Archive for the ‘Quilting’ Category
Practical Tips For Machine Quilting
Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Quilting to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Quilting experts.
Machine quilting doesn’t enjoy the same stitch-quality reputation hand quilting has. In fact, when machine quilting was first introduced, it wasn’t received well and was thought inferior to hand quilting. But now that quilting is given modernity touches, machine quilting is widely recognized and appreciated because of its several benefits. It is, for one, way faster to do. It can complete work for a fraction of time required in hand quilting. Aside from that, machine quilting can accommodate heavy-duty embellishment threads that would otherwise not be possible with hand quilting. This benefit, in effect, opens up more artistic possibilities.
The problem, however, is that some people are easily intimidated by just the sight of a machine and view machine quilting as too complicated. The truth is, machine quilting is easy to learn and with some practical tips, it is manageable. Following are some tips that can make machine quilting more fun and less laborious.
1. Run a test. If you are yet unsure of how machine quilting goes, get a piece of fabric and practice machine quilting. Don’t be disheartened if the stitches are unsightly. You can adjust the tension setting, improve your rhythm, or reposition your hand. When you get the hang of it, the stitches will be more even and consistent.
2. Plan how your stitches would go. Planning ahead can keep you from making too many stops and starts. Visualizing the overall appearance of your quilt can also help you decide as you move along the project.
Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Quilting, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.
3. Guide your quilt through the machine with a gentle and smooth sliding motion. Too much pressure in your hands will yield erratic movements and consequently irregular stitches.
4. Use an even-feed walking foot when making straight lines. To use this, roll the quilt into a tube, use bicycle clips or safety pins to secure the quilt, and stitch the center and work your way out to the edges. Alternatively, use a darning foot when making freehand quilting to do curved and other decorative stitches. Keep in mind, though, that doing freehand quilting is never perfect at first attempt and takes a lot of practice to come up with the desired stitches.
5. Relax. Take your mind off the other parts of the quilt; instead, focus on the part under the needle and that which is next to come. It would also help you relax if you have a good working space, one that can provide you and the quilt enough room. Also, have a comfortable chair to rest your back well. When your back, neck, and arms are relaxed and your mind free of distractions, you can work longer and produce a better quilt.
6. Rest for a while. If your hand feels stiff, your back slightly aches, or your eyes seem to blur when machine quilting, the body calls for a rest. Take a break and move around. Don’t forget to shake your hands and shoulders, close your eyes, or look up from your work once in a while. Remember, fatigue is likely to show in your quilt.
Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO
All About Thread For Quilting
So what is Quilting really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about Quilting–info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.
The boom in quilting as a hobby and craft has caused manufacturers to produce a huge variety of thread. Yet you’ll find there is such a wide selection of thread that choosing the correct thread for your quilting project can leave you scratching your head in puzzlement. You’ll find an array of choices, whether you shop at a brick and mortar store on the internet. This article will shed some light on the confusing selection of thread for quilting.
Thread for quilting falls broadly into two categories- sewing thread and thread for embellishing. Let’s discuss sewing thread first, as it is the most commonly used, especially for quilting projects. Sewing thread can be purchased in several different weights and fibers. Weights of thread can range from 28 to 60. Thread for quilting needs to be strong, and to stand the test of time, so generally you will want to choose a thread in the range of a 40 weight. Thread in the 28 weight range is most commonly used for embellishment, while 50 weight would be used for piecing. You can easily find the weight of the thread you are considering by reading the label. You may see a number like this: 40/2. The first number is the weight of the thread, the second the number of plies. In this example, the thread is a 40 weight of two plies.
Thread for quilting is most often made from cotton, rayon, polyester, metallic or plastic. The metallic and plastic thread will be used for embellishments and specialty stitches only. Cotton thread is common, and often it is mercerized. This is a process where the fiber has been made to swell and straighten out repeatedly, which removes any tendency towards fuzziness, and makes for a very high luster thread. Cotton thread is available in 30 to 60 weight.
If you find yourself confused by what you’ve read to this point, don’t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.
Rayon thread is also highly lustrous, and polyester thread has a colorfast, non-shrinkable finish. The metallic thread choices are going to be a bit more difficult to sew with and are not for beginners, though they make for stunningly beautiful finished quilting projects. Some brands that quilters might want to look for include the old favorite Coats and Clark, Guterman, which is a popular alternative known for its strength and ease of use (try it for hand quilting), Madeira rayon thread, which is strong enough to use to embroider on denim or leather, and Mettler, which comes in several different fibers.
It is often not a good idea to attempt to use up old sewing thread, which tends to degenerate on the spool. Unreel a bit and pull on it. If the thread snaps, it will also snap when you put it in your sewing machine. With the wide variety of quilting thread, and its relatively low cost, there’s no reason not to just buy new thread when you need a different color. You’ll save a fortune in frustration alone.
Some manufacturers also produce special threads for embellishing, and you can find these at your local quilting store. If you like to quilt by hand, you can use embroidery floss, available in a multitude of color and fiber. Learning about the different kinds of thread can enhance your love of the craft of quilting.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO
Quilting By Hand
You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Quilting in the following paragraphs. If there’s at least one fact you didn’t know before, imagine the difference it might make.
As a craft, quilting had its heydays in the good old days when it was done by hands. Quilts then would take months and sometimes years to finish, but it was all worth it. Today, modern quilting using machines can finish a project in less than a week.
However, there seems to be a trend today for people to work on their quilts by hand, especially beginners. Speed seems to be relegated in favor of the good old feeling in the quilt-making process by hand.
Techniques
The following are a few time-tested tips in quilting by hand. Most of them were handed down by mothers to their daughters and friends to friends.
Some other techniques were copied from neighbors and other ethnic and religious groups. On their own, these communities of people developed their own beautiful quilt-making traditions and styles.
Random tips
As every true-blue quilt-makers have learned, quilting by hand needs a quilting hoop (or frame), a box needles and threads, and a steady supply of patience.
Quilting hoops and the tandem of needles and threads are standard sewing equipments. (The patience is for use in the process that could sometimes take years to complete, depending on how much time was spent on it.)
After attaching the quilt into a hoop (or frame, if it is very large), beginners are advised to start in the middle and work through to the edges. If there is appliqué used, go first around the shapes to give them a puffed-up look and make them prominent.
It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Quilting is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Quilting.
Sew a little bit away from the line of material (about 2 millimeters) to accentuate the appliqué forms. Use small and even stitches. Never rush or you will have the unpleasant task of undoing sections that look sloppy.
For patchworks, start in the middle of the quilt and simply follow the lines of the squares.
An alternative would be to cross hatch sections or the whole quilt.
When cross-hatching, draw the lines first in soft-leaded pencils because it is difficult to keep them even at all times. Another alternative to cross-hatching or tracing shapes is stippling. This fills up entire areas and gives out a heavily-quilted texture and looks.
Mainly, this is for background filling, or even covering an entire quilt. Stippling is an organized pattern in sewing where the quilter makes smooth curves that do not meet or do a cross-over.
Materials
To keep the quilt top and the backing aligned, there is need for basting. If the two fabrics do not match up, the quilting process could be difficult, and the material could pucker up or curl.
Loosely-woven fabrics do not do well in quilting, while densely-woven fabrics and blends are difficult to work on. Go for medium-weave, middle-weight pure cotton fabrics (if possible) if you want uniform stitches, durability and relative ease in the quilting.
Threads to be used should be those for quilting. They are thicker and stronger than plain threads. For other design considerations, you can always choose what you think is best, especially if the project is simply a decorative quilt.
These are only some of the very few basics in quilting. All the other tips you will learn as you along in the happy and exhilarating process of sewing with your own hands a potential work of art.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO
Knowing Quilting Fabrics and Fabric Grains
If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Quilting, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Quilting.
Quilting is not just the simple pushing of needles and threads in and out of fabrics and come up with a beautiful craft appreciated for years. Like in any other art form, there are pieces of information a quilter has to master to be able to improve his craft.
In quilting, knowing and understand fabric grains is a plus for quilt-makers who want to excel.
Straight grain
Simply put, this is the way threads are woven in place in the fabric. This is important when quilters want to cut their quilting blocks accurately and with precision.
Ignorance in fabric grains can result in great waste of time, effort and materials.
Long threads are called warps. These are the ones that are stretched and secured on the loom. In effect, these become the fabric’s lengthwise grain, the continuous fabric yardage as it comes off the bolt.
The weft is the thread that is woven into the warps, perpendicular to the whole length.
This is the crosswise grain of the fabric.
The lengthwise grain and the crosswise grain are both called straight grain, or straight-of-grain. The selvage is the bound edge in the outermost lengthwise grain, formed when the weft thread change direction in the weaving process.
Fabric pieces cut along straight grain (with edges parallel to either warp or weft) are less likely to stretch out of shape. The interwoven threads give it extra support.
However, cuts along the lengthwise grain stretches less than their crosswise counterparts. This is because warp threads were firmly attached to the loom enhancing their strength.
I trust that what you’ve read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.
Fabric Bias
A bias is a 45-degree angle cut in the fabric. (In quilting, any cut that is not parallel to the straight grain is called a bias cut.)
Bias cuts are stretchy and this can work for or against you. There are no threads to stabilize the fabric in a bias.
However, bias cuts have several uses. One, they are easy to apply as binding to a quilt with curved edges. Tubes can be made from them for shapes in appliqués, for instance.
They are also easier to be turned under for other curved shapes.
Bias edges can stretch out of shape and makes it difficult to sew accurately. Triangles have one bias edge and there is need to determine the best place for it because it is not stable. (Best is sewing them in the interior parts and with a straight grain piece for stability.)
Using straight grain cuts
Squares and rectangles are cut along straight grains to minimize stretching during handling. They are good in making borders and sashes. Moreover, they stabilize the outer edges of blocks and quilt tops.
Knowing and being accustomed to these different fabric grains would give you quite an idea on where and when to use any on your project. It can even make you quite an expert in identifying fabrics without the usual selvages or other marks.
At a certain stage in your quilting life, you can do your own fabric grain experiments. It does not take so much to know the best possible ways to achieve what you want in your quilt masterpiece.
I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing–the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO
The Best Quilting Pattern ForYour Needs
Quilting has enjoyed an incredible upsurge in popularity over the last couple of decades. This is a boon for the quilting enthusiast, because it has resulted in a huge number of patterns that are now available. Even a brief look around the internet or your local bookstore will prove to you that it’s a confusing world when it comes to buying a quilting pattern. The new quilter may well be wondering what kind of quilting pattern is best suited for her needs.
It’s interesting to ponder that, historically, our ancestors probably didn’t have as much use for the quilting pattern as we do. In Colonial and pioneer days, when quilting originated, quilts had a utilitarian function. Women pieced together quilt blocks from whatever scraps of clothing they could find, arranging the bits and pieces of cloth into a pleasing pattern. They shared ideas for their various patterns at quilting bees and other social gatherings. As so often happens, the pattern that started as a necessity is now a tradition. Blocks like Log Cabin and Lone Star and Bridal Wreath have been handed down for generations. At first, simple directions would have been scrawled on a scrap of paper, if at all-our ancestors might even have scoffed at the idea of following a pattern. Quilting fell out of favor for awhile, and any patterns that did exist would have been relegated to the attic.
But once quilting came into vogue again, a new generation discovered it and the new quilters were hungry for patterns. While many art and adventurous quilters take off on their own and refuse to follow a pattern, the contemporary quilter is more likely to want some directions. Thus many quilters search endlessly for the proper pattern.
Those of you not familiar with the latest on Quilting now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.
The good news is that there are options aplenty. Free patterns abound on the internet, as do patterns for purchase. Individual patterns are available for various quilt blocks. If you know what quilt you want to make, it can be a good idea to purchase one of these, as it will have detailed directions on every aspect of the specific block. You’ll find step-by-step directions that cover every aspect of the pattern for your quilt. The pattern may also give you tips and techniques you wouldn’t otherwise know.
Another excellent source for patterns is to visit your library or the bookstore and peruse the quilting section, where you’ll see pattern book after pattern book. These books can be especially valuable if you haven’t yet decided on a certain quilt pattern. But be forewarned-browsing quilting books and viewing all the beautiful patterns can be quite addictive! These books will often also feature general directions for each pattern, with more instruction on quilting. If you already know the basics of quilting, spending the lesser amount of money for an individual pattern might be your best bet.
Don’t let the world of quilt patterns overwhelm you-with a little research, its easy to find the perfect pattern for your quilting needs, and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.
Those who only know one or two facts about Quilting can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO
Four Methods Of Basting A Quilt
When most people think of Quilting, what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to Quilting than just the basics.
Although basting is the least favorite task of many quilters, it is an important part in the entire quilting process. It keeps the quilt sandwichtop, batting, and backing layerstogether, making sure they are properly aligned and do not slip apart during the actual quilting process. This in turn prevents puckered and sloppy quilts. When basting, the three layers are placed flat on top of each otherwith the backing laid beneath, the batting in the middle, and the top over the battingand are joined through different methods. There are four methods of basting a quilt. Quilters choose which to execute depending on the quilt size and, mostly, personal preference.
Hand Baste
The most traditional basting approach, hand baste involves hand-sewing. Hand basting is done at the center toward the outer sides using horizontal and vertical stitches across the quilt, leaving a grid-like stitch pattern. Stitches should be around three to four inches apart. A thin needle is recommended so as not to create big and visible holes in the quilt.
Machine Baste
Machine basting is faster to do than hand basting, but it adapts the same stitching pattern. Stitches should be made at the center and progress outward and should come in a grid pattern.
The more authentic information about Quilting you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Quilting expert. Read on for even more Quilting facts that you can share.
Pin Baste
This requires a huge amount of pins. A small project may need around 75 pins, while a big one may require, at the very least, 400 pins. Like the previous methods, pin basting should be started at the center, with each pin placed 4 to 6 inches apart from each other. The last rows of the pins must not touch the edges of the quilt and so must at least be an inch away. Pins should also be in a horizontal and diagonal pattern to keep the layers securely joined. While pinning, it is best to smooth out wrinkles and press the layers flat. Although fine pins work well in pin basting, safety pins are more often recommended.
Spray Baste
When hand, machine, and pin basting all seem to be quite a task, spray basting comes as a good alternative. It is a sticky adhesive formulation sprayed over the sandwich layers. To use this, the batting must first be layered flat over the backing. Its top half must then be folded toward the backing edge and sprayed. When put back, the batting must be smoothed out to remove any wrinkle. The same procedure is done to the other half. Next, the top is placed over the batting. The top half should then be folded and sprayed. After which, the top is put back over the batting and pressed flat. The same applies to the bottom half.
When basting a quilt, it is important to have a spacious working area. Others lay their quilt on the floor, on a table, or on a similar flat and large working space. Whichever method to use and wherever basting is done, the goal remains the same; that is, to properly put the layers together without creating crumples and puckers in the quilt. With that goal kept in mind, basting is not anymore a dragging task.
This article’s coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO
How To Choose Quilt Patterns
Quilting poses no limitations. A quilter can create designs as far as the imagination allows, which is probably why there are thousands of quilt patterns in existence today. Quilters just never run out of ideas and they pass them on from one quilter to another. The patterns keep on evolving then, which eventually gives birth to hybrid patterns.
Novice quilters may at first be overwhelmed by the enormity of pattern options. And this commonly becomes a problem especially when they figure that the pattern they have is actually not what they want to work with. The result is half-hearted commitment and a lopsided quilt, if at all it gets done. You can avoid this, though, if you consider the following when choosing a quilt pattern:
1. Identify your skill level. Before setting out, you must first realistically and honestly assess your quilting skills. This is important because a pattern-skill level mismatch can turn an otherwise beautiful pattern into a sloppy quilt. Patterns are normally classified as beginner/easy, intermediate, experienced/hard, so determine into which your skill level fits.
2. Decide on your intended theme or message. Quilt patterns are oftentimes thematic. There are patterns for holidays, nursery, seasons, among other things. If you are celebrating a birth, choose a baby quilt. If the quilt is for the approaching spring, choose a bright, floral quilt pattern. Consider the message as well. Do you want the quilt to convey a political message? An advocacy perhaps? An inspiring story? Whatever message you intend to communicate, make sure the quilt pattern represents it well.
Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Quilting? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?
3. Consider pattern combination. If your skill level allows, you can combine a number of patterns to achieve an exquisite and original look. Don’t be afraid to experiment because, in the first place, quilting encourages exploration of all your creative tendencies. Get out of your safe harbor. Think out of the box. Mix and match.
4. Determine how much time you are willing to commit. The simple patterns are of course quick to do, while the intricate ones may require a lot of time to complete. If you know you won’t be able to finish a pattern in a given time, save it for a future project. In the meantime, work with the pattern that you are likely to finish.
5. Get as many sources as you can. Ask fellow quilters for pattern suggestions. Some of them may even have designed their own quilt patterns. Don’t forget to also look samples in quilt shops and to research online. The good about the Internet is that you can find free quilt patternsfrom the simplest and traditional to the more complex and intricate. Online patterns are too plenty you might want to create a collection. Of course, you can also try to look up in quilt books. These books are a compilation of designs derived from the traditional and old patterns.
Therefore, these designs, which may look new and complicated, are just as easy to do as the conventional quilt patterns you are familiar with.
Don’t limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about Quilting. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what’s important.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO
Making Sense OF Quilt Patterns
There are literally thousands of quilt patterns already in existence, and more being designed everyday. If you are a beginning quilter it is best to stick to the simpler patterns. As you become more experienced, you will never run out of new patterns to try.
Some examples of simple patterns use squares. A Four Patch uses four squares of fabric sewn together to make one block. A Nine Patch uses nine small squares to make up one block. Different prints and colors can be mixed and matched to create different looks with these basic blocks. A Double Nine Patch is made up of nine 4-inch squares. The middle square is divided into nine 1 1/3 inch squares. Traditionally the large squares are cut from 4 dark and 4 light fabrics, while the small squares are cut from 4 light and 5 medium colored fabrics. Color combination may be varied to create different patterns.
The Churn Dash is another easy pattern. This block uses 3 different fabrics-2 designs and one background fabric. Variations of this pattern include the Grecian Design, the Greek Cross and the Wrench. There are three major pattern pieces: a 4 inch square, a 2×4 inch rectangle and a large triangle.
The Log Cabin design is probably the most well recognized quilt pattern. It is made of strips of fabric sewn together to give the appetence of a log structure.
The names of quilt patterns often reflect certain aspects of life. Names such as Job’s Tears, Bethlehem Star, Cross and Crown, Jacobs Ladder reflect the Spiritual aspect.
Is everything making sense so far? If not, I’m sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.
Love and marriage is reflected in patterns like Hopes and Wishes, Lover’s Knot, Double Wedding Ring and Cupid’s Own.
Every state has at least one pattern named after it. These include Ohio Star, California Rose and Carolina Lily.
Not all quilt patterns are suitable for beginners. Drunkard’s Path is definitely one. Once you have mastered it, it may quickly become a favorite.
Choosing fabric goes hand in hand with choosing a pattern. In fact there is great debate in quilting circles over which should be chosen first. While once quilts were made from scraps and leftovers, quilter’s today have a wide variety of resources to choose from, and may purchase fabric expressly to create a quilt from it. One thing to remember is that it is better to buy to much fabric then to not have enough. Colors can’t always be matched from different sources and runs.
Color is probably the most important aspect of any quilt. It is important to study tones, shades and hues. The easiest color scheme for a beginning quilter is probably monochromatic. This means one color, but different shades. Value is the lightness or darkness of a hue. A range of values provides contrast and depth to a pattern. A dominant color should be found in almost all of the quilt’s blocks. An accent color should be used to create contrast and a blender color contains both colors in a pattern. When in doubt try a sample block first.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO
Sewing Tips For Beginning Quilters
The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you’ll find that the subject of Quilting is certainly no exception.
Sewing by hand, or with a needle and thread is the traditional method used to piece together quilt blocks. Even if you own a sewing machine you should practice these stitches. Remember to choose the smallest size needle that you can comfortably work with. Be sure that you are using special quilting thread. Quilting thread is thicker, more durable and doesn’t tangle. Cut a piece of quilting thread about to feet long. Thread the needle and place a single knot in the end of the thread with a short tail to prevent unraveling. Do not double the thread. Sew with one single strand.
Place the two quilt pieces that you are connecting together, with right sides facing each other. Pin them using three pins. Place one pin in each of the top two corners, and the third pin in the middle of the piece. Begin at one corner and poke the needle through both layers of fabric then bring it up through the fabric about 1/8th of an inch down the seam line. Take one backstitch to keep your end secure, and then continue this in and out stitching. This is a running stitch, also called a piecing stitch. It takes practice to get a straight line. You may draw a line in pencil on the wrong side of the fabric if this helps. Once you have reached the other corner take a backstitch in reverse and make a 90-degree turn into the seam allowance. Make to stitches and cut the thread. Many quilters do not knot the ends of their thread, as they feel knots rub and wear out the material faster.
If you don’t have accurate details regarding Quilting, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.
Another stitch that beginners should learn is the appliqué stitch. In appliqués blocks a fabric motif is cut out, layered and stitched onto the background of another fabric. This method of sewing the layers together needs to be almost invisible to the eye. The appliqué stitch should leave a small visible dot of a stitch. To begin, start with a quilting needle and knotted quilting thread in a color that blends with the appliqué motif. Prepare the design by basting the raw edges under. Pressing with the tip of an iron first will help. Next baste the fabric motif onto the background fabric in the desired position.
Now it’s finally time to appliqué. Start by placing the needle under the background fabric. Push the needle up through the background fabric and the edge of the appliqué motif. Pull the thread through both layers. Now position the needle right next to where the thread comes up, but only on the background fabric. Make an1/8th inch stitch through the background fabric and bring it up at the edge of the appliqué motif. Continue this stitch all around the fabric motif, ending underneath the background fabric on the wrong side. Knot and trim.
Hand sewing seems like a very time consuming process. Once you develop a rhythm, it proceeds much faster. Hand sewn quilts are often prized over machine-stitched creations.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO
Where to Find Free Quilt Patterns
Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Quilting? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Quilting.
Back in the early days of American history, women made quilts with scraps of whatever fabric they had on hand, using patterns they had memorized or shared freely with each other. That trend continues today within the quilting community, and if you are in the market for free quilt patterns, you’ll find a wide variety of them available from many different sources.
Many online sites offer free quilt patterns as a way to get you to visit their site. Google “free quilt patterns” and a huge number of listings will come up. Many sites list hundreds or thousands of free quilt patterns. Among the categories of free quilt patterns you will find there are quilts for babies, traditional American quilts such as the Log Cabin, Hospitality Pineapple or Lone Star, holiday designs, designs with animals or flowers on them, and many, many more. There are even free quilt patterns for food and drink, nautical designs, or angels and butterflies. While many sites feature free quilt patterns for old traditional designs, some also offer original patterns. Some sites have lists of links that will take you to more sites full of free quilt patterns. Quilting is such a time-honored craft that many patterns have been passed around from quilter to quilter for years. It’s a good idea to look at several different sites that offer free quilt patterns as you may find one particular site’s patterns of more use to you than others. Variations in the way the free quilt patterns are written are common, and it takes only a bit of research to find a site which is compatible with your needs. You may get so engrossed in the free quilt patterns on one site that you’ll never need to go any further!
The information about Quilting presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about Quilting or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.
But it is a good idea to keep browsing, because while searching for free quilt patterns you will also find yourself on sites that offer all kinds of other goodies for quilters, from fabrics to notions to books to patterns to purchase. Spending time looking for free quilt patterns is actually a good way to acquaint yourself with what’s available in the world of quilting and learn more about the craft along the way. A sure way to expand your knowledge about your hobby is to become familiar with all the tools and notions that are available.
Another place to find free quilt patterns is to ask your friends, family and neighbors. Many people have learned to quilt from their grandmothers or mother and they may have written down patterns from family members. These are wonderful free quilt patterns to get your hands on! All quilters can be grateful that quilting has been a social activity-first out of need, and later for reasons of entertainment-and this has caused quilters to share not only information but patterns as well.
Browsing for free quilt patterns, whether on the internet or asking friends, is an enjoyable aspect of the hobby of quilting, one that is certain to keep you engrossed for many hours.
That’s the latest from the Quilting authorities. Once you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll be ready to move to the next level.
About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO