Most quilters will tell you they wish they were a better quilter. While people will tell you they want to be a better quilter, few take the time or energy to make some small changes to actually improve their quilting ability. Are you someone who wants to become a better quilter? If so, then this article is for you!
Tools
For starters, to be a better quilter it helps to have the right tools for the various jobs involved, right? If you currently do not have a rotary mat, cutter and ruler, it’s time to acquire them. You can ask other quilters what specific tools they use, and then add vital tools to your collection. If and when you want to accomplish something while quilting, you should be able to say, “I have the perfect tool for that in my collection here.”
Fabric Quilt
Next, consider fabric quality. Ideally, you should spend a little extra money on 100% quilting cotton rather than relying on certain store-bought fabric that is of lesser quality. If you have a store nearby that is solely focused on quilting, shop there rather than elsewhere. When you use 100% quilting cotton for your quilts, expect less bleeding and shrinkage.
Color Schemes
Thirdly, if you want to get better at picking out color schemes then employ the use of a color wheel, which will help you pick colors that go well together for your quilt. As for patterns, you might want to stick with tried-and-true patterns that everyone loves rather than using outrageous patterns, which only a select few would want in their home.
Proper Measurements
When you’re following a designer, read and re-read the pattern, especially before starting. This way, you won’t have to make as many mistakes since you’re quite familiar with what to do. And when you have to make cuts, square up edges and “measure twice, cut once.”
Don’t Stretch It
While you’re stitching, avoid stretching; otherwise, your quilt will end up misshapen in weird ways. Cut your pieces so they line up nicely and when they don’t then it’s time to “square it up.” Meanwhile, do what you can to keep your seams flat. Sure, it’s not easy, but you’ll be a better quilter if you keep seams from bunching up.
Seam Presses
Speaking of seams, how you press your seams makes a difference in how your quilt turns out. Follow pattern instructions– if the instructions say press to one side or the other, do so. Iron on the back first– then iron the front. Don’t forget about starch, which goes along with pressing– and it’s especially important if you pre-wash your fabric(s). Basically, you use starch in order to keep your fabric from stretching or warping.
Square it Up
When you’re just about done with a quilt, square the whole thing up. This is like squaring up blocks only on a larger scale. Create a 90 degree angle in each corner of your quilt and trim any excess fabric/seam allowances away.
Take Your Time
Finally, slow down if you want to be a better quilter. You don’t have to rush! In fact, you can practice quilting on a sample before starting a full project. This way you get a chance to work out thread/tension issues before you start work on the actual quilt itself.
Looking to buy quality fabrics for quilting purposes? 118 Fabrics & More of Sweet Valley, PA, can supply your needs; Call 570-477-3166 for details to ask about fabrics from manufacturers like Moda, Northcott, Free Spirit, Henry G and more!
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