A quilt is not just another blanket or comforter, used to warm your toes on a chilly night. It is stitched with utmost care, putting in a lot of time, effort and a lot of love. Often quilts have memories attached to it, like a quilt given as a gift at someone’s birth or someone’s death. These heirlooms have to be taken care of in the best way, so that you can cherish these memories forever.

Storage and Transport

Once the quilt is complete, it is often stored carefully or gifted to another person. Transportation should always be in cardboard tubes, taking care that the actual cardboard doesn’t come into contact with the quilting fabric. This can be achieved by wrapping the quilt in muslin and then transferring it into the cardboard tube. This is also the best way to store it

For people who deal in quilts or who own several each tube should be labeled, with the quilter’s name and the date of completion. Professional quilters keep a file of the quilt’s details including a photograph of each quilt. Textiles are unable to breathe in plastic wraps. Therefore, un-dyed, unbleached muslin is the best wrapping material, as it prevents mildew stains. Make sure the fabric is clean before storage, as insects like to feed on food stains and spray starch.

Quilts should be aired every three to six months. At this time, it is a good idea to fold the quilt in a different way, before storing it again. Wrinkles can be minimized by rolling muslin or tissue between the folds.

Washing and Drying

Cleaning the quilt is another important aspect of preserving it. The best way to clean a quilt is by placing a screen on the quilt and then using a hand vacuum to remove the surface dust. Dry cleaning should be completely avoided because the chemicals are too harsh for the fabric.

In situations where wet cleaning becomes a must, remember to test for color fastness before hand. This is done by rubbing a white cloth over the different colored fabrics, to check for any bleeding of colors.

Quilting stores have a special detergent called Orvus which is especially gentle on quilts. Do not attempt to load the quilt into a washing machine which isn’t large enough to let the quilt circulate freely; in such cases hand washing is the better alternative. The quilt should be soaked for ten minutes, then agitated, then allowed to soak. This should be done until no soap residue remains. The dryer puts a strain on the stitching of the quilt, and therefore, though more tiresome, air drying or drying under a fan is a preferred solution to machine drying. Once it dries, it can be fluffed in a dryer, using no heat.

Baby quilts or lap quilts, which need to be washed regularly, should be stitched keeping that fact in mind. Fabric used should be machine washable and preferably fabric should be pre-washed before piecing to avoid shrinking in the future.

To increase the life of a quilt, it is essential to take all precautions to keep it away from dirt, heat, insects and direct light. Completing a quilt is a one time accomplishment, caring for it is a life time endeavor.

Every time I see a beautiful quilt, my heart misses a beat. I have a passion for quilts, and my cupboards are overflowing with so many quilts I have bought from exhibitions and online. Everytime I see a masterpiece (mostly I surf the Internet for it) I cannot help to think, “How do they do such beautiful things?”.

What Quilting Tools Are Normally Used for Making a Quilt?

Quilting is a work of love; without doubt it is something that gives warmth in more ways than one. Most of the quilts are done by hand, and these artisans pride themselves in their art. The patterns, the secrets and the methods of making the quilts are passed on from generation to generation.

However, there is a lot of pressure on many of these artisans already, because the world is changing. Especially after the technology advancement has made time the most precious and precocious commodity of all. Hence, in order to keep abreast with the developments, many traditional quilt-makers are laying down their quilting tools to change over to machine quilting.

Machine quilting is fast, exceptional high quality and almost effortless when you compare it to the hand-made quilts. However, given a choice, the professional quilt maker will still prefer to make these with his/her traditional, old quilting tools rather than the sophisticated computerized machines of today.

They say it that it takes the fun out of the art. It is like having a meal in a pill, instead of having a sumptuous five-course meal. Though the hand made quilts are slow and many times extremely time-taking to make, the charm given by the traditional quilting tools and an experienced hand, can never be compared with anything done by a machine.

There are still places where the quilting tools reign supreme. Here, it is considered an insult to the quilting art to even consider using a machine for it.

All said and done, the machines are indeed a great boon for those who are planning to earn a living out of quilt-making. You should not forget that the machine is also part of the quilting tools required for quilt-making. The magic does not come from here, but from the dexterity of the quilt-master, and his/her devotion to their project.

In the wake of the introduction of machines, there have been many small industries sprouting all over the web, offering excellent designs at very reasonable cost. This is possible only because of the machines that are used for quilting.

My mother in law is a rabid quilter. She, and my father in law, churn out at least 3 quilts a year. Some of them are hand quilted, and in my father in law’s case, machine quilted. Every single quilt is done with care and great detail. Whenever they start a quilt they have a particular person in mind, who will receive the quilt once it is all done.

They use sewing machines, appliqué, embroidery machines, quilt patterns, and quilting stencils. With all the beautiful quilts that they create, you’d think that they knew everything there is to know about quilting. But they don’t. They have a handle on using patterns, and the appropriate machines, but they know little to nothing about quilting stencils. So, in honor of them and all the gorgeous work they do; here is a ‘how to’ on using quilting stencils.

What is a Quilting Stencil?

A quilting stencil is a precut piece of wood, cardboard, or plastic that is made in the shape of a particular person, place, or thing. Most manufacturers will take special orders, and cut a stencil in any design you choose.

What is a Quilting Stencil Used For?

A quilting stencil is used when a quilter wants a particular theme or design for their quilt. It is most commonly used when a quilter doesn’t want to go through the hassle of hand or machine quilting a very detailed or intricate design onto their quilting fabric. They also come in handy for other odd interior design projects. Some people choose to use their quilting stencil to stencil designs on their walls, screen doors, and wood working. Quilting stencils add a “hand made” look to almost anything.

How Do You Stencil on Fabric?

Stenciling on walls seems a lot easier than stenciling on fabric. For one, if you mess up the wall, you could always repaint. But if you’ve spent long hours on a quilt for your granddaughter, you’re not going to want to start over.

Before you start to stencil on the fabric, you’re going to want to prepare the fabric. Wash and dry the fabric first. This removes the chemical sizer and will allow the paint to bond completely to the fabric. Attach the piece of fabric you intend to paint to a piece of cardboard. This will keep the fabric from moving while you are stenciling.

Put the stencil on the fabric where you want it, and load your stenciling brush with just a little bit of paint. Don’t apply too much paint at once, it won’t dry very fast and it adds a lumpiness that you aren’t going to enjoy.

Continue stenciling the fabric until you are finished. Place the fabric on a flat surface, and allow the paint to dry for 48 hours. Well, I hope that this article is as informative as I hope it is. I know that my in-laws will find it useful.

Quilt-making can be traced back to the 12th century when Chinese, Russian and Native American civilizations created three-layer garments that provided warmth during the cold winters and protection when metal for armor was scarce. The crude needles of the time became valuable tools to quilt makers who crafted their work to provide basic needs rather than decoration. Throughout time, until the modern age, needles, thread, and quilting frames were the basic tools of the quilter.

We live in today’s world of mass-production, where machines have taken the place of the hands-on artist. Most modern-day quilts are the result of factories and machines. But even those quilters who choose to create their own quilts often choose a quilting machine to make their work error-free and much faster. Without a modern quilting machine, it took months of steady work by a sewing artist and his/her friends to produce a beautiful, durable quilt.

In Amish societies, quilt-making is a social event as well as a way to create serviceable but beautiful home bed coverings and decorations. Without quilting machines, Amish women of today still use hand-made quilting frames to keep the fabric tight while the three-layered quilt is meticulously stitched together. Modern artists, regardless of religious faith, who choose to create a quilt without the benefit of a quilting machine, find pleasure in assembling a quilt “the old-fashioned way” instead of succumbing to the luxuries of modern tools.

Are Quilts Made with a Quilting Machine “Authentic?”

The answer to this question depends upon two things: your own definition of “authentic” and how your quilt is viewed by other quilters. Not that opinions by others should be an “absolute,” but quilters who exhibit and/or sell their work may wish to take this into account. Some hand-quilters regard the use of quilting machines as nothing short of blasphemous.

If you choose to use a quilting machine, you have a lot of company! With a machine, say users, you can create a masterpiece within a fraction of the time that a hand-made quilt can be constructed. If you need to make your quilt quickly as a gift or other occasion, a quilting machine can save the day.

When buying the machine, be sure to try it out yourself in the store; make sure it’s easy and comfortable to use and does what you need for it to do. Bring your own fabric and thread to try the machine on – just what you’ll be using at home.

A good quilting machine shouldn’t cost more than $450-500. Consider buying your machine at a craft and quilting store rather than a department store; this is where you will find expert advice on using the machine and maintaining it in prime condition.

Expert quilters pass their craft down through the generations to those just beginning to learn this art. Quilting fabrics, they say, are wide and varied according to the taste of the creator and the patterns. Some types of fabrics are more suitable than others, and a poorly-chosen fabric won’t hold up through time. It’s common for a family member to display a quit made by a great-grandmother that is still intact and serviceable.

The Best Quilting Fabrics

Expert quilters teach novices of the craft that 100% cotton is the preferred quilting fabric, especially when it has been carefully washed and pressed. The “batting,” or central interior of the quilt, should be either cotton or polyester. Even the quilting fabric threads used to piece the quilt together should be 100% cotton poly-wrapped thread to insure the durability of the quilt.

Quilting fabrics come from many sources; they can be purchased at craft stores or they might derive from the old clothing and bed linens of a family. It’s very common, at quilt fairs and contests, to hear the artist discuss the history of each quilting fabric. “This piece is from my grandmother’s wedding dress,” or “this bright blue piece is from Johnny’s first pair of shorts.” Children often have vivid memories of their mothers and grandmothers having a stash of fabrics that will eventually be turned into one of the world’s oldest needle creations. Regardless of their origin, quilting fabrics tell a story; the story of each piece being specially chosen with care by the creator because of its color, pattern, and suitability.

Quilting fabrics are cut very precisely into blocks that are the same or very similar in size to the entire design. “Block piecing” and “foundation piecing” is the method of cutting fabrics into the desired size, depending upon the chosen pattern. Quilting fabrics are measured by the “yardage” necessary to complete the project. Patterns can be custom-designed, changed, or reduced in size by the artist. For example, a design that is meant for a full-size bed covering can easily be reduced to form a baby’s quilted blanket. Often, the underside of the quilt is made from a single large piece of quilting fabric. Thus, a finished quilt may have a scarlet underside with a patchwork pattern of many different colors as the top layer; the layers are filled with cotton fabric.

The piece’s “binding” (the narrow strip of fabric used to finish the raw edges of the quilt) and “border” (fabric strips that go around the outside section of the quilt) are also important considerations when choosing quilting fabrics. They should be hardy and suited to keep the quilt from fraying. Chosen with care, the fabrics insure the quilt’s structural integrity that will last for many years.

Quilts are synonymous with comfort, warmth and beauty – not necessarily in this order. Many times quilt masters get requests to make an exceptionally different quilt, which does not reflect any traditional designs. The best thing to do is to use the novelty quilting fabrics available in the market.

What Does it Mean When You Say, ‘Novelty Quilting Fabric’?

As the name implies, novelty quilting fabric means new and unique types of quilting fabric. There are many types of unique and exquisite material available on the Internet itself. Those who have the time and want to get a good idea of what they can find in the brick-and-mortar shops could run a check on the Internet and see the varieties of novelty quilting fabrics displayed there.

The ‘novelty’ does not stop at the fabric itself. There are nowadays kits with already matched sets of novelty quilting fabric which would make it possible for anyone to finish a quilt in record time. Of course, the downside here is that you do not have much of a say in how the fabric is laid around, because it is already matched and fit for you (ready for the batting and stitching). However, giving the kit due credit, you can complete the project in record time – and sometimes this is the only important factor.

One of the most favorite styles among the novelty quilting fabrics is using family photographs as scraps to make the quilt. The end product will look like a mini documentary, and it is an excellent gift for children who are leaving the house for college, or camps, as the quilt will keep them warm in more ways than one. This also can make a stunning 18th year birthday gift, comprising of all the photographs from day 1 to the D-day when one becomes for all practical purposes, an adult.

Novelty quilting fabric can also be used then you want to create a totally different look; something like a painting. You can use different types of fabric; matching and combining it in such a way that it will look as if it is telling a story. You can use the quilt, as a painter uses his canvas, and expresses yourself to your full satisfaction. This is may be, the best part about using novelty quilting fabric – it totally sets you free in terms of creativity, giving you a free hand in translating your imagination into the quilt, just as an artist would do through their medium of art.

Japan is well-known for the exquisiteness they attach to everything they touch. They adopted the bonsai art form the Chinese, and promoted it to heights that were unimaginable; even the most ordinary Japanese person will have an superbly engineered garden, complete with a waterfall, rocks, and what not which leave a ‘new world’ person with speechless with awe.

Everything they touch seems to come alive; everything they do becomes the best. Maybe this is because they take it as a personal honor to be associated with what they do, and if the thing (whatever it may be) is not the best there is, they would feel they disgraced their ancestors. Hence, the craving for perfection and the ensuing excellence in everything they are associated with.

The Uniqueness of Japanese Quilting Fabric

Given the above background, I was really surprised to hear that there is a special Japanese quilting fabric. I did not think that this traditional American occupation has reached this far and impacted so much that they have a special type of fabric for it. As it turned out I was wrong. The Japanese quilting fabric is simply scraps of Japanese cloth. Since, in Japan the most popular fabrics are silk and cotton, these are what the majority of Japanese quilting fabric consist of.

The difference does not lie in the fabric per se, but rather in the designs that are so characteristic to Japan. The Japanese quilting fabric can be spotted from a mile because of its vibrant colors and almost coming-alive depictions of nature and animals it has. The colors are warm and eye catching without being loud, and the patterns caressing the eye. Needless to add here, that such fabric in the hands of a master quilt man can create music.

Whether it is cotton or silk, the quilts made of Japanese quilting fabric are extra warm, extremely eye-catching and exceptionally alive. There is no way you can see such a quilt and not stop for minute to admire it – and maybe buy it too, the beauty is such. At the same time there is no compromise whatsoever in the quality of these types of quilts.

In case you want to feast your eyes on quilts made of Japanese quilting fabric, check out the Internet. I guarantee you that you will be smitten by the beauty displayed by these beautiful quilts.

Quilting has become a passion with many and with some even a tradition where the family will put their efforts together in order to finish a larger quilt or project.
The reason why quilting can become addictive is that you can create your own from scratch.

You don’t need experience or previous practice to create your quilt. However, you will need a lot of creativity and inspiration which most of us women have plenty to go around.

First and foremost you must decide on the size of the quilt and here you should first try a smaller quilt so you don’t get tired mid-way and give up the project. Sometimes when making a quilt for the first time you can get anxious to finish it in order to see the end result.

Fabric Squares for Quilting: The Details

Quilting by squares is an practice widely used by both professionals and new in the field for many reasons, let us explore them together. The most attractive advantage is that you never get bored as every little square is different. You will have a colorful quilt with a mixed or symmetric pattern you can to choose square by square.

When using fabric squares for quilting you can choose different types of fabric as well as colors, which will add to the personality of the quilt as well as to its individuality. When working with individual fabric squares for quilting you will see that the quilt will be finished quicker rather than making something of the same pattern, which does not keep its excitement through the process.

Choosing each individual fabric square for quilting is probably the best thing of all as it can be absolutely anything at all, from flowers to pictures, the sky is the limit. Many make one for each season so they can keep a pattern but still lay with the colors and fabric.

Quilting as Tradition

Many quilt every year and sometimes every season, making presents and creating history with their quilting habits by passing on their skills. It is a relaxing, creative hobby, which can even bring you fame and profit should you choose to get professional. However, many keep it as a family practice, each year making different fabric squares for quilting to add to their masterpieces.

Try quilting yourself today with fabric squares for quilting. However, be warned that it is a very addictive hobby, which can very well end up being a tradition in your family as well.

Before batik, there was canting and this was practiced by the women of Java, Indonesia. The batik material that you get in the market today is produced in Bali. The history of the batik shows that centuries ago this type of dying was extremely popular. The method was extremely simple, and the effects stunning. This is a craft that was always done by women, back then and now as well.

The batik fabric involved women making elaborate designs on a fabric which was then covered with wax with the help of special copper caps. Once the whole fabric would be covered, it would be inserted into dye, or painted – as the situation required. After getting satisfied that all the places where dye was supposed to be applied have been applied, the wax is taken out by boiling the fabric several times. The result has always been simply stunning.

You Want Perfect Results – Check Out These Tips

1. Always have the batik fabric for quilting pre-washed; this will ensure that its absorbing power is maximized and hence it will catch the dye better

2. Use the thinnest possible batting when you use batik cloth; it will make it easier for you to handle he material, and the result will be elegant

3. The best way to bring out the best in the batik fabric for quilting is to alternate it with other fabrics, preferably different colors, lights and even textures. This would ensure that the batik fabric outshines the rest by comparison

4. Keep the batik fabric for quilting at the top of the quilt always. This fabric is not known to stretch well and hence its placement elsewhere would result in a skewed look, and risk of tearing

5. Never use the batik fabric as a quilt backing fabric. Despite its beauty, the batik is terrible against the skin, and your quilt will loose its practical value.

6. If you have to choose between batik fabric for quilting and other fabric, by all means use he batik fabric. It costs the same as other fabrics, but its impact and looks far surpasses the best of best materials.

7. When purchasing batik fabric for quilting, always visualize the possible combinations and buy as many as you can gather in a pattern. This will stand you in good stead when you need some exceptional material for a rush job in quilting. Batik material will instantly brighten up any type of quilt you are working on.

Quilting was once done entirely by hand. Quilting became a popular activity for two reasons: to create something beautiful and to have something to do while gathering with friends. Quilting bees were a good ways for a community’s women to pass long winter evenings. Hand sewing has been at least partly replaced by the technology of the sewing machine. Gathering with friends, of course, has been enhanced by the technologies of TV and cinema among others. While the pattern and fabric are the stars of the quilting world, the thread is also important. Thread that tangles or pulls can ruin the quilt or, at least, the experience of making one. Thread that isn’t strong enough will break loose and require making repairs to the quilt.

Types of Thread

Thread made for quilting has a finish applied to help it glide through the layers of fabric and batting. If you have ever tried to sew batting, you will understand why this is necessary. The thread package or online description should say whether the thread is appropriate for quilting. If you intend to use the quilting thread for machine quilting, make sure the description states that it is made for machine sewing. The quilting finish can clog some machine’s tension mechanism as it feeds through so quickly.

All quilting thread can be used for hand sewing. For sewing just on the fabric of the quilt, any good quality, cotton or polyester-wrapped cotton can be used. The medium weight size 50 is good for most jobs. This kind of thread makes good quilting thread for machine use since it has no coating that can wear off from heat or friction. A heavier weight can be used for piecing the panels together. The heavier the thread, the lower the size number is. Size 40 weight is good for piecing. If you have only used medium weight thread, you may have to get used to the difference in the look of the stitches.

When adding a decorative stitch after the piecing is completed, you can use cotton embroidery thread as quilting thread for machine use. You can find it on cones for machines. Embroidery thread comes in different weights. You can use a heavy weight for hand embellishment or a medium or light weight as quilting thread for machine sewing, depending on the pattern and your artistic taste. Choosing the right thread for your quilt means considering the needs of the pattern, the fabric and the embellishments you’re planning. Remember that quilting thread for machine use should conform to the needs of your machine.