How to Quilt

Here is an easy step-by-step procedure on how to quilt :

• Choose a suitable fabric and decide on what pattern you are going to make. There are many websites and books that provide a wide range of quilting patterns.
• Wash a little piece of the fabric to see its color fastness. If the color comes out from the fabric on washing it, then wash the entire fabric to remove the extra dye.
• Cut out your pattern carefully. The pieces should be cut right, otherwise the quilt block will not line up correctly. You can use a rotary cutter, quilter's ruler or a self-healing mat to cut the pattern.
• Sew together each block using a ¼” seam allowance accurately. Most patterns come with instructions on how to put the pieces together.
• A great way to make a square quilt is to add borders on it. Cut long strips of fabric and sew them to the blocks. Use these strips to sew the blocks together and then sew the outside border pieces on the large piece you have.
• Batting comes in different shapes and sizes. Select the batting according to your needs and choice. A high loft batting is useful in making a plumpy quilt, a low loft batting is thinner and easy to quilt, but it cannot make a very warm quilt.
• The backing material is usually a large piece of solid fabric. Select a backing material that is a few inches bigger than the edge of the quilt.
• Baste the top, batting and backing layers together. Lay out the three layers on top of each other, select differently colored thread so that it can easily be removed later, and sew the three layers together. Start from the middle of the quilt and then move outwards. Smooth out any wrinkles on the way. Instead of sewing them together, you can also use safety pins to join them together.
• Now, sew the three layers together using a matching thread. The stitches should be small and even. Start from the middle and move outwards.
• Remove the basting and finish the quilt edges. Trim the edges to make them even.

Here are some basic tips on how to quilt :
• Muslin is ideal for backing fabric.
• A quilting frame is very helpful while quilting. It keeps the fabric tight, which avoids wrinkles.
• Pop the knots into the batting. It will make the quilt look neat. Knots here and there do not look nice.
• Practice on a smaller quilt before starting a big one.
• Take a break in between, don't strain your hands or your back.

Avoid using rayon and polyester. They are crease free and attractive, but the person sleeping under it will feel suffocated and will sweat. Use natural fabrics like cotton.