Do you consider yourself a quilting novice?
Quilting is a great way to express your creativity while having fun in the company of others. You get to experiment with different fabrics and patterns — it’s a complete arts and crafts playground.
However, it seems like an impenetrable wall of fabric to someone who’s never seen it done before. Knowing a few quilting tips for beginners may help you to break into the world of quilting.
The more time you spend quilting, the more natural the process will feel. Here, we’ll look at these remarkable nine quilting tips to get you started.
Read on.
1. Use the Right Tools
When it comes to quilting, having the right tools is essential for successful sewing. Novices should invest in quality quilting fabric and thread before beginning a project.
A good quality rotary cutter, cutting mat, and quilt rulers are necessary. Ensure you buy a good pair of quilting scissors, as they are essential for accurate and neat edges.
If you plan to quilt smaller projects, opt for a set of mini quilting rulers for easy measurements. Investing in a good quality sewing machine is also essential for accurate stitching and long-lasting results.
2. Choosing the Right Fabric
Choosing the suitable fabric is essential when it comes to excellent quilting. Novices must be careful not to pick too thin or densely woven materials, as these can be difficult to sew.
Stick with low thread count fabrics, as these will be much easier to sew and manipulate. Try picking fabrics with more extensive, bolder prints so they’ll be easier to position and line up during quilting.
It’s also wise to stick with fabrics of the same weight and avoid cotton blends, as these can make the finished quilt appear lumpy and unfinished. Lastly, try picking out fabrics with a lighter color for the underside, as these will be easier to manipulate and prevent your quilt from becoming too heavy.
3. Use Stabilizers When Quilting
As a novice quilter, one of the most important tips is to use a good stabilizer when quilting. Stabilizers are heavy fabric backing that can help keep the structure of the quilt in place and prevent any potential warp from the wrong selection of needles or threads.
Cotton fusible batting is the most commonly used stabilizer. It is available in various weights and styles to suit different quilting projects.
4. Use the Correct Needle Size
One of the essential tips for quilters is to use the correct needle size for your quilting machine. Using the incorrect needle size can cause skipped stitches, breakage, excessive thread shredding, visible holes, and even puckered fabrics.
To avoid these issues, choose a slightly heavier needle (an 80/12 or 90/14 size is best) with a slightly rounded point. This will help to prevent fabric damage and give more consistent stitches while quilting.
Additionally, switch out the needle every eight to twelve hours of use. This will ensure your stitches have uniform stitching and that the needle will not become dull and cause fabric tearing.
5. Familiarize Yourself with Different Fabrics
As you learn the basics of quilting, the types of fabrics and their characteristics will become necessary for a successful quilt project. Cotton, muslin, and flannel are some of the most common fabric choices for quilting.
Cotton is strong and durable, making it a popular choice for patchwork and quilt tops. Muslin has a gauzy, lightweight texture and is ideal for backings and bindings.
Flannel is a soft fabric best suited for baby quilts or smaller projects. Quilters should also become familiar with synthetic fabrics such as polyester, often used for the batting.
6. Use the Correct Quilting Stitches
When beginning to quilt, it is vital to use the correct quilting stitches. Quilting creates an intricate pattern by sewing together two or more fabrics into a single piece.
The basic quilting stitches are the running, zigzag, and double running stitches. Knowing the right stitches and practicing is crucial when it comes to quilting. This will help ensure that the quilt has a professional look.
7. Mastering the Rotary Cutter
One of the best tips is to remember that the rotary cutter blade should never cut through the fabric. Instead, begin by pressing the seam line and using the blade to score the fabric; this is an optimal guide for an exact and even line.
Using a ruler when cutting and keeping the ruler parallel to your blade would also be best. When cutting more than one layer, it is best practice to use a mat to ensure the fabric isn’t damaged.
Lastly, keep the blade sharp and store it safely when not in use. With these professional quilting tips, you can securely take charge of your rotary cutting experiences and begin making stunning quilt projects.
8. Use Seam Rippers Efficiently and Effectively
Novice quilters should invest in proper quality seam rippers and use them efficiently and effectively. Seam rippers are especially helpful when fixing up sewing mistakes that would have taken a long time to fix otherwise.
They can also help ensure pieces are correctly aligned when piecing together quilt blocks.
9. Start with Small and Simple Projects
For novice quilters, starting with small and straightforward projects is essential for mastering the art. Small projects allow for experimentation.
Experimentation leads to developing new quilting skills, and skills ultimately pave the way for more extensive and challenging pieces. Consider tackling patchwork quilts composed of many smaller blocks sewn together.
This will help build a strong understanding of measurement, piecing, and construction. These projects can be finished in a short amount of time, are available to accommodate a limited budget, and offer a range of design and construction options.
Quilting Tips That Will Get Creating Masterpieces in No Time
Superb quilting tips for novices have been discussed, and it’s time to put these tips into practice. With patience and dedication, novice quilters can create beautiful finished quilts.
Don’t be afraid to seek help if you encounter problems; find reliable quilting classes or YouTube quilting tutorials. Now it’s time to unleash your creativity and bring your quilting visions to life!
Check out our other blog posts if you’re interested in learning new skills.