A quilt is a bedcover that is made up of two or more layers of cloth, typically with padding in between, that are stitched together. A quilt can be used as a bedspread, a blanket, a curtain, a cover for furniture, or even as a wall display. Quilting is an age-old skill that has been passed down from generation to generation. No matter what your skills level is, however, learning to quilt can be fairly easy.
There are many ways to make a quilt, but the most common way is to use a quilt top, batting, and a quilt back. The quilt top is the fabric that you see on the outside of the quilt. The batting is the middle layer of insulation, and the quilt back is the fabric that is on the back of the quilt. Once you get the basics of quilt making down, you can make just about any type or size of quilt. Let’s take a look at some steps for making a quilt.
Choose the fabric for your quilt
Before you can make a quilt, you’ll need to select the fabric. You’ll need to select two different types of fabric for the top and back. The top fabric will be the part of the quilt that you see. You can choose any two fabrics that you want. However, you should make sure to choose fabrics that will work well together. T-shirts make excellent quilting material; Project Repat offers t-shirt quilting services.
Choose the right quilt pattern
When it comes to quilting, one of the most important decisions you will make is what quilt pattern to use. There are so many different patterns available and a variety of free quilt patterns that it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. You’ll want to choose a pattern that is within your skill level. If you are a beginner quilter, don’t try to tackle a complicated pieced quilt pattern. Start with something simple, like a patchwork quilt or a rag quilt.
You might also choose a pattern that reflects your personality or your decorating style. If you are the type of person who loves bright colors and bold prints, choose a pattern that reflects that style. If you prefer more muted colors and simpler designs, there are plenty of quilt patterns in those styles too.
Consider the size of the finished quilt. Some patterns yield smaller quilts, while others result in larger ones. If you need a specific size for your project, be sure to choose a pattern that will produce the desired results.
Think about how much time you want to spend on your project. Some patterns require more time and effort than others do. Choose something that fits into your schedule and doesn’t require excessive amounts of time each day or week devoted to it.
Cut your fabrics
Once you have chosen everything, you will need to cut your fabric to the correct size. For this job, you will need sharp fabric shears. The quilt top should be cut to the size that you want the finished quilt to be. The batting should be cut to the size of the quilt top, plus 1 inch on all sides. The quilt back should be cut to the size of the quilt top, plus 2 inches on all sides.
Bind the quilt
Bind the quilt is the process of attaching the quilt top to the batting and backing. This is done by sewing a binding strip around the edge of the quilt. There are many different ways to bind a quilt, but my favorite way is to use bias tape.
To make bias tape, cut strips of fabric on the bias. The bias is at a 45-degree angle to the fabric grain. To find it, fold your fabric in half lengthwise and press it with your iron. The fold will be at a 45-degree angle to the selvage (the edge of the fabric that has been woven especially for sewing). Cut strips 1 1/2 inches wide from this fold.
Sew each strip together end-to-end until you have enough for your binding strip. Press the seams open. Then, press one long edge of your binding strip in towards the wrong side of the fabric. This will create a nice finished edge on your binding strip.
Pin your binding strip to the right side of your quilt top, making sure that it covers all raw edges except for about 1/4 inch at each corner (this will be turned under later). Sew along both long edges of your binding strip using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Turn under each corner 1/4 inch and press flat. Then, sew close to but not through this folded edge using a straight stitch or zigzag stitch setting on your machine.
Overall, learning how to make a quilt from start to finish is a skill that can be enjoyed by quilters of all levels of experience. By following a few simple steps and a quality pattern, you can create a beautiful and timeless quilt that will be cherished for years to come.
