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When most people think of Quilting, what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to Quilting than just the basics.

There are many decisions to be made before a quilting project begins. The first is choosing what design you will use. This choice may vary from project to project.

Traditional quilting involves following the outline of the block’s design. You would stitch 1/4 inch from each seam line on your pieced or appliquéd patch. This would be just outside the pressed seam allowances.

Stitching in the ditch is another quilting process. In this method you stitch right into the seam. The shape of the design becomes distinct and the stitches are almost invisible as the fabric on each side of the seam puffs up around them.

In Design quilting, you embellish your quilt block with a set design. You simply purchase a quilt stencil and trace onto your patch in any open spaces.

Echo design quilting is when lines of stitching follow the outline of the block, then are repeated every 1/4 inch. This repetition makes sections of very heavy quilting and is not practiced by beginners.

Overall design quilting ignores the block’s pattern and uses an overall design. Three overall designs often used are grids of squares, diamonds and clamshells.

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Quilting. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

What quilting design you choose will also affect what pattern and fabrics you choose and vise versa. What you need to learn to do is visualize the completed project before you even begin. Obviously, if you want to use stencils and the design quilting method, you must choose fabric that has room for you to stencil on it.

Now that you have chosen you pattern, fabric and design you may begin piecing you quilt top. This involves creating a template, cutting all the pieces and sewing the blocks together. Once the blocks are completed they too must be connected to form the quilt top. You should first lay out all your blocks to make sure they are uniform in size, as well as in the correct position. Try not to place blocks that are too similar in design or color next to each other. Once you are satisfied with the design just divide the quilt into rows, either horizontal or vertical and begin sewing.

Once your quilt top is finished you are ready to layer it together with the batting in the middle and the backing fabric on the back. Polyester batting is the most popular and easy to use filling available today. All you have to do is open the bag and unroll it. This type of batting comes in different lofts or thicknesses, the thicker the loft, the warmer the quilt.

Backing fabric should have a low thread count and be loosely oven. The backing and the batting should be just slightly larger than the finished quilt top. Backing fabric usually needs to be seamed together. The traditional way is to seam three lengths of fabric, of equal widths, vertically down the backing. Cut off the selvage first, than shrink the fabric before you use it. Sew together the seams and press.

Place the backing on the floor, wrong side up. It should be about 2 inches larger than the quilt top. Roll out the batting. It should be cut about 1 inch smaller than the backing and one inch larger than the quilt top. Center the quilt top on top of the batting face-up. Pin all three layers together. Baste the layers together, beginning in the center of the quilt. You may use running stitches or Z stitches for basting.

If you are hand quilting your project you will require either a quilt frame, or a large hoop. Hoops are more portable, but require more basting. Once your project is secure you begin stitching the three layers together in very small uniform stitches, using the design you chose earlier. Start With about 18 inches of thread and begin working in the centre of your project, quilting toward the outside edge.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Quilting poses no limitations. A quilter can create designs as far as the imagination allows, which is probably why there are thousands of quilt patterns in existence today. Quilters just never run out of ideas and they pass them on from one quilter to another. The patterns keep on evolving then, which eventually gives birth to hybrid patterns.

Novice quilters may at first be overwhelmed by the enormity of pattern options. And this commonly becomes a problem especially when they figure that the pattern they have is actually not what they want to work with. The result is half-hearted commitment and a lopsided quilt, if at all it gets done. You can avoid this, though, if you consider the following when choosing a quilt pattern:

1. Identify your skill level. Before setting out, you must first realistically and honestly assess your quilting skills. This is important because a pattern-skill level mismatch can turn an otherwise beautiful pattern into a sloppy quilt. Patterns are normally classified as beginner/easy, intermediate, experienced/hard, so determine into which your skill level fits.

2. Decide on your intended theme or message. Quilt patterns are oftentimes thematic. There are patterns for holidays, nursery, seasons, among other things. If you are celebrating a birth, choose a baby quilt. If the quilt is for the approaching spring, choose a bright, floral quilt pattern. Consider the message as well. Do you want the quilt to convey a political message? An advocacy perhaps? An inspiring story? Whatever message you intend to communicate, make sure the quilt pattern represents it well.

If your Quilting facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important Quilting information slip by you.

3. Consider pattern combination. If your skill level allows, you can combine a number of patterns to achieve an exquisite and original look. Don’t be afraid to experiment because, in the first place, quilting encourages exploration of all your creative tendencies. Get out of your safe harbor. Think out of the box. Mix and match.

4. Determine how much time you are willing to commit. The simple patterns are of course quick to do, while the intricate ones may require a lot of time to complete. If you know you won’t be able to finish a pattern in a given time, save it for a future project. In the meantime, work with the pattern that you are likely to finish.

5. Get as many sources as you can. Ask fellow quilters for pattern suggestions. Some of them may even have designed their own quilt patterns. Don’t forget to also look samples in quilt shops and to research online. The good about the Internet is that you can find free quilt patterns?from the simplest and traditional to the more complex and intricate. Online patterns are too plenty you might want to create a collection. Of course, you can also try to look up in quilt books. These books are a compilation of designs derived from the traditional and old patterns.

Therefore, these designs, which may look new and complicated, are just as easy to do as the conventional quilt patterns you are familiar with.

Don’t limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about Quilting. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what’s important.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with Quilting.

Sewing by hand, or with a needle and thread is the traditional method used to piece together quilt blocks. Even if you own a sewing machine you should practice these stitches. Remember to choose the smallest size needle that you can comfortably work with. Be sure that you are using special quilting thread. Quilting thread is thicker, more durable and doesn’t tangle. Cut a piece of quilting thread about to feet long. Thread the needle and place a single knot in the end of the thread with a short tail to prevent unraveling. Do not double the thread. Sew with one single strand.

Place the two quilt pieces that you are connecting together, with right sides facing each other. Pin them using three pins. Place one pin in each of the top two corners, and the third pin in the middle of the piece. Begin at one corner and poke the needle through both layers of fabric then bring it up through the fabric about 1/8th of an inch down the seam line. Take one backstitch to keep your end secure, and then continue this in and out stitching. This is a running stitch, also called a piecing stitch. It takes practice to get a straight line. You may draw a line in pencil on the wrong side of the fabric if this helps. Once you have reached the other corner take a backstitch in reverse and make a 90-degree turn into the seam allowance. Make to stitches and cut the thread. Many quilters do not knot the ends of their thread, as they feel knots rub and wear out the material faster.

Those of you not familiar with the latest on Quilting now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

Another stitch that beginners should learn is the appliqué stitch. In appliqués blocks a fabric motif is cut out, layered and stitched onto the background of another fabric. This method of sewing the layers together needs to be almost invisible to the eye. The appliqué stitch should leave a small visible dot of a stitch. To begin, start with a quilting needle and knotted quilting thread in a color that blends with the appliqué motif. Prepare the design by basting the raw edges under. Pressing with the tip of an iron first will help. Next baste the fabric motif onto the background fabric in the desired position.

Now it’s finally time to appliqué. Start by placing the needle under the background fabric. Push the needle up through the background fabric and the edge of the appliqué motif. Pull the thread through both layers. Now position the needle right next to where the thread comes up, but only on the background fabric. Make an1/8th inch stitch through the background fabric and bring it up at the edge of the appliqué motif. Continue this stitch all around the fabric motif, ending underneath the background fabric on the wrong side. Knot and trim.

Hand sewing seems like a very time consuming process. Once you develop a rhythm, it proceeds much faster. Hand sewn quilts are often prized over machine-stitched creations.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Today, there are two ways to express your quilting art ? with your hands or with a modern machine. Whichever way, the finished art produced is more important than the answer to the debate about which way produces more beautiful quilts.

For machine quilters, there are still some technical problems that have to be addressed. One of them is doing your quilt all the way to the finish without any marks on it.

This means not using any chalk, water-soluble markers or any pen that risks the chance of ruining your delicate quilting fabric.

Marking template

To make a no-mark template, choose a continuous-line design that is perfect for your project. Enlarge or reduce your design taking care of leaving at least a half-inch of margin around the edges.

Here’s a tip on how to compute the scale factor for use in photocopying your design. Simply divide the desired length or width of the design by its actual length or width.

With the sum, you multiply it by 100 to get the percentage of enlargement (or reduction) of the design. Take note that the enlargement (or reduction) of your design automatically alters the other dimensions of the design.

The next step is to trace your quilting pattern on a stabilizer paper. Simply pin the paper onto your project and machine-quilt through it.

This method is for all types of continuous-line patterns, repeating or not. It is right for any quilting project: bed or wall quilts, pillows, table runners, etc. This technique is even usable on embellishing ready-to-wear garments.

Pattern play

If your Quilting facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don’t let important Quilting information slip by you.

Positioning the templates on the quilts may need some decisions. Generally, you can move the templates around until you like the placement.

Once you are satisfied, mark the templates accordingly so you will remember the exact position. Then, pin (or tape) the template one at a time and stitch. It is best to work segment by segment to avoid confusion and catching the paper.

Template paper

Get any lightweight vellum-type tracing paper from any office supply store. (Wax paper from groceries will also work.)

Vellum paper is good because it is sheer enough to see through, tears away easily from the stitches, and not much to clean up after. Use a permanent pen on the paper to avoid the chance of staining your fabric in case the needle hits the pattern and stains itself and brings it to your fabric.

For smaller projects, simply trace the design onto a laid-out design on a single template cut matching the pattern piece. For embellishments, or stitching on ready-to-wear garments, sew the designs from the garment’s wrong side using the template reversed.

Quilting

When quilting, start out from the center and work your way out to the border. If it is a whole cloth design, break it down into segments and work your way segment by segment, placing a template on each segment and stitch.

After you finish each section, remove the templates. It is easy to remove perforated stabilizers. The vellum paper is brittle enough to be scratched away with finger nails without damaging a thread.

After you finished your quilting, take some time off to examine your finished quilt from all sides and angles to check for marks, stray threads or other stuff that don’t belong. You can also congratulate yourself for a job well done.

There’s a lot to understand about Quilting. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Quilting is not just the simple pushing of needles and threads in and out of fabrics and come up with a beautiful craft appreciated for years. Like in any other art form, there are pieces of information a quilter has to master to be able to improve his craft.

In quilting, knowing and understand fabric grains is a plus for quilt-makers who want to excel.

Straight grain

Simply put, this is the way threads are woven in place in the fabric. This is important when quilters want to cut their quilting blocks accurately and with precision.
Ignorance in fabric grains can result in great waste of time, effort and materials.

Long threads are called warps. These are the ones that are stretched and secured on the loom. In effect, these become the fabric’s lengthwise grain, the continuous fabric yardage as it comes off the bolt.

The weft is the thread that is woven into the warps, perpendicular to the whole length.
This is the crosswise grain of the fabric.

The lengthwise grain and the crosswise grain are both called straight grain, or straight-of-grain. The selvage is the bound edge in the outermost lengthwise grain, formed when the weft thread change direction in the weaving process.

Fabric pieces cut along straight grain (with edges parallel to either warp or weft) are less likely to stretch out of shape. The interwoven threads give it extra support.

However, cuts along the lengthwise grain stretches less than their crosswise counterparts. This is because warp threads were firmly attached to the loom enhancing their strength.

The more authentic information about Quilting you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Quilting expert. Read on for even more Quilting facts that you can share.

Fabric Bias

A bias is a 45-degree angle cut in the fabric. (In quilting, any cut that is not parallel to the straight grain is called a bias cut.)

Bias cuts are stretchy and this can work for or against you. There are no threads to stabilize the fabric in a bias.

However, bias cuts have several uses. One, they are easy to apply as binding to a quilt with curved edges. Tubes can be made from them for shapes in appliqués, for instance.
They are also easier to be turned under for other curved shapes.

Bias edges can stretch out of shape and makes it difficult to sew accurately. Triangles have one bias edge and there is need to determine the best place for it because it is not stable. (Best is sewing them in the interior parts and with a straight grain piece for stability.)

Using straight grain cuts

Squares and rectangles are cut along straight grains to minimize stretching during handling. They are good in making borders and sashes. Moreover, they stabilize the outer edges of blocks and quilt tops.

Knowing and being accustomed to these different fabric grains would give you quite an idea on where and when to use any on your project. It can even make you quite an expert in identifying fabrics without the usual selvages or other marks.

At a certain stage in your quilting life, you can do your own fabric grain experiments. It does not take so much to know the best possible ways to achieve what you want in your quilt masterpiece.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Current info about Quilting is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest Quilting info available.

Quilting is centuries old. History tells that as far back as 3400BC, quilting is a famed activity among Egyptians. The activity is then passed from generation to generation and from continent to continent and is now being enjoyed as a form of art. Over time, quilting enjoyed several innovations in techniques and methods. But there are actually no strict rules in quilting, as quilters discover new ways of making quilting more fun and achievable. There are some basic quilting guides you can follow at each start of a new project, though. And they are the following:

1. Choose a quilting pattern. The pattern should of course match your skill level. This means that if you are a newbie, work on a pattern that is simple and easy. If you have been quilting for quite a while and have gained enough confidence, then by all means, choose the pattern that will translate the progress in your skill.

2. Identify whether the project would be a pieced or whole cloth quilt. A pieced quilt has strips and pieces cut from other different fabrics and stitched together to make a top. These pieces can take the form of flowers, butterflies, animals, and other decorative patterns. A whole cloth quilt, on the other hand, uses a single fabric to make a top, which is cut into strips and sewn together.

Most of this information comes straight from the Quilting pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

3. Gather all the materials. These include the fabrics and the quilting threads. The patterns sometimes include a list of fabrics and threads to use, but think of it only as a suggestion and allow it not to impose limitations on you. Explore your options and find alternative and better materials that can complement the pattern. Your knowledge of the thread and fabric characteristics, textures, and color values comes into play here.

4. Prewash your fabric. This makes sure that the fabric doesn’t shrink or fade. When prewashing, use hot water and detergent and soak the fabric for about 20 minutes. After which, dry and press the fabric.

5. Familiarize yourself with the quilting steps. A quilt is made of three layers?the top, the batting, and the backing?which you have to stitch together. This process is actually the quilting itself. But first, you have to create the top by sewing blocks and strips of fabrics as indicated in the pattern of your choice. Next, select the batting and the backing material. The three layers are then put in their proper order to prepare them for basting. Basting means temporarily keeping the layers together using pins or stitches to prevent them from sliding and falling apart as they are quilted. Then, the actual quilting follows, which involve joining the three layers using small, fine stitches. As a final touch, a binding material is sewn to the quilt to trim and hide the fabric edges.

6. Sign the finished quilt. Some quilters are so attached with their quilts that they affix their name and date on one corner of the quilt. Unlike the other quilting guides, this one is a purely personal decision.

That’s the latest from the Quilting authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Quilting to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Quilting experts.

No quilt project is ever complete without the use of a thread. Whether to piece fabrics together or to embellish, a quilting thread is an important material. Presently, quilting is steadily blossoming as a form of art and it follows that quilting threads, along with other materials, are improving and are made available in various options. In fact, nowadays, threads come in different beautiful colors and fiber content, and thread makers are constantly developing their products to satisfy every quilter. But because of the many available options, confusion sometimes creeps in, and quilters, beginners most especially, find it hard to choose which thread to use.

There are tips that can guide quilters along. And if you are one of those who are often confused and overwhelmed by the enormity of choices, the following can immensely help in your thread selection.

1. Know the different kinds of thread. Cotton is the commonly used thread in quilting as it has added strength and can stand the test of time. It is mercerized, meaning it went through some processes and was treated with sodium hydroxide, to give it a luster finish and to enhance dye absorption. Cotton is also coated, allowing it to easily slide through multiple fabric layers. Rayon also has luster quality and is used in embroidery and embellishing.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Quilting experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Quilting.

Metal/plastic thread, which actually is not a thread but strands made from thermoplastic, is also best used in embellishments because of its shiny look. Metallic in the same way gives a shimmering appeal to projects, and like metal/plastic thread, it requires a metallic needle. Polyester lends a silky finish and doesn’t fade in time. It also doesn’t shrink, which makes it a durable embellishing thread.

2. Use the appropriate threads for hand quilting and machine quilting. Hand quilting threads are sturdy, durable, and usually made of cotton. While machine quilting threads are also often made of cotton, they are less durable and strong than hand quilting threads. They can, however, make finer and tighter stitches.

3. Match the thread to your fabric. In other words, if you are working on a polyester fabric, your thread must as well be polyester. Or, if you are using a fabric made from multiple materials, choose a thread made from the dominant material. Consider also the delicateness of the fabric. For the more fragile fabrics, use silk or polyester thread. But remember that for most projects, especially those that include standard fabrics, cotton is still the most preferred thread as it can work well with a variety of fabrics.

4. Learn to read thread weight and number of plies. These are printed on the thread label and are usually expressed in fraction, with the thread weight on top and the number of plies below. Thus, in 50/2, the thread is 50wt and has two plies. The thread weight, which can be anywhere between 28 to 60, indicates how fine and sturdy a quilting thread is. Threads with 28 to 30wt are good for embellishments and decorative purposes, while those with 40 to 60wt are sturdier and are best for quilting and piecing.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about Quilting? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about Quilting.

If the quilting bug has bitten you, you may be confused about what exactly you will need for supplies for your new craft. A huge part of the fun of starting a new hobby is learning about what kinds of supplies you will need to accomplish it. There’s something so satisfying about working with tools and supplies. While the craft of quilting doesn’t technically require much more than a good sewing machine, needles, thread and scissors, there are so many wonderful supplies on the market that will make quilting easier and much more enjoyable.

Start with a sewing machine, the most basic of your supplies. Though it is technically possible to sew a quilt without a machine, and some people still prefer to do it, most busy crafters today like to use a machine. You’ll want to at least use it for piecing together the blocks for the quilt top, and after that you can choose to do the actual quilting by hand or machine. But most quilters would agree that the sewing machine is the most essential of your supplies, and so the soundest advice is to buy the best you can afford. There are many wonderful brands such as Bernina, Pfaff, Janome, and Husqvarna Viking, to name a few. Bear in mind that most quilters only need a machine to sew a straight line, so you don’t need to worry about buying one with a lot of fancy stitches.

Next on any quilter’s list of supplies is a cutting tool. Plain old fashioned scissors are good, and you’ll need a pair dedicated to fabric and one for paper only (paper dulls scissors very quickly). However, as a quilter your new best friend is sure to be a rotary cutter and mat. A rotary cutter is a much more efficient tool than the scissors you may be used to, and you can also cut pieces for quilt blocks in volume with it. You’ll need a rotary mat to protect the surface you are working on. Don’t make the mistake of putting a rotary cutter and mat at the bottom of your list of essential supplies-they will make your life easier and your new hobby much more pleasurable.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Quilting experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Quilting.

You’ll need fabric, of course, and most quilters swear by 100 per cent cotton fabric. The array of color and pattern that cotton fabric comes in is truly staggering. You’ll also want to put thread on your list of supplies. Cotton thread is good, with a high luster and long-lasting strength. You’ll need pins for a variety of reasons. Pins seem to be one of those notions that quilters have very specific preferences for-you might prefer good old fashioned straight pins made of all steel, or T-pins, or pins with the brightly colored heads. Why not put a variety on your shopping list of supplies and experiment with which ones you like best? You’ll also need needles and a seam ripper.

Many quilters also consider a bulletin or idea board as an essential. This can be placed near where your sewing machine is set up and used as a place to pin swatches, arrange fabrics in potential color combinations, and post ideas torn from magazines.

Start your list of essential supplies today, and you’ll be a happy quilter.

That’s the latest from the Quilting authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Quilting is a method that has received a heightened sense of popularity not only because of the artistry and elegance it presents but also with the industry that it has build through the years. Business and service establishments that is rooted in this craft have been flooding sites around the globe. Nevertheless for passionate quilters it is not really about the monetary success but more of the fulfilment in producing a rare work-of-art.

Quilting has become a wide network that has taken a lot of identities. Let’s have a crack at the quilting salad and magnify thoughts on various specialty styles involved. First in line is foundation piecing which was originally used in order to make pieces of fabric sewn together stable. Traditional sources of foundation were scrap fabric or muslin but in recent times freezer paper, heavy weight paper, and tracing paper has gained popularity. The foundation serves as a pattern which helps in the creation of quilt blocks with the same size having precise sharp points and perfect matches of intersections.

Paper piecing only requires shorter stitches that allows for easy tearing of the foundation after the block is finished. Tracing, computer printing, needle punching, pre-set designs, and photocopying are some of the mechanisms that allows for preparation of the design for the foundation. Moreover, there are about three main techniques involved in foundation piecing which are top pressed, under pressed and single template piecing. The pattern of the design and the quilter’s discretion influence the choice of technique.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Quilting experts is time. If you’ll invest a little more time in reading, you’ll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Quilting.

Another specialty style on the list is known as Sashiko. It is a quilting version that focuses on decorative reinforcement of the stitches which is commonly done in Japan. Sachiko was actually a common method in ensuring the strength of points of wear for certain garments as well repairing worn and torn portions via patches. But at present the running stitch technique associated is commonly used to enhance the designs of quilting and embroidery. A distinctive feature of the Sashiko is derived from the white cotton thread that is laced on an indigo or blue cloth.

Ralli Quilting is a traditional method employed by women within the vicinities of Pakistan, western India, and Sindh. This method of quilting has been around for a very long time which accounts for about thousands of years. At present it has gradually taken a spot in the international scene of the quilting industry. It has produced countless brilliant and elegant quilts, table runners, pillows, and cushions that are collectively known as Ralli Quilt.

Tivaivai is another quilting variation that is native to the Cook Islands. It is an act of stitching or sewing that is derived from dashing bed covers. It can be performed by a single woman or accomplished within the circles of certain groups that are tagged as vainetini. This is an avenue wherein the native ladies catch up on recent village happenings and bond together in singing and merry-making. The Tivaivai’s value is not measured by the money it equates but by the love and patience each maker puts into their creation.

The quilting salad is also comprised of Shadow or Echo Quilting, Trapunto Quilting, and Watercolor Quilting. Shadow Quilting is routinely done around an appliquéd piece found on the quilt top followed by echoed quilting around the previous quilting line. Trapunto is also tagged as stuffed quilting and is native to Italy. Watercolor Quilting uses sophisticated yet uniformly sized prints skilfully arranged to come up with a masterful design or picture.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

When most people think of Quilting, what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to Quilting than just the basics.

Quilting fabrics decide the aesthetic appeal of the quilt, so choosing which to use is perhaps one of the most crucial decisions you have to make when quilting. If you fail to form a quilt with a cohesive color palette, all your stitching skills are laid to waste. It is a good thing that different kinds of fabrics today provide many options, but how do you exactly know which fabric is best for your quilting project? Here are the things to look out for:

1. Fabric type. There are many different fabrics you can use for your quilt: velvet, wool, leather, denim, silk, among many others. But although you can use nearly any kind of fabric, 100% cotton fabric is still the most preferred material for quilt. One, it is easy to press and quilt. Second, it is less likely to fray. And third, it maintains its color. Of course, the type of fabric to use still depends on the pattern you have in mind, so don’t feel limited with your fabric choices.

2. Thread count. It refers to the number of threads per square inch and is used to indicate how fine a fabric is. A thread count that is anywhere between 68 to 78 is a good indication that a fabric can last and is less likely to shrink. To know if a fabric has an ideal thread count, check the threads. If the threads look intact and don’t easily pull apart, you are holding a good choice.

If you find yourself confused by what you’ve read to this point, don’t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

3. Print. There are three things you need to remember when choosing prints. One, you should have a variety of small, medium, and large prints in your fabrics to lend texture and dimension to your quilt. Fabrics with almost the same size of prints tend to look boring and flat if pieced together. On the contrary, a range of sizes gives depth and movement to the quilt. Second, check that the print is on the grain. A print that is not aligned with the grain has the possibility of creating a distorted and crooked design. Finally, examine pattern consistency and make sure that the entire fabric is printed. If there seems to be empty spaces where prints should have been, you may not be able to use some parts of the fabric.

4. Color. The most important component of a quilting fabric is the color. A coherent and dynamic color scheme gives the quilt an interesting visual appeal, so it is very important to be careful with the color combination. To come up with a coherent color combination, you have to choose a main fabric that has many different colors. Then, select fabrics with colors pulled out from the main fabric. To avoid dullness, pick the quilting fabrics within the range of light, medium, and dark hues.

These are the color values and are important in balancing the overall color of the quilt. Two tips when buying a fabric: make sure the color doesn’t fade in some parts; choose the fabric whose color doesn’t come off on the hands when rubbed.

Knowing enough about Quilting to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you’ve just learned about Quilting, you should have nothing to worry about.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO