Quilting is the simple stitching together of two or more layers of sewing fabric. My recommendation is to begin with a small and simple design in order to learn the quilting process. However, no matter which way you are planning on making a quilt (hand sewn or home sewing machine), you still need some supplies.
1. A marking pencil in order to mark the cutting lines and trace templates; 2-pencil types mark the design and cutting lines simultaneously; the roller type works like a rotary cutter.
2. Hand Sewing Needles in order to join multiple layers of fabric by hand.
3. Sewing Machine Needles
4. Curved needles help to tie knots or for upholstery.
5. Quilter's pushpins or tacks to attach the quilt fabrics to the quilting frame.
6. Quilter's pins which have an extra-long shaft making pinning multiple home sewing fabric layers easy.
7. Quilting Thread - note that quilter's thread is different from regular sewing thread - it tends to be stronger and more durable than regular sewing thread, has fewer tangles and can be matched to the colors you are using in your quilt.
8. Thimbles which help protect your finger when pushing a needle through heavy layers of fabric. (When I first started hand quilting, I didn't have a thimble, but rest assured, it didn't take me long to purchase one in order to save my fingers!)
9. Suction Lift Ring which is a suction cup attached to the plastic rulers to hold everything firmly in place - adds greater control to rotary cutting.
10. Fabric grips that mount on the backs of rulers and templates to prevent slippage which is also useful with rotary cutters or marking pens which press against the edge of the ruler or template.
As most of us are aware, a large amount of work that goes into quilting is cutting fabric strips and shapes. A rotary cutter (similar in looks to a pizza cutter) cuts through multiple layers of home sewing fabric quickly with little stress to the hands. This handy tool can be used with either the right-hand or the left-hand and is perfect for arthritic hands. If you do decide to purchase a rotary cutter, a word of caution to the wise is never to cut on a surface that is not protected for the simple reason that the blade is so sharp that it can cut through leather, suede, or cardboard with one stroke.
The rotary mat is an essential with any rotary cutter - there are so many sizes available these days. These mats come with grids printed right on them - the size of grid you desire is up to you!
Some of the older quilters prefer to have a frame because the frames help maintain an even tension, producing a smooth and even quilt - most of the quilts are all done by hand by the older quilters. If you choose to purchase a frame, make sure that you choose the right size for the quilt you intend to home sew or hand sew.
If you purchase a quilter's frame, you will also want to purchase quilter's clips which keep the roll of fabric secure and tightly rolled until it is needed. The clips help protect and control a large amount of fabric, clamp snugly over the roll and the special coating prevents snagging the home sewing fabric. As a rule of thumb, eight of the quilter's clips are necessary to hold a full-size quilt.
I usually home sew my quilts by sewing machine and still find the addition of the above-noted supplies extremely helpful.
There is lots of good information at sewingalterationandpatternsblog.com. When you sign up for a membership or just for the blog posts, you receive a free pattern for a 2-way bag dispenser. This is a great thing to have, both now and in the future.
When you get stuck or frustrated, leave a comment in the comment box, and it will be answered within 24 hours (as long as it is home sewing related).
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