut.…

The clamshell quilt was a favorite of patchwork quilters in the 1920s and 1930s. The pattern is achieved by appliquéing overlapping circles of fabric to a square of solid colored fabric. The…

Bed sheets contain lots of fabric that you can use for clothing, accessories and home decorating projects. You can calculate yardage from sheets with a few measurements and simple math. Keep in mind…

Once you have finished the quilt, a border around the outside edge provides a straight, finished edge. The border can be very plain of only one fabric or a decorative piece of several fabrics. Borders…

The Amish are known for their spectacular quilts with their rich solid colors set on a dark background forming bold graphic designs. The Amish came to the craft late and didn't begin making quilts…

Knotted or tied quilts are a quicker way to finish making a quilt. This form of quilting is suitable for quilting beginners or for anyone who doesn't have access to a quilt frame or doesn't want to do…

You can use crayons or markers to make easily a quilt with adults or children of almost any age and skill level. These types of quilts make colorful additions to children's bedrooms, playrooms,…

There are several ways to finish the edges of a quilt, from binding to folding the backing over the edges to making decorative trims and edgings. One of the simplest ways, especially for a beginning…

Quilts are made by sewing together fabric pieces to create a solid patchwork blanket. Some quilts are also decorated through appliqué techniques. Quilts are often composed in three layers. The…

The border can turn a ho-hum quilt into a stunning work of art. Choose a high contrast accent color for a narrow inner border, and a coordinating print or solid for a wide outer border, to add visual…

Any time you assemble a quilt top in the diagonal on-point setting, you need setting triangles to fill in the spaces around the sides of the quilt top center. If you create a quilt using a published…

When you are making a quilt, one of the last things you will do is sew on the binding. This strip of fabric goes all around the outside edge of the quilt, encasing the fabric and batting edges in a…

Amish quilts, one of the most recognized forms of Amish textile art, incorporate artistic techniques dating to the 17th century. As practical household items and works of art, Amish quilts can be…

Seam binding covers the seam allowances on a garment to create a finished edge. Necklines and armholes are sometimes finished with seam binding instead of a facing. Binding the seam allowances can…

Lighting is an essential component of a good photograph. The right amount of lighting and the correct placement of lighting may mean the difference between a clear, great photograph and a dark, poor…

Physics recognizes three forms of motion. Uniform motion refers to location changes at a constant speed. For example, a train traveling from station A to station B at a constant speed of 50 mph.…

You have a variety of options to help you choose the best quilting design for your quilt top, such as stippling to create background filler, stitching in the ditch, and echo or outline quilting. See…

Many people have old quilts they no longer use. Instead of cluttering up cupboards, quilts can be turned into new crafts. If you don't have any quilts you're willing to part with, ask friends and…

One of the sweet things about quilts is that they often tell a story or family history with their pattern. New stories and inspirations arise as intricate quilts have evolved from practical bedspreads…

Our ancestors may have spent hours quilting blankets by candle light with nothing but their hands, a needle, thread and a thimble. As quaint as that might sound, thankfully technological advances have…

Tying a quilt is a way to finish a quilt by hand. Since many quilters cannot fit a large quilt into a standard sewing machine and because paying someone to machine-quilt can be expensive, tying a…

In a quilt, many small pieces come together to form a beautiful whole. But in the process of sewing the pieces of the quilt together, you may inadvertently stretch fabric out of shape or sew a crooked…

Machine sewing, whether you are piecing squares, quilting or binding makes a homemade quilt stronger, more resistant to bunching and shaking out. The binding on a quilt can get a workout, though,…

Quilting is a craft that has been around for hundreds of years. In America, it appeared as far back as the 17th Century and the days of the Pilgrims. Custom quilting involves creating quilts based…

Although traditional quilters usually finish sewing a quilt binding on with tiny hand stitches, this can be an arduous and time-consuming activity. Instead of sewing around the entire perimeter of…

Common photo memory games are played by placing cards with pairs of pictures face up on the table, and giving the players time to memorize their positions. The cards are then turned over and players…

There is nothing like a handmade baby gift to convey a heartfelt and meaningful congratulatory message. Although a centuries' old craft, quilting is as popular today as ever, and baby quilts are…

Adding appliques and a scalloped edge can turn an ordinary quilt into something really special. On a bed, a quilt with a scalloped edge looks very elegant and polished. You can add appliques and a…

Pennsylvania was officially settled in 1643, one of the first 13 colonies, and maintained the nation's capital during the Revolutionary War. The Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of…

If you're a beginning quilter, walking into a fabric or craft store may be an overwhelming experience. Although it's possible to fill a room with handy quilting tools and gadgets, basic quilts require…

Hand-made baby quilts make one-of-a-kind heirlooms that can be passed on from generation to generation. An assortment of simple patterns are available that can help even those that are new to quilting…

Sometimes a square or a border with solid line borders is just too plain. If you're looking for a square that's a bit more visually exciting, try drawing one with a dashed line border. By…

Quilting did not originate in the United States, but the pieced patchwork quilt became a staple in American households as pioneers moved west during the early 1800s. Fabric was scarce and thrifty…

If your quilting has gone past the absolute beginner stage, you probably have considered creating a quilt design wall. For those quilters who have progressed to experimenting with their own colors and…

Young children love jungle babies. It is an amusing theme for a panelled quilt, which is a perfect gift for a baby shower, particularly if it has been made by the helpful hands of many at a quilting…

Borders can do more than frame a quilt; for example, a border can give the eye a place to rest, repeat colors or patterns within the quilt itself or add a sense of whimsy. Adding a border to your…

Baseboards, picture frames, boxes and more require mitered corners, but they're not always exactly 45 degrees. Master mitered corners with tips from an experienced remodeler in this free video on…

Photo templates for frames or scrapbooking create attractive displays. Find photo templates on the Internet. Many websites offer free templates. Websites that offer templates to download may require…

The honeycomb quilt pattern, also known as a hexagon pattern, is one of the oldest geometric quilt patterns, with roots dating to the 1700s. Early versions of the honeycomb were assembled in a random…

Quilting is a tradition that individuals may pass down through their family. It can be a relaxing hobby but it also produces functional items. A handmade quilt can be personalized with patches that…

There are many kinds of rolled paper, such as craft paper, gift wrapping paper and plotter printer paper. Rolls make it easy to store and use the paper, but sometimes they get damaged when there is…

The classic saying "measure twice and cut once" is critical in the craft of quilting. In order to measure properly, the fabric must first be pressed to ensure a flat surface and correct measurement.…

The Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt pattern evolved from English hexagonal quilt patterns that date from as early as the 18th century. In the English method, you baste each individual hexagonal…

If you are going to make a holiday craft using stencils or patterns, such as a whimsical holiday quilt blanket, you can make your own crafting patterns using basic craft materials that you have around…

Fiskars is a leader in providing top quality cutting products for crafters who work with fabric and paper. From rotary blades and self-healing mats to paper cutting boards, crafters trust the Fiskars…

Most quilting patterns you encounter will use a combination of squares, rectangles and triangles to create detailed patterns in fabric. If you have your quilting squares ready to go, it's time to…

Squares and triangles are ubiquitous in our lives. Nearly every object we encounter is formed by some combination of triangles and squares. These shapes, formed by three or four flat sides, easily…

Handmade traditional quilts often take weeks or months to complete, but sometimes you need to get a quilt done quicker than that. While it's possible to finish a quilt on a sewing machine, not…

Using dimensional fabric paints and following a few techniques for fabric painting can help you successfully paint a quilt. You can hand-paint any designs you like, on both light- and dark-colored…

Sewing on thick fabrics or quilts can result in puckering or uneven layers of fabric at the end of a seam. This happens with many sewing machines because the feed dogs pull the lower fabric slightly…

Quilt festivals and shows showcase the handiwork of textile artisans in a festive and celebratory atmosphere. These events promote creativity in quilt design while preserving the heritage of…

Quilting has existed as a practical art form for nearly 2,000 years. Quilting, derived from Latin word for a padded mattress, is used to create thick bedding and comforters, as well as everyday items…

Adding a border design to your quilt enhances the look of the quilt by giving it a more complete look. There are three basic types of borders, plain, pieced or appliqued. To create a complementary…

The right border frames a quilt and adds the finishing touch that ties the quilting blocks together. The quilter should complete the blocks forming the center of the quilt, sew them together and press…

Deciding to make a quilt involves not only sewing but math too. You will need to measure the bed you want to cover adding the overhang amount for each side. Not all quilts over hang so look at your…

Adding a border to a quilt can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be. The shape of your quilt and the type of border you choose are what determine how challenging the task will be. Issues…

You have measured, cut, and sewn together countless pieces of fabric to create a large quilt top or several quilt squares. Now you are ready for the next step, adding borders. A large quilt top only…

Quilt racks come in a variety of styles that allow them to be used in any type of space. From sprawling floor racks to streamlined compression bars, a quilt rack is chosen to match the decor of your…

One of the decisions that most affect the look of your quilt is what kind of batting to use. There are three main types of batting being used today: cotton and cotton-blend, polyester and wool. While…

When assembling the layers of a quilt and sewing on the binding, you will also need to batt the quilt after you choose the right type of batting for your project. If your quilt is more suitable for…

Quilting is a folk art, using geometric shapes to tell a story. Egyptians sewed the first quilts in 3,400 B.C., and the Chinese began quilting in the same time period. There are several kinds of…

Quilting can produce a keepsake that will last generations. Because of the size of many quilts, a significant amount of fabric is needed. A lot of fabric can cost a fairly large amount of money, so…

Quilt corners can be challenging to piece together, but with a little preparation you can ensure your quilt will properly withstand time. While there are many ways to construct a corner, you should…

Quilting has a rich history dating back to the early 1700s, and continues as a craft and heirloom activity today. Some popular patterns have been in existence for generations, and patchwork quilting…

Historically, quilt tops were made from scraps of fabric left over from dress making. The quilter pieced together squares of fabrics, or cut the scraps into pieces using a specific pattern. Popular…

Wall quilt hangers are simple devices that allow a finished quilt to be displayed as a wall decoration. Typically they consist of two pieces of thin wood screwed together, clamping the top of the…

Batting is a filler material used in quilting, sewing and crafting projects. Batting made of polyester is less expensive than natural fiber. It resists mold and mildew, holds its shape and its fibers…

Tacking a quilt is different from quilting a quilt top. Basting is often referred to as tacking, but it is not. Tacking can be done by hand or machine, if your sewing machine has a tacking stitch…

A wavy border is one of the biggest challenges for a new quilter because the quilt won't lay flat if the borders aren't flat, too. Wavy borders occur when you have eased in too much fabric when…

Borders can change the look of a quilt. A basic quilt can by enhanced by a border. However, applying a border to a more detailed quilt may cause it to lose appeal. There are many types of borders and…

Folding a quilt to go on a quilt rack is a simple task that anyone can do. The key to proper quilt folding is to make all of the edges match up exactly so that the quilt does not bunch up in the…

To make a tossed nine-patch quilt, you will need enough fabric to complete the project, the right tools for the job, and helpful sewing notions to pull everything together. You won't need a pattern;…

Electric Quilt software is a user-friendly computer program for the beginning quilter to the most advanced. This software can be used to design entire quilts, scan fabric, draw single blocks and…

Quilt binding is often made of solid-colored fabric to create a visually contrasting edge that frames the quilt pattern. However, your corner finishing technique is much more visible on solid-colored…

An anonymous source said, "Quilters touch the past and the future." Grants provide a path to securing quilting legacies throughout Pennsylvania. When searching for quilt project grants, look within…

In the early colonial days from, women spent much of their time in the home, which would have been very basic. Quilting became a popular pastime, but with little light and few materials it was not the…

Wholesale quilting gifts can be purchased in finished form or in do-it-yourself kits. If you are giving the gift to someone who makes hobby quilts, a do-it-yourself kit can offer them hours of…

As quilters become more serious about their art, they often enter quilting contests. Although a quilt may be good, there are often little techniques and tips that a novice quilter should learn to take…

For quilting enthusiasts, a quality machine makes the entire process more enjoyable, precise and creative. The Singer CE 350 offers many great features with which to create a gorgeous quilt. The…

A kit quilt is to quilts what paint by numbers is to painting. Kit quilts are initially pre-made, quilted squares designed in such a way that the buyer can easily stitch the quilt together. If storing…

Perhaps named because the pointed half-square blocks outlining a corner patch look like four claws on a bear's paw, the Bear Paw quilt block has been a longtime traditional favorite, derived from…

Eleanor Burns sold her first "Quilt in a Day" book in 1978 and revolutionized the quilting industry. Quilting tasks--which once took weeks or months to accomplish--could be done in one day with…

Many guitars are made of quilted maple wood on the front, giving them a distinctive wood texture. You can use it for many wood projects around your home that you would use any hardwood for, such as…

The walking quilting foot, or dual feed foot, is used when sewing multiple layers of fabrics, such as the top, batting and backing of a quilt, or when working with materials that may shift under the…

Traditional Hawaiian quilts are two colors and feature an elaborate appliqué motif. Unlike modern-day quilts, the traditional quilts are hand appliquéd, and then quilted by hand in a…

There is a saying in the quilting community, "It's not a quilt until it's quilted." While some art quilters take issue with this statement, most quilts are completed with a design stitched through all…

Old quilts are reflections of history. They each tell a story of what life was like during the time they were sewn. Some antique quilts include pieces of fabric taken from worn clothing once worn by…

A handmade quilt can be a treasured heirloom, a functional piece of bedding or a thoughtful gift. Designs can be simple or complex, traditional or modern. While the block layout and color scheme are…

When a person makes a homemade quilt, there are several layers of material. The layers of material create a sandwich with a top layer, filler material and bottom layer. These layers are connected with…

Loft refers to the thickness and weight of batting material that is used in the middle of quilts. Batting is made of natural cottons, silks or wool, but high loft tends to be manufactured using…

Quilting as you go is a way to quilt while you are traveling or a way to make quilting easier. Frequently, when quilting with a machine, the material gets stuck or is too heavy to keep in the correct…

The binding on a quilt adds the perfecting finishing touch. You can use a store bought binding in a solid color or you can create your own binding out of a matching or coordinating fabric. A quilt…

Crazy quilting dates back to the Victorian era and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity that began in the 1980s. Today, people adorn crazy quilts with embellishments and embroidery, but this has…

Quilt batting is the inner layer of a quilt, sandwiched between the top patchwork layer and the backing layer. The batting helps to show off the quilting stitches as well as provides added warmth and…

Old quilts themselves are often a product of recycling. Many old quilts are made from material left over from sewing projects or from clothing no longer useful to a family. The recycling can continue…

A Dear Jane quilt is a patchwork quilt based on one created by a Vermont woman named Jane in the 19th century. Dear Jane quilts are characterized by varied and complex geometric shapes.

There's a saying among the quilting community, "It's not a quilt until it's quilted." Thousands of magazines, books and websites offer patterns for colorful quilt top designs, but many quilters forget…

Women have been creating quilted masterpieces for centuries. Quilts not only serve as a provider of warmth in the winter, they are works of art as well. Personalizing a quilt by using a photograph of…

Quilters will tell you that their hobby can be an expensive one, as many different tools are needed to create beautiful quilts. One way quilters save money is by printing their own quilting templates.…

Add a binding to your quilt to give it that finished look. Adding a binding also protects the edges of the quilt that get the most wear and tear. There are several ways to add a binding to your quilt,…

Binding off the hem is the final step before the quilt is finished. Even on a machine-sewn quilt, this step is best to complete by hand, so you'll be able to sew through all the necessary layers…

Quilting has a rich history and is a tradition that has been passed down through generations. It is a craft that calls for the use of creative imagination and is enjoyed by many today. There are…

Handmade quilts are truly a labor of love and you certainly don't want anyone forgetting who made it. Making labels with your name, date, pattern and materials used will make your handmade quilt an…

Some of the most highly prized antique quilts are those made by the Amish. These deceptively plain looking examples of fabric art can be decades old while looking like stark modern geometric art…

Do you have a passion for antique quilts? Perhaps you collect them or you may have inherited a quilt that was made by your grandmother or other relative. No matter how you have come to be the owner…

Choose the wording for a memory quilt label to reflect the sentiment attached to the quilt and mark the occasion of its completion. Memory quilts are handmade blankets designed to evoke the past. Some…

There is nothing quite so lovely as a homemade quilt. It adds charm and character to any room and can be used as a traditional bed covering or as a decoration, thrown over a railing, the edge of a…

Say "quilt" and the image that likely comes to mind is a scrap quilt. These quilt designs were traditionally made from hundreds of different fabrics, and it often took years for the quilter to collect…

Recycle old Levi's jeans as well as jackets and other of the iconic brand's denim items into a warm quilt or wall hanging. Denim is a twill weave and if you cut against the twill grain, the fabric…

The double wedding ring quilt pattern was popularized during the Great Depression in the United States during the 1930s, and was generally made for special occasions. This quilt has since come to…

American quilts remain a sought-after textile art form for decorating the home. Collectors especially value fully hand-stitched quilts, but in patchwork parlance, both old, hand-stitched, and…

Quilted items are given their "loft" from soft, puffy batting placed between two layers of fabric. Add personality and sentimental value to special books for babies or students by creating a custom…

Quilting and quilt shows have long been a part of community life in Anderson, Franklin and Miami Counties in eastern Kansas, including the town of Lane. Whether it's part of a county fair or is an…

When old cotton dish towels are introduced to quilting concepts, the results can be quite impressive. Projects can employ techniques such as decorative diamond stitch quilting, or quilted patchworks,…

Homemade quilts are not only warm and cozy they can be decorative as well. Quilt making is a skill that is enjoying resurgence; many people make or purchase them to give as wedding gifts or to…

There are no rules creating quilt panel crafts or how to quilt them, so you can let your imagination run amok. There are quilt panels for almost everything—animals, people, flowers, wildlife or…

Transferring photographs and pictures onto fine grade muslin makes it possible to immortalize people and events for a lifetime in quilted projects. A variety of methods and supplies exist for making…

Quiltermakers have made applique quilts for years, and they find ways to achieve better results every day. With simple, helpful tips, quilters sew appliques with sharper points and graceful curves.…

To ensure a successful quilt show, planning is key. Preparations start long before hanging the first quilt or sending out the press releases. Organizing a successful quilt show involves a lot of work…

Wedding quilts have long memorialized this important event in couples’ lives. Incorporating traditional motifs that make the viewer think wedding, such as bells, hearts and flowers, as well as…

Beginner quilters should learn about the patchwork with books that provide good basic information upon which they can continue to build their skills. Learning techniques used in the creation of…

Originally, quilting was a way of adding warmth to a garment or blanket. Generations of women have used quilt construction as an outlet for creativity, developing a broad variety of techniques and…

The sewing technique called quilting refers to stitching together layers of fabric with padding of wool or down so that the stitching will keep the padding in place. Quilting was used in ancient times…

Quilting, once a practical art used to create necessary objects for warmth, has nonetheless always been an art of great beauty. It involves a melding of fabrics in products resembling a cozy,…

After sewing together a quilt top, the next step is to hand stitch, or hand quilt, to bind together the three layers of your quilt. Although hand quilting takes longer than machine quilting, the final…

Jeans and quilts often hold fond memories, so combine the two for a customized piece of clothing. Add a few squares to a pair of jeans, or long strips of a quilt to create a cuff. Transform a regular…

Kids love clever games and puzzles, especially if they include things that are personal to them. Create quilts for kids that have an "I Spy" theme. "I Spy" quilts can be used to play in the car on…

Patterns that develop out of your creativity make lollipop quilts a one-of-a-kind craft. You can piece together a collection of squares with colorful circles surrounding other candy-colored patterns.…

Donating to charities can be a valuable way to contribute to society and to those who are in need. Minnesota has a program that allows you to donate quilts to children who may come from lower income…

Quilting requires specialty tools and equipment. These tools make quilting easier, faster and more accurate when putting the quilt pieces together. With the time and effort you will invest in your…

Quilting is really just a matter of mathematics. If you look closely at the design of a quilt, you can usually recognize how the pieces were put together to create the look of each square. Fancy…

The word Amish is synonymous with plain dress and simple living, qualities reflected in their quilt-making. The Amish shunned quilting until the 1800s because of their distain for art, believing it…

While it is not usual, anyone can find themselves having allergic symptoms after using "Aunt Lydia's" vintage quilt. Like anything we bring into our home, a quilt is made of many different materials,…

Quilt batting is usually wrinkled or creased when you remove it from the package. Laying the quilt batting out flat may be all that is needed to remove wrinkles. Further methods you use for removing…

Making a quilt is an endeavor that takes time and effort, especially if the quilt's design is intricate. But homemade quilts make thoughtful gifts and are beautiful items to have around the home. Make…

Quilting as a hobby and trade has been practiced for over five thousand years. Quilts are usually made by sowing together a patchwork of existing and recycled fabrics then stuffing with soft materials…

Hawaiian quilts are different from other traditional forms of quilts in four different ways. They are generally made of only two fabrics in contrasting colors and the design is made in one piece and…

Quilting is not complicated. At its most basic form, a quilt is pieces of fabric sewn together for a quilt top, which is layered with batting and a back and stitched together. Many quilters hand-sew…

Making quilts can be a fun way to express yourself creatively, and with the right talents and determination, you can sell homemade quilts to make a living or extra cash. Just be sure to label your…

Part of the process of making a quilt involves planning the project before you even begin sewing. Prior to putting hours of effort and time into making a quilt, determine how large you want the…

Rotary tools allow quilters to cut of multiple layers of fabric quickly. Frequent or extensive use can dull the cutting blade, however, making it less effective. Although some quilters choose to buy…

There are as many different ways to bind a quilt as there are quilters in the world. Some methods are simple while others are more complex. One of the easiest ways to bind your quilt doesn't require…

Using bed sheets to quilt is a real time and money saver. Regardless of quilt size, you can usually find a bed sheet large enough to make piecing the backing unnecessary. Available in a variety of…

Many people enjoy making quilts. Making a quilt yourself allows you to design it any way you want, using favorite colors. To give your quilt a finished look, add blanket binding around the perimeter.…

While the appearance and feel of a homemade quilt may lead you to believe the quilt is "stuffed," this is actually a misconception. Quilts are made in layers, with a bottom or backing fabric, a layer…

A quilt label should be added to every homemade quilt. The quilt label documents the quilt creator, the location of the quiltmaker and the date the quilt was completed. Quilting is an important…

Pockets are most commonly known as an added design detail on a garment. However, this extra patch is a functional tool for quilters. Memory or theme-driven quilts often have open quilting blocks in…

If you've created a quilt pattern that is original, you can register the copyright pattern. Copyrights give you the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute and display the quilt or quilt pattern.…

Quilting has been around in American culture dating to the colonial era. Every summer, women would spend hours sewing a quilt for the upcoming winter. The most skilled quilters created rich and…

Simple in design, yet elegant, the Ohio Star quilt block pattern has been in use since the early 1800s, surged in popularity in the 1930s and is discovered by each new generation of quilters and quilt…

One of the oldest hobbies is model construction. Recreating the majesty of sailing ships provided a creative outlet for many people. Before the invention of pre-cut model kits, hobbyists had to be…

If you don't buy enough material for your quilt project at the start, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to purchase more of that exact same fabric. Because of this, you need to estimate the…

Lap quilts are petite versions of traditional quilts. A lap quilt should be large enough to comfortably cover an adult in a seated position. Quilters make lap quilts in a variety of shapes and sizes,…

You've spent months creating beautiful quilt works of art. You've planned the quilts, bought the prettiest fabrics, assembled your quilt tops and quilted your creations. Now what do you do with these…

Filled with color and detailing favorite childhood tales, a baby quilt can bring a wall to life. Interior decorators, parents and others might choose to display some baby quilts as room decor. They…

There's something truly beautiful about a quilt made for or by a child. Because of the amount of time, energy and skilled effort involved in making a quilt, it is often a good idea to hang them up for…

Quilting has grown in popularity in recent years. Runway collections have showcased quilted jackets, pants and accessories. You can use worn and dated neckties to develop exciting quilting projects.…

A bento box quilt is a series of strips and squares. When put properly together, the boxes and squares look almost off-center. This quilt is beautiful to look at as it plays with your eyes. This is…

You may need to measure a quilt for a variety of reasons: to make sure it is large enough to fit a bed, to determine what size hanger you need to purchase, or to add additional borders or trim. No…

Before you begin cutting and piecing a king-sized (and any size) quilt top, you must calculate yardage. If you skip this important step, you may not have enough fabric to finish your quilted design.…

With the resurgence of quilt making in the past 20 years there has been a flourishing in art quilts. Beading has become a common way to embellish this type of textile artwork. Adding beads to your…

Netting is a type of woven fabric known for its excellent stretch and large holes that allows items behind the netting to be visible. Netting is often combined with quilting for projects such as…

One stitch quilting is a simple quilting method developed by Donna Dewberry and Cindy Casciato that is an alternative to the traditional methods of crafting a quilted blanket. With one stitch…

After make their first few patterns, many quilters have a desire to design their own quilt patterns. Instead of using old-fashioned graph paper and pencils, many quilters opt for commercial computer…

Drawing your own free-motion quilting motifs is a wonderful way to put your creative signature on your quilting work of art. You can find inspiration for your designs from the quilt itself, from…

Thousands of different quilting designs exist, but most of them never see a quilt template manufacturer. If you have devised your own quilting pattern or find one you want to adapt, making your own…

When you have finished piecing a quilt with simple or intricate quilt blocks, it is time to add material to the quilt top. Add material to your quilt by sewing on borders. Make your borders as thin or…

Few linens are as comfortable and comforting as a quilt. It's often difficult, however, to find a quilt that suits a man's aesthetic preferences. You can make a quilt more likely to fit with a man's…

The feather stencil pattern is a popular and traditional pattern for bed, lap and wall quilts, and is still a much-used quilting pattern in the Amish and Mennonite communities. This pattern is usually…

Sewing at sea? Why not? Cruises cater to every hobby, and quilting is no exception. Enjoy the company of other quilters, participate in show-and-tells and block swaps, and take classes from renowned…

Designing with printed quilt panels is more than a quick way to stitch up an impromptu gift. With the wealth of whimsical and topical panels available--from Mary Engelbreit designs to Flintstones…

A quilt can be flowery, pink and pretty, but that does not mean that quilts are only for women. Any man can appreciate cozying up to the warmth of a handmade quilt without the embarrassment of a…

Quilt ladders are a great way to display your quilts. You can either prop a quilt ladder up against a wall or use support brackets to hang it from the wall. Either way you choose, it keeps your quilts…

Fabric jelly rolls are long rolls of different fabrics that have been sewn together. Many people use them for quilts because they sew up easily to make quilt tops. You can buy jelly rolls can be…

Homemade picture quilts are a wonderful way to preserve memories from special events such as weddings or to memorialize a loved one, and they make excellent gifts or heirlooms. In addition, because…

Quilted maple is a beautiful wood that has a definite grain. You can easily identify quilted maple by the grain's curvy nature. This is one specific type of wood that most people do not want to cover…

Not measuring your quilt correctly can result in wavy borders that do not allow your quilt to lie flat. This can be a big problem, whether you plan to hang the quilt on your wall or use it over a bed.…

Binding a quilt is the last piece to putting it together. You've done the blocks, finished the quilting, and are ready to bind the edges. The easy way is to simply sew the top and back together, wrong…

Whether you want to repeat the same fabric or you want to alternate your kaleidoscope pieces, you're certain to get a one-of-a-kind quilt when you make a kaleidoscope quilt. Because the whole block is…

The last step in finishing a quilt is attaching the binding. While this can be done with a sewing machine using decorative stitches or fancy colorful threads, a simple way to do the job is to use a…

There was a time when all quilts were made entirely by hand. It was a slow process, and it took many hands to piece and quilt each project. Nowadays both piecing and quilting can be done by machine,…

Beading is easy to do and adds interest, texture and sparkle to a crazy quilt. Small beads can embellish embroidery or accenting fabrics. Larger beads can be the focal point of a design.

A quilted potholder is lovely--but it won't do you any good in the kitchen if it isn't functional. Selecting a great filling or "batting" for your potholder is an essential part of your project. You…

Buying quilt fabric can be a fun task as you prepare for that perfect or specific quilt. Searching for the right fabric can also be frustrating if you can't find what you are looking for. There are a…

Displaying a quilt in a home can be accomplished in many ways other than just on a bed. One of the most popular methods is to use a quilt rack.

Applique is the art of cutting out shapes from fabric and sewing them onto a larger piece of fabric to make a design or scene. Some of the most intricate and valuable quilts ever made, such as…

Depending on the care an old quilt has received, it could be in perfect, pristine condition, or it could need some cleaning and restoration help. If you are lucky enough to have an old quilt or two,…

Quilts have long served as a medium for showing off handwork. According to quilt historian Sandi Fox, baby quilts emerged as the culture turned more child centered in the 19th century. Embroidered…

Short arm quilting refers to making a quilt on a short arm sewing machine, which is generally meant for small fabric sewing and built with a shorter area between the needle and the rise of the…

Mitered borders give a quilt a professional finished appearance. With a mitered border, each corner has an angled seam line, going from the top of the quilt to its outer corners. Mitering a quilt…

You have just completed piecing your first bed-sized log cabin quilt and would like to have it professionally machine-quilted. If you are apprehensive about allowing your creation to be stretched…

Quilt rulers are used mostly for rotary cutting. Made of thick plastic, the rulers generally have measurements marked along their length and width. Practice helps you become accustomed to using the…

A crib quilt is fast and easy to make, thanks to its relatively small size. You can make a crib quilt for a specific child, or make one for an adult to use as a lap blanket or a wall hanging.

Quilt batting is the layer that goes between the quilt top and the quilt backing. Typically, a quilter uses polyester, wool or cotton batting between the layers of a quilt. Sometimes, however, a…

Once you finish piecing a quilt together, you need to prepare batting for the quilt's center. If you're nervous about cutting the quilt batting, don't worry; although quilt batting cut to the wrong…

Many modern quilters use a standard home sewing machine for the entire process of quilt making. Specific types of presser feet are used for different parts of the process.

The use of batting is vital to making a quilt.Batting is the cotton fiberfill that goes in the middle of the quilt to make it slightly puffy. Some people like to pre-wash it to ensure that it will not…

Creating Victorian crazy quilts is a perfect way to use up fabric scraps. Quilts can be constructed with any type of fabric, but cotton offers versatility in color and pattern and is the easiest for…

Making a quilted snowman is a fun craft for the winter season. Snowman décor can be used from early December through February. Quilting the snowman will provide texture and interest to the…

Vintage quilts can be purchased at estate sales and thrift shops, sometimes at quite a bargain. While the look of old quilts is a classic one in country decor, sometimes the quilts that you find have…

Keeping quilt tops in pristine condition is a top priority for quilt makers and collectors alike. With the time and money invested in an heirloom craft, good storage is vital to the care and upkeep of…

There are several basic items needed to make a quilt. The home sewer will already have most items already. The newest innovation for the quilt maker was the introduction of rotary cutting equipment to…

Quilting is a time-honored craft that requires skill, patience, creative ideas and lots of fabrics. Throughout history, frugal quilt makers have repurposed clothing, feed sacks and any other woven…

Quilting is really one step in a multi-step process. The act of quilting refers to the binding together of all three quilt layers, either by hand or by using a sewing machine. Stencil designs can be…

A quilt show is a way to gather crafters together not only to display their handiwork but also to exchange ideas and share knowledge about the fine art of quilting. When done properly, a quilt show is…

Choosing the pattern, colors and fabrics to use in your next quilt can be quite the adventure. Sometimes, when you start piecing and sewing, things don't turn out as you expected. The fabrics that…

Born of the necessity to keep warm and make use of available fabric scraps, quilts are now considered beautiful works of art. Have you ever admired a beautiful hand-crafted quilt and wondered where…

Have you ever worked for hours on a hand-made quilt, only to find that you made it too small for your queen size bed? Knowing the accurate measurements for each size will save a lot of time in the…

There are three basic types of quilting feet for your sewing machine--a patchwork foot, a walking foot and a free-motion embroidery foot. Each can make quilting an easier and more efficient process,…

Grandma's old quilt need not be relegated to the linen closet or the cedar chest because of discoloration, musty scents or damage. Most old quilts were sewn from all-cotton fabrics that tend to hold…

Some people believe that beautiful quilts are meant to be hung where all can see them instead of being neatly folded at the foot of a bed. Quilts are normally hung flush to the wall, but this can…

Blind stitching is a quilting technique used to appliqué fabric shapes to a piece of background fabric, tack binding to the back of a quilt, or attach a sleeve for displaying the quilt. The…

Grandma's old quilt need not be relegated to the linen closet or the cedar chest because of discoloration, musty scents or damage. Most old quilts were sewn from all-cotton fabrics that tend to hold…

Once a quilt top is pieced, most of the painstaking work is finished. The steps that remain to finish the quilt include assembling the quilt layers, basting the layers together, quilting the layers…

You've inherited some antique quilts, found a treasure at an auction or the local thrift store had some old quilts at bargain prices. There are many reason why you may acquire old quilts, but in many…

A basic four patch quilt block is made of four equal-sized squares sewn together. Different designs are created by the change of the fabric colors, prints and the way the blocks are placed in a…

Longarm quilting is a sewing method used to quilt together a quilt top, batting layer and fabric backing. Longarm quilting is a skill developed with significant amounts of practice and a dedication to…

Sewing a homemade quilt for your queen or full-sized bed is easier than you think. Quilts add warmth and character to a bedroom without requiring years of sewing experience. Anyone able to thread a…

The proper ways to hang quilts at a show are the best ways for the quilts to be seen and enjoyed by visitors. Quilts take up a lot of room, so all of them cannot be on the wall. Some quilters build…

Homemade quilts have been used for comfort and warmth, for decorative or ceremonial purposes, and to celebrate momentous occasions such as births and weddings. Ranging from the simple to the complex,…

Quilting is a hobby shared and enjoyed by many people. In fact, quilting has become such a popular craft that a wide variety of quilt shows are now held across the country. If you are thinking about…

Quilting as an art form rose with the birth of the textile industry in 1840. Despite this, the image of the colonial woman stitching by the fireside is an enduring one. Partially because of the…

While virtually any thread could be used for hand quilting, there are specific threads manufactured to make the job easier. The key with hand quilting is to work in smooth even stitches. A good hand…

The hard work is completed and your heirloom quilt is finally finished. You cannot wait to get it up onto your wall to display it proudly to all who enter your home. Make a simple, yet tasteful, quilt…

Making a king-size bed quilt presents unique challenges not confronted when making smaller quilts. The good news is that most anyone can make a king-size quilt with a few insider tips that will get…

Quilt labels have long been a tradition, allowing quilt makers a way to identify themselves, along with other pertinent information about the quilt. This information is valuable for collectors and…

A quilted tablecloth can bring beauty and country charm to any kitchen or dining room. Whether the quilted tablecloth is pieced or appliqued, the finished project is sure to be a delightful addition…

"Quilt As You Go" (QAYG) method of quilting produces complete quilt blocks or squares first and then attaches them together to form the entire quilt. This method is good for beginners as it takes less…

In the 1970's in America there was a great explosion of everything that was Holly Hobbie, in style and design including dolls and quilts. There were many young girls that wanted to live the life of…

A quilt is a 3-layered fabric sandwich. You make the top layer first. This is the part of the quilt that you see, with the design. Fabric is cut out in shapes to make the design, then sewn together in…

There's something homey and nostalgic about seeing handmade or passed down quilts hanging on a wall. The look of vibrant or pastel colors merging together with decorative quilting can indeed be a work…

A quilt just isn't a quilt without the inside layer, called batting. While most people will never see batting, there are a variety of types that all act and feel differently to the quilter. There are…

Quilting offers a plethora of potential patterns for the beginner. Since quilting is such an old craft, it already offers established blocks and quilt designs made from simple techniques. Published…

Quilts are made with different colors, stitching, materials and sizes. Capturing the details of the quilt is the focus of a good photograph. Making sure the quilt is straight, flat and set up…

Fractured quilts are appliquéd quilts or quilt paintings that have an extra step added to the design. Typically, an appliqué quilt is a reproduction of a picture or shape that has been cut…

From homemade to mass produced, quilts cover the globe providing warmth, comfort, security and visual beauty everywhere. Surprisingly, not everyone knows what makes a quilt a quilt, or what it is used…

Knotting (or tying) a quilt is an alternative way to hold the 3 pieces--quilt top, binding and quilt back--together. Knotting a quilt is, by far, the easiest method to complete a quilt. The knot can…

After completing the quilt top you are ready to build your quilt, which means putting all the layers together before doing the actual quilting. This is probably the easiest part of making a quilt and…

Quilters know that creating a beautiful quilt can involve a good deal of time along with some painstaking craftsmanship. So when a technique comes along that greatly simplifies the quilt making…

Twin size quilts can be made in many patterns and designs, yet the size will always remain the same. A standard twin size bed mattress is 39 by 75 inches, but to have the appropriate overhang and look…

Adding a border with mitered corners to a finished quilt top lends a neat, finished appearance to a quilt. A mitered corner is made by sewing border strips on to all four sides of the quilt and then…

Most experienced quilters are familiar with the acronym BOM. BOM stands for Block of the Month. There are many quilting websites that offer directions and downloads for making Block of the Month…

A quilted coverlet is a specific item of bedding that is decorative and light weight. While in recent years, many people have begun using duvets or bedspreads in lieu of coverlets, in hotter climates…

A sampler quilt is a quilt in which every block pattern is different. Traditionally, quilt blocks are the same size. Today, you can find sampler quilts with all different sizes of blocks, fitting…

One of the joys of being a quilter is the creative spark you get from going to a quilt show and seeing the work of several quilters all displayed at once. There is, however, a lot of work that goes…

A quilt rack is a good way to display quilts in your home. They come in many shapes, styles and sizes, and they are either made from natural wood, stained, varnished or painted. Discover the…

Quilters create works of art that are also practical as bed coverings or home decoration. A quilter's handiwork can become someone else's heirloom when a sales transaction occurs. Selling handmade…

Many quilts are carefully laid-out affairs featuring meticulous measurements, very tiny stitches and an overall repeating pattern. They are stunning works of textile art and cannot compare to mere…

The quilts of yesteryear were typically used to cover beds and warm bodies. Today they're mostly seen decorating walls as art quilts or displayed on quilting racks. Yet some things never change. Just…

Among the many items that people buy or stitch for their newborn babies or tiny tots are baby quilts. In fact, a baby quilt can also be chosen or stitched to fit the overall decorative ambience of a…

Whether it's freezing cold outside or a beautiful summer day, many people enjoy the beauty and functionality of a well-made quilt. Whether you use a quilt to snuggle beneath or to hang on a wall and…

Photo quilts are blankets comprised of photographs that have been printed onto fabric squares and then sewn together. They are popular as keepsakes and gifts, and are sometimes also called "memory…

A sampler quilt is made up of many different design blocks. The sampler quilt is often used as a teaching tool for beginner quilters. Beginners can learn how to make specific quilt blocks and then…

Photo memory quilts are wonderful ways to pass on your family history to your children and their children, and generations to come. Because traditional quilts have been used to pass history from…

Crazy quilts are a conglomeration of fabrics combined at random. They are made by covering a foundation fabric, or "backing piece," with odd-shaped fabric scraps. These scraps usually include…

Quilting has been an American tradition for centuries. Quilts can be used in many ways: as a form of decor, to keep you warm at night and as gifts. Necktie quilts however, are especially meaningful…

Much of what you may have come to believe about Colonial Quilts simply isn't true. The image of Colonial women nestled peacefully before the fire stitching elaborately beautiful quilts from fabric…

Like art exhibits, some quilt exhibits travel from one city and museum to another. Other exhibits are permanent. There are still other ways to enjoy the beauty of hand crafted or machine sewn quilts,…

When you make or buy a new quilt, particularly a patchwork quilt, you may not know what is and isn't color fast. Fabrics that are not color fast will run whenever the quilt is washed or accidentally…

Quilt ministries are a wonderful way to reach out and touch the lives of others. Whether someone is struggling to make ends meet, going through a tough illness or living on the streets, quilts made in…

There's nothing better than snuggling up on a cold winter's night in a fluffy handmade quilt. Quilts come in all shapes, sizes and designs, many of which are exquisite examples of an old fashioned art…

Quilting, a popular artistry that some people do as a hobby and others as a trade, requires creativity, mastery and organization. Designing a quilt with appliqué pieces takes the craft to a different…

Learn how to use the personality placemat marker to quilt lines when making homemade placemats with expert crafting tips in this free home décor and crafting video clip.

Learn how to quilt a personality placemat by hand when making homemade placemats with expert crafting tips in this free home décor and crafting video clip.

How to finish and trim quilt edges; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video.

How to attach quilt borders; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video.

How to finish a binding strip on a quilt; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video.

How to connect a bias strip with a sewing machine when making a quilt; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video.

How to understand terms used in quilting, such as frame, long arm, stencil, continuous line, and more; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video.

How to gather and use the supplies needed in quilting design, including machines, stencils, patterns and fabric; get expert tips and advice on making a quilt in this free instructional video.

Learn how to sew a zipper backpack in this free video clip about quilting a pocket flap for this sewing project.

Learn how to sew a zipper backpack in this free video clip about quilting the pocket for this sewing project.

Learn how to sew a zipper backpack in this free video clip about quilting the top of this sewing project.

Learn how to sew a zipper backpack in this free video clip about quilting the bottom of this sewing project.

Learn how to choose the right quilting class for you in this free video series that will have you creating the perfect quilt in no time.

Learn how to utilize various hand appliqué techniques on your quilt in this free video series that will have you creating the perfect quilt in no time.

Learn how to press your quilt strips and ready them for assembly in this free video series that will have you creating the perfect quilt in no time.

Learn how to tear away paper from your quilt in this free video series that will have you creating the perfect quilt in no time.

Finishing off your quilt with a mitered edge is discussed in this free video series that will have you creating the perfect quilt in no time.

Look for a straight line that's uninterrupted and an "L" shape in order to fold your binding back to line up with your raw edges. Learn more about how to create your own quilt in this free video…

Attach binding to your quilt in order to begin assembling it. Learn more about how to create your own quilt in this free video series.

Leaving a ten-inch tail and working away from a corner will help you attach your bias to your quilt. Learn more about how to create your own quilt in this free video series.

A binding will allow you to keep your quilt and its patches together during production. Learn more about how to create your own quilt in this free video series.

Wax will keep your quilt and its decorative patches smooth. Learn more about how to create your own quilt in this free video series.

Preparing your thread for quilting will allow it to produce a clean, crisp stitch to your quilt. Learn more about how to create your own quilt in this free video series.

Watch an expert edge a quilt. Learn how to edge a quilt in this free quilting lesson from a crafts expert.

Learn how to attach a binding for a quilted table runner in this free home decor video on making and sewing your own quilted table runner.

Learn how to quilt a table runner with expert sewing tips in this free home decor video on making and sewing your own quilted table runner.

Learn how to add batting for a quilted table runner from our expert in this free home decor video on making and sewing your own quilted table runner.

Learn from our expert how to cut strips for a quilted table runner in this free home decor video on making and sewing your own quilted table runner.

Quit batting is the layer that goes between the front and back of a quilt. Batting makes a quilt warm and fluffy. To buy the right batting, you want to think about the purpose of your quilted item and…

Some historians consider the oral tradition about slave quilts as unreliable. However there's research that corroborates the slave quilt by Tobin and Dobard, authors of "Hidden in Plain View: A Secret…

A number of American quilt patterns were created or used to convey secret messages to help slaves escape before and during the Civil War. It was illegal for a slave to be taught to read or write, so…

One of the nicest gifts to give or receive is a quilt. These timeless treasures have a long history in the American home. The best quilts have personal meaning for the quilter or the person for whom…

There are a number of sizes and grades of quilting and sewing needles available for every type of fabric imaginable. With a bit of knowledge, you can enter any store or go online and find the right…

There are two ways to quilt your project. Hand quilting takes more time, but has that old fashioned appeal. Sewing machine quilting goes much faster, but can be more difficult to maneuver. Whatever…

Now that you know basic quilting techniques, such as how to sew in the ditch and press to the dark side of your fabric, it's time to start learning more advanced quilt patterns, such as appliqué. Here…

Handmade quilts add warmth and style to any home, and should reflect the personality of the homeowner. Designing your own can be a lot of fun, as you are in control of the color and style of fabric…

Quilts have held and told stories for generations, throughout families and history.Quilting is an age old art form, dating back to the civil war era. Although it looks simple enough, sewing quilt…

A standard 12- by 18-inch quilt placemat is easy to make and adds bright colors to your table setting. The top layer of the placemat can be either any quilted patchwork pattern you've made or a single…

Once a job almost every homemaker performed, making quilts is more of a hobby today. From simple crazy quilts to highly elaborate patterns, quilting can be a creative expression of art and beauty.…

Marking quilt lines on a placemat really is as simple as drawing a straight line. The secret is the right equipment and a bit of patience. The result will be straight quilted lines across the front of…

A handmade quilt takes great skill and many hours to make, so when you've finished, don't forget to label the quilt. A quilt label will showcase you as the maker of the quilt, and will serve as…

Now that you have spent many hours creating a quilt top, lovingly hand or machine quilted it together, you are ready to finish the edge of your quilt or mini quilt. There are two easy ways to finish a…

If you've never quilted, a paper pieced log cabin pattern is a perfect way to start. The log cabin is a traditional pattern loved by generations of quilters. It's a versatile pattern that can by made…

Quilting rulers are not just for a seamstress. They are so handy that you may even have to buy an extra to keep your man from stealing yours. Use quilting rulers for the obvious, quilting, or use them…

Pressing the seams is an important step in quilting and not one that should be skipped. This is especially important for quilt strips, since there are so many seams to deal with. Take the time to…

The binding is typically the very last piece sewn onto a quilt. It covers the raw edges of the quilt. While the binding is easily forgotten, a carefully chosen binding can add visual interest to the…

Using a good quality ruler designed for quilting and sewing can simplify the process of designing and cutting a quilt. While you could simply use a yardstick or regular ruler, a quilting ruler helps…

Bargello piecework is a techniques of quilting that was inspired by a form of needlework. This type of quilting shifts colors to create curves and movement in the quilted top. Although the results of…

Whether you are exploring the idea of quilting, learning about your grandmother's quilts, or live with a quilter, the following explanations of common quilting terminology can clear up any confusion…

Making a quilt out of old clothes is a great way to recycle all your favorite clothes that you cannot bare to let go of but that no longer fit. A quilt made out of your child's old clothing to take…

A quilt binding is the material that finishes off the edges of a finished quilt. Make quilt binding with matching or coordinating material to finish off your handmade quilt. Make your binding thick or…

Sewing a bias strip, or binding, is usually the last step done to complete a quilt. A bias strip connects the front and back parts of the quilt together. It's a thin piece of fabric that is sewn to…

Once you've spent the time piecing and quilting your project, you'll want to apply some type of binding or trim around the edge for a finished look. Add an attractive, durable edging to your quilt by…

Quilt borders can be straight-cut long strips, pieced, appliquéd, or mitered and, depending on the fabric, can echo the patterns in the quilt or provide a colorful contrast. Adding borders to a quilt…

One important part of buying an Amish quilt is to dispel myths associated with such quilts. There is more diversity among different Amish communities than many people think; therefore, Amish quilts…

Tie quilting is the finishing technique of choice when fabric or batting is too heavy for hand or machine stitching. If the batting is too thick or the fabric is too stiff, tie the quilt together.…

Quilts are often family heirlooms that have been around for years. Often when a quilt has been in storage for a long period of time, it will show signs of age or damage. Repairing a damaged quilt…

Quilts are the perfect gift for a special occasion, an original touch to brighten a room and bring the decor together. Embroidery can add a beautiful design, a special message, or a recipient or…

When you think of quilting, you may think of groups of women working around a quilting frame. Although this was originally how quilting was done, it is now possible to treat quilting as a portable…

Hand quilting is an art handed down through the generations. Handmade quilts seem to develop a warm, rich feel because of the time and personal attention required to produce one. Although it takes…

Once you have spent a little time sewing quilts designed by professional quilters, you may decide you want to try designing your own. Designing and sewing your own quilt will give you complete freedom…

If you are making the move from quilt hobbyist to professional quilter, one of the best ways to add to your resume is to teach a quilting class. As a teacher, you can set your own hours and be paid to…

Quilts, whether they are made by family members, souvenirs or antiques, are a great way to tastefully decorate any room. To display a quilt correctly often depends on the age of the quilt and how much…

Fat quarters are pieces of material that are commonly used for quilting. Each fat quarter measures about 20 by 20 inches; the dimensions vary by vendor, with some measuring 18 inches or 19 by 21…

Once you have completed making a quilt, a neat binding will hold the edges together. Although it takes a little time and practice to learn to sew the binding, it is an important step. This final touch…

Turning ordinary flour sacks into vintage quilts and various clothing items became popular during stressful economic times. Today there are many collectors who have obtained a wide selection of these…

Strip quilting, or strip piecing, is a quick and easy sewing technique used in quilting. You no longer have to cut each square out individually for quilt patterns like the Irish Chain. Instead, long…

Quilt making has been around for generations. Maybe you remember a handmade quilt from your childhood. Maybe someone gave you one as a gift and now you want to make your own quilt. Quilts not only…

When quilting a small quilt, a quilting hoop may be the best option for hand quilting. Easily stored when not in use and perfectly suited for lap quilting, small quilt projects can be expertly…

Long arm quilting is perhaps the most efficient and technologically advanced method available today. Though it requires an initial outlay for a long arm quilting machine which may be quite expensive,…

Paper piecing or foundation quilting utilizes a foundation fabric or paper for the base of the quilt's composition. Strips of fabric are then sewn onto the fabric in clockwise or counter-clockwise…

You've started an ambitious quilting project, collected the best materials and made a valiant start, but you no longer have the time to finish or the skill to refine it to the level you would like.…

Frugal pioneer homemakers salvaged scraps from old clothing and stitched them into comfy quilts. Today's quilt blends the colors, design and textures of a variety of fabrics purchased new, leftover…

Hand-quilting is time consuming, but relaxing. Quilt a small coverlet first and then progress to larger quilts and bedcovers.

You've accumulated an assortment of pretty fabrics and planned your quilt design. Before the fun begins, the material must be clean and wrinkle-free.

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.

Quilts, both antique and new, engender thoughts of tradition and a simpler, more old-fashioned way of life. A wide range of both hand and machine-sewn quilts is readily available in almost any price…

Depending on its age, condition and fabric, each quilt requires its own special type of care. Keeping yours as clean and dry as possible is the safest way to preserve it.

A simple diary serves as a record of your past, present, and future quilts and organizes planning material in a central place. When the time comes to tackle a new project, you won't waste time…