Frequently Asked Questions

As a beginner what kind of sewing machine do I need?

A fancy computerized machine with hundreds of stitches is not needed. A basic mechanical machine with a good straight stitch will do all your piecing and quilting. Also invest in a 1/4" foot and a walking foot.Buy from a reputable dealer in your community that will provide maintenance on your machine.If you are sewing on a regular basis a yearly tune up is necessary.

I love to applique but always have threads sticking out of the inner points. What can I do?

Once you have clipped an inner point to the seam allowance there is only a couple threads to turn under. Try running the point of your needle across a glue stick and then use your needle to sweep the threads under.. The glue holds the “fuzzies” in place and controls them while you applique a perfect inner point.

How do you sew the blocks together for a quilt without getting their order mixed up?

First number the rows from top to bottom writing the number on paper or masking tape and placing on the left hand block in each row.
Next stack the blocks from left to right with the left hand block being on top.
If the blocks are put into a diagonal setting it is also helpful to put a pin on the sides that will be sewn.
Always check the order twice before sewing.

Do all quilt battings need to be pre-shrunk? How do I pre-shrink?

Do not pre-shrink any of the polyester battings. The polyester battings will not shrink. “Dream Cotton” is the only cotton brand which doesn’t need pre-shrinking. Also, if you want a puckered antique look don’t pre-shrink.

To pre-shrink fill a washing machine with tepid water. Completely wet the batting then spin out the excess water and either hang to dry on a drying rack or dry on a low temperature in the dryer. Note: Pilling may occur if a dryer is used.

How do I avoid a permanent center crease when folding repeatedly for storing?

There are a number of ways to avoid this crease which takes away from the beauty of the quilt:

One way is to layer your quilts laying them flat onto a spare bed.
Fold into thirds lengthwise and drape over a quilt rack.
If storing on a shelf in a closet, toting to guild meetings or sending in the mail try the bias folding method. Lay quilt on a flat surface. Fold corners one at a time into the center of the quilt. Continue to fold the corners until the quilt is the desired size. Bias folds are much more resistant to producing permanent creases due to the increased number of threads along the crease.

What is a light box used for and how do I make one?

A light box has a clear flat surface with a light source underneath. It is used in quilting to trace designs onto fabric.

Light boxes are available to purchase but are easily made by:

Placing a lamp minus the shade under a glass table. Tape your design onto the table. Position fabric on top, then lightly trace.
For a portable light table. Use a shallow, opaque plastic storage tub. Place an under the cupboard switch-on-fluorescent light under the inverted tub.

How do I chose colours for a quilt?

When you are starting out the easiest way is pick a medium sized print that you just love.This will be your border fabric. You will now use this fabric to pick the colours for the rest of your quilt

How do you make a nice square quilt?

As you are making the quilt square up after each step. Use a square acrylic ruler in the appropriate size. First square up each block the same size ,then square up the body of the quilt , and then square up after each border is applied