Quilting is a hobby that has become increasingly popular in the past few decades. This is not surprising, since quilts are beautiful art pieces that have been used for centuries to keep people warm. As just one example of how this tradition continues today, here are some machine quilting instructions to help you get started!
Nowadays there are many different ways to make a quilt using traditional techniques or more modern ones. You can use any materials you want and there are no rules about what shapes your blocks need to be, so it’s easy enough for beginners but also challenging enough for experts. The best part? No matter what level you’re at, whether beginner or expert (and even if you’ve never touched a sewing machine before), the art of quilting is something that anyone can enjoy. In this article we will cover Machine Quilting Instructions for the Beginning Quilter.
Quilting Basics: What You Need To Know To Start Quilting!
1. Choose a fabric design and style that is perfect for you.
2. Decide on your quilting technique. There are many different ways to make a quilt using traditional techniques or more modern ones. For example, you can use any materials you want, there are no rules about what shapes your blocks need to be, and it’s easy enough for beginners but also challenging enough for experts.
3. Make your “quilt sandwich.” This is done by placing the batting in between the top and bottom layers of fabric so that all three layers are touching each other nicely, but not so tightly that they won’t go through the sewing machine.
4. With your sewing machine, baste stitch your layers together using small stitches. The purpose of this is to hold them together nicely so that the actual quilting process goes smoothly (it will).
5. Decide on an overall pattern you want for your quilt. There are many different ways to do this, including traditional (like stitching lines horizontally and vertically) or more modern techniques like free motion quilting.
6. Practice! We recommend practicing first on smaller pieces of fabric before starting your real project. If you are just beginning, here are some machine quilting instructions to help you get started!
# Machine Quilting Instructions
Quilting Basics: Suppplies and Tools Needed To Start Quilting!
Fabric
A rotary cutter and cutting mat
A sewing machine
A ruler
Scissors
Fabric glue (optional)
Preparing Your Fabric: How to Sort, Fold & Prepare It Before You Begin Quilting!
When you’re ready to start quilting, the first step is to prepare your fabric. This means sorting it, folding it and cutting it to the right size.
Sorting Fabric:
The best way to sort your fabric is by color and/or print. This will make it easier to find what you need when you’re ready to start sewing.
Folding Fabric:
There are many different ways to fold fabric, but a simple way is to fold it in half lengthwise so that the two selvages (or long edges) are touching each other. Then, fold it in half again so that the folded edges are now touching each other.
The different ways you can fold your fabric (and the pros and cons of each)
When it comes to folding fabric for quilting, there are a few different methods you can use. Here are the three most common ways to fold fabric, as well as the pros and cons of each:
1. The first way to fold fabric is by folding it in half lengthwise so that the two selvages (or long edges) are touching each other. Then, fold it in half again so that the folded edges are now touching each other. This is the simplest way to fold fabric, but it’s not always the best because it can be difficult to find what you’re looking for when you’re ready to start sewing.
2. The second way to fold fabric is by folding it into quarters. This is useful because you can easily see all of the layers since they are nicely lined up.
3. The third way to fold fabric is by laying it flat and stacking several pieces on top of each other, then folding them together in a square shape. This is useful if you need very specific measurements, such as when cutting triangles or diamonds (a common way to construct squares within quilting).
Cutting: The First in Creating A Finished Piece!
Cutting fabric for machine quilting is essential in making a finished piece of work. There are many different ways to cut fabric, but the most common way is to measure your desired length and width, then use your rotary cutter to cut it carefully. If you are just beginning, here are some machine quilting instructions to help you get started!
1. Begin by laying your ruler on the table so that the long edge is parallel with the edge of the table.
2. Place your rotary cutter inside the two squares marked on the ruler, then pull it towards you into a position where it’s perpendicular to both edges of the ruler.
3. Swing your arm back and forth until you’re ready to cut a straight line.
4. Cut across the fabric, keeping your rotary cutter one inch from the opposite edge. You will now have a piece of fabric that is 2 inches wide and any length you choose!
Basting: The Second in Creating A Finished Piece!
Basting is a simple and quick way to produce a basting stitch line prior to sewing. The purpose of this technique is to stabilize the fabric before it’s sewn, which is most often for quilting projects. It also avoids having thread show on one side of the fabric when the project is finished.
When you are ready to start sewing, pin your basting stitches along the edge of your fabric that is closest to you until you have pinned it at both ends. Make sure that you are lining up your stitches with an even distance between them so that they are flat against the edge of the fabric. This will help keep your stitches consistent when sewing, producing a smooth finish. Your basting stitches should be about 1/4 inch away from the edge of your fabric.
Sewing: The Third in Creating A Finished Piece!
You are now ready to sew your pieces together, but before you do that, make sure that you have pressed all seams open so they will be flat when finished. Once your seams are pressed open, it’s time to start sewing them to other pieces.
The first stitch you will sew is called the basting stitch . It’s important to remember that this stitch should never be sewn on the edge of your fabric, which would otherwise lock your stitches into place and prevent them from being pulled out if needed. Your sewing machine should have an adjustable needle to help accomplish this, but if not, you will need to use your hand to guide the needle back up through the fabric.
Now Let’s Add Some Interest With A Border!
Adding a border to your quilt is a great way to add some extra interest and style. There are many different ways to add a border, but the most common is by using a pieced border. This is where you sew several different pieces of fabric together to create a border that is both unique and stylish.
When choosing fabric for your pieced border, make sure to select colors and patterns that will compliment your quilt. You will also need to select fabric that is the same size and shape as the border you are wanting to create.
Conclusion
Machine quilting instructions can be challenging for the beginning quilter, but with these tips you’ll be well on your way. Quilting has become a hobby across America and is something that anyone can enjoy! Whether you are just getting started or looking to expand your skillset in this art form, we hope our machine quilting instructions will help get you there. All it takes is some patience and practice to perfect this skill. If all of this sounds intimidating and you want help enacting these principles, let us know.
Additional Tips
Tips on how to measure your fabric
There are a few different ways to measure your fabric depending on what you’re quilting. Here are the three most common ways to do it:
1. Measuring the length and width of your fabric: This is the most common way to measure fabric, and all you need is a ruler and a pencil or pen to make markings. Simply measure the length and width of your fabric, then write it down.
2. Cutting fabric using a rotary cutter: If you’re looking to cut your fabric into specific shapes and sizes, this is the way to do it. Measure the length and width of your fabric, then use a rotary cutter to cut it carefully.
3. Folding fabric into quarters: This is the best way to measure specific pieces of fabric. Simply fold your fabric into quarters, then make markings on it with a pencil or pen where you want to cut.
P is for pressing seams.
This means ironing each seam to get rid of any wrinkles before sewing it down. Here are some machine quilting instructions for pressing seams:
1. Lay your fabric flat with the wrong side facing up and spread it out equally on all sides.
2. Place a press cloth, such as a thick piece of muslin, over your fabric to protect it from getting burned or marred by your iron.
3. Set your iron to the appropriate heat setting, then begin pressing the seam. You want to move your iron back and forth until you can see that both of the seams have been pressed flat.
Pro tip: Practice on scraps of fabric before moving onto a finished piece!
The different ways you can cut fabric (and the pros and cons of each)
There are many different ways you can cut fabric, but the most common is using a rotary cutter on any size square or rectangle. Here are some safety tips on how to use your rotary cutter, as well as the pros and cons of each way you can cut your fabric:
1. The first way you can cut fabric is by cutting a straight line. This is one of the most common ways to cut fabric, since it produces a finished edge on one side and a rough or unfinished edge on the other (which will be hidden when the fabric is sewn into a quilt).
2. The second way you can cut fabric is by cutting off the selvages. The pros and cons of this method are basically the same as for straight lines: you get a finished edge on one side and an unfinished edge on the other (which will be hidden when the fabric is sewn into a quilt).
3. The third way you can cut fabric is by cutting off one selvage. This is important because it gives you more options for the side where the finished edge is located, especially when creating triangles or diamonds (a common way to construct squares within sewing).
4. The fourth way you can cut fabric is by cutting along the bias. This type of cut is useful for when you want to add a ruffle or tie (common ways to decorate and finish quilts).
5. The fifth way you can cut fabric is by using pinking shears. This method can be used on any given edge, but it’s generally not recommended for places where seams will be located because the little “teeth” can sometimes get caught in other fabrics.
Three tips on how to sew a straight line
1. Begin by threading your machine with the desired color of thread. Threading a sewing machine can seem complicated at first, but it’s really pretty simple once you understand all the different parts of the machine and how to put them together.
2. Next, adjust your stitch length and width so that you can create a stitch about 1/4″ in length and with many stitches per inch (about 18-20 stitches per inch). These settings will vary depending on what material you’re using and if you want visible or hidden stitches, but 18-20 stitches per inch is a good place to start for beginners.
3. Press your fabric flat before you sew so that it will stay in place while you work. Use a press cloth on any areas where there’s a finished edge of fabric so the top layer won’t get burned or marred by your iron.