Beginner’s Guide To Sewing And Quilting From Harlem To Hollywood

By Bretton Love

Quilting is a craft that involves sewing a few layers of fabric together in order to produce a padded material. This craft has been around for centuries now. It existed since the 17th century Colonial times, the Civil War and even up to the Victorian era. Quilting also continued to exist during World War II and it still never ceases to amaze quilting enthusiasts of this modern-day period. If you’re new to this craft and would want to try your hands on it, better check out the following guide to sewing and quilting.

Things You Need To Have

When it comes to quilting, you probably have known that having your own sewing machine is a must. To make sure you start everything right, see to it that you only use the Best Sewing Machine For Quilting. As a beginner, the last thing that you want to happen is to find yourself getting frustrated each time you sew just because you are using a low quality domestic sewing machine.  Other things you will need are a rotary cutter, replacement blades, cutting mat, ruler, marking chalk, pin cushion, sewing machine needles, and a basic pattern to get you started.

Use the Perfect Type of Fabric

Although you can use polyesters and silks, these types of fabric can easily slide which may increase the likelihood of you feeling frustrated all throughout your quilting days. It is best to use cotton, along with a cotton thread and you will find that each piece will not easily slip and slide, making the entire process such a breeze.

Do Not Forget to Prewash Your Fabric

Pre-washing your fabric is a must before you start cutting and sewing them together. One reason for this is the fact that some fabrics do lose their dyes once they are washed and you wouldn’t want your finished output to have dyes all over when you wash them after sewing. Another reason would be the tendency of a fabric to shrink. So, to ensure that you will be cutting the perfect size, see to it that they are pre-washed before doing so. Otherwise, your finished project will not look the way you expected them to be when some fabrics shrink.

Opt For a Patchwork Quilt as Your First Project

The easiest type of quilt is the patchwork quilt. You can make it by joining small square pieces of fabric together. Each of these fabrics has different colors and designs but have exactly the same size, making it easier for you to sew them together. Once you have mastered the art of sewing these small pieces together, you can then progress into more complex projects such as Amish quilts and applique quilts that are made by sewing together fabrics of different sizes and shapes.

Quilting is a well-loved hobby especially for those who also like to spend much time sewing.  Know that real skill is always coupled with diligent practice. The more you take the time to practice your quilting skills the more magnificent your quilting output will become.