Different Quilts from Different Fabrics

Album Quilt

The oldest type of memory quilt is the album quilt or signature quilt. These type of quilts marked special occasions or were given as a gift when someone moved away. The album is not of pictures but of signatures.

The only requirement is the center of the block is either white fabric of a muslin in order for someone to sign their name. Once completed, you’ll have a living memory of that snapshot in time.

These can be made from a rail fence pattern or crazy quilt pattern or really any block where there is a blank space.

Photo Memory Quilts

You can now put yourself in your quilt. Or your kids or your family. Photo memory quilts are excellent gifts for grandparents.

Print out the picture on photo transfer paper and then iron it on your chosen fabric. Once you do that, you can use it just as a regular block.

You could put the pictures of far-flung family members in an I-Spy quilt or use each picture as the center of a star block.

These type of quilts are very versatile because wherever you would use a square in a quilt pattern, you can substitute the picture for it.

Clothes Quilt

Use the clothes of someone who has passed away as material for a quilt. For men’s shirts, there are now quite a few quilt pattern that use plaids. For ladies, you can use their fabric from their favorite formal dress or silk blouse as material in a crazy quilt block.

Every time you look at the quilt, you can smile because it is from a piece of clothing that your loved one wore.

T-Shirt Quilts

These are popular for a reason. If you have an athlete, sorority girl or frat boy in your family, they have plenty of t-shirts. Take those t-shirts that would probably be thrown out and make a quilt out of them.

You just have to get over your fear of making a mistake. This is why I strongly recommend keeping ugly t-shirts around to experiment with as your first project. Get the interfacing and the dimensions right and then go to town.

If you are still unsure and you do not have a quilt design software, it is time to get out good ole graph paper and crayons to make sure you have the proper proportions.

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Important Quilting Terms, Processes, And Accessories

Before you begin with a quilting spree, it is imperative to comprehend certain essential sewing terms. A rotary cutter is used to cut several layers of fabric at one shot. While cutting out geometric shapes, these rotary cutters go a long way. A rotary mat accommodates the rotary cutter and shields the cutting surface. Quilting blocks refer to two beautiful piece of fabric that hugs a thick polyester layer. This sandwich setup provides space and warmth. The distinct squares of the sandwich are termed as blocks. The next term on the sewing list is batting. The process by which three layers of blocks are assembled together is known as batting.

While assembling a quilt, make sure to use only cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics are ideal for beginners and it also makes the learning curve simpler. It enhances the enthusiasm for the craftwork. Quilting thread forms the base of your needlework. Again, opt for 100 percent cotton threads. Most often, polyester threads damage the cotton quilts. Do not wait to grab all colors of threads, begin with white, beige and gray and a few dark colors. Simple and plain cotton thread are ideal for quilting in a sewing machine. Make sure to opt for a good iron and an ironing board. It helps you to create professional quilts.

The design wall is another important accessory for quilting. It displays the blocks and its edgings vividly. It is ideal to purchase a design wall rather than using a floor or a bed. The design wall allows you to bring about a creative scheme. You can have a look at your creation and reorganize the designs on the go. Other essential supplies for quilting includes a seam ripper and shears. Seam ripper helps you abundantly while sewing and shears tear the fabric and paper. Make sure to grab on to a collection of pins, quilting clips, and needles. Choose needles with bigger eyes and thin quilting pins. Now you are ready to start your quilting spree.

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Choosing The Correct Fabric For Quilting

Fabric is where all the magic is when it comes to quilting. There are other processes such as batting and backing. But, the way what you quilt comes out is based on the fabric on which you are working on. Here are some tips for you to make the right decision when it comes to choosing the quilting fabric.

Choose Only Cotton Fabric
There are many fabric materials available for quilting. It is best to always buy materials that are 100% cotton. Polyester fibers do not come out well as they are very slippery. Cotton materials are easy to hold and it creases very well when you are quilting. In fact, cotton quilting is the traditional material that is used for quilting.

Multiple Fabrics Chosen Should Complement Each Other
Sometimes, you might choose a printed fabric with flowers or any other patterns. While using another fabric along with it, always choose ones that complement each other. You can also choose two or three colors that go very well with your floral fabric.

Have Fun With Colors
Choosing prints that are small or fine make the quilt look as if it’s made from solid colors while looking at it from a distance. Varying fabrics in different designs can be used to make it more interesting. You can also do something that is very different from the usual patterns and experiment.

Choose From The Same Collection
If you are not sure about choosing different fabrics for quilting, choose two colors or patterns from the same manufacturer and collection. This way, you can be sure that they will blend in easily. At times, people at the store itself can give you collections that go well together and you just have to think about the design and what you are trying to make out of it.

I hope these ideas help you next time you are going to experiment with quilting. If you have any more tips, feel free to share them in the comments section.

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The Indispensable Fundamentals Of Quilting

If you are a beginner, then here’s a quick compilation of tips to enable you to excel in quilting. These tips would also allow you to grab the best quilting projects. While some quilts are easier to assemble, many others offer a tough time. It is essential for you to get equipped on the fundamentals of quilting. For a beginner, it is ideal to opt for large quilt patterns. When larger pieces are used to assemble a quilt, things go together quickly. Larger pieces of quilts require fewer seams. It is easier as well as offers a precisely pieced block. It eliminates errors.

Always opt for quilt patterns that comprise of squares and rectangles. The rectangular and square pieces facilitate easy sewing and assembling. Begin with rectangles and squares and then move on to the world of triangles. Triangles avail stretchy and biased edges, so make sure if you have gathered enough skills to master the quilting of triangles. It is essential to practice the sewing of straight seams and lining to help you in the quilting process. Begin quilting with pre-cut and packaged fabrics. These pre-cut fabrics feature in a galore of measurements. It saves ample time as pre-cut fabrics are already cut and sewed.

As a novice, opt for quilt patterns that are labeled for beginners. It is essential to begin with simple quilting techniques. Opt for quilting classes to learn more about the basics. Create your own style statement using vivid colors and prints of your choice. Try canvas quilting as it uses solid fabrics. They line up your prints in a jiffy. Canvas quilting is quick to design. The basket weave pattern allows you to focus on different colors and improvisational piecing. Patchworks are another ideal choice for beginners. It makes the assembly easier. With these tips and versatile quilting patterns make sure to create an exciting hobby for yourself.

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