A Simple Quilt Primer
My Quilting General Primer
Part One - In the beginning
Webster defines “Quilt” as - Any thick, warm coverlet - To stitch together with a soft filling.
Some people mean any cotton-looking blanket - Some an artistically rendered hand/machine made blanket or show-off covering for a bed. Combine this with webster and you have an “Artistic bed covering made up of a top & back with an inner filling”. This is all held together with stitching called “quilting”
No matter how you describe it has become an all consuming hobby/passon/business for many people.
Those of you who have just begun this hobby/passon/business i will attempt to present a few basics.
The Top - There are two basic techniques for making a top design.
1. Sewing together small pieces off fabric of pleasing colors. This has developed into complicated geometric patterns that often interact to create additional patterns when the top is completed. This is commonly called “Patchwork”
2. The second or “Applique” is the layering of separate pieces fabric stitched to a background fabric to form a design, often a pictorial scene.
Whichever method you use to create your quilt - you should strive for overall effect. Remember you are working with many elements - layers of fabric -appliques/patchworks - needles/thread - sewing techniques hand/machine - and the ever present human element! You will always see the imperfections, but most of your viewers will not!
Step One PLANNING
When planning your quilt keep in mind the 3 basics - Design/Color/Texture
1. Color - Color is what will make your quilt come alive, as you intend - a Sparkling Showpiece or a Lovingly Handmade Gift or Home Piece.
Primary colors - Red/Blue/Yellow make good blends - they work well together in pairs
Secondary colors - Orange/Green/Purple blend well with each other or with the primary colors.
To highlight a color use a complementary color (one direct opposite on the color wheel. (Figure one)
Select colors that are alike in feeling - use several pastels to balance a darker color. Tints of primary colors will change the effect. Red/Yellow tints will warm - Green/Blue will tend to cool. Avoid grey tint, they will dull, unless thats your intent.
Figure #1
Step Two DESIGN PROPORTION
Designing a quilt can be the most satisfying experience - it can be as costly or thrifty as one’s time and ingenuity dictate.
The first thing is to decide what size quilt. Bed/Crib/Wall Hanging etc. Select a design that is a good focal point, then decide the scale of your design to fit your space. If its to be a patchwork will it be 4 - 9″ blocks or 3 - 12″ blocks, that depends on your pattern design.
Where do you get your original design from? Books in the library children’s section, Pre-school coloring books (great for applique ideas), Magazines (Weaving/Needlepoint included), Books, Web sites, or your own imagination. Collect all the time and keep a file so if you need an idea you’ll have plenty of resources at hand.
Step Three A WORKING PATTERN
Use 1/4 in grid graph paper if you have an full size design. If you need to reduce or enlarge on a copier or by hand if it is a simple design. The 1/4″ grid works nicely because it gives you a built in seam allowance. Making an accurate pattern template is a key to a good finished product.
You should cut out pieces for a patchwork on the straight grain, That way when sewn threads will lay naturally. This helps to keep the top from buckling. When sewing a patchwork together, place pins through the seam lines only and sew on the seam lines checking back and front to make sure you are accurate. When you trace your pattern do it on the wrong side of the material.
How much fabric will I need? If you do not have a commercial pattern, but you know how many times the design repeats, if is fairly easy. Most woven fabrics come in a 45″ width (check the bolt to be sure). The chart should help.
YARDAGE CHART
Number of squares in 1 yard of 45″ wide material, including 1/4″ seam allowance.
Sq Size # of Sq
3″ - 180
4″ - 99
5″ - 63
6″ - 42
7″ - 30
8″ - 20
9″ - 20
10-11″ - 12
12″ - 9
13-14″ - 6
15-18″ - 4
Step Four CHOOSING A FABRIC
Choose fabrics that are light weight, opaque, but not sheer. There are many choices, here are some “tests” you can use to help decide.
Crush test - Hold some fabric from the end of the bolt of a minute - if you have a handful of wrinkles when you release it is not for you.
Fray test - Pull a few threads from the end if they slip out easily the fabric may be to loosely woven and be hard to work with.
Thread test - If the threads are thick and rough, again it may be hard to work with.
Grain test - Check to see that threads are at right angles.
Width test - Make sure your getting what you planned on.
General Rule - Fabric should be a tightly twisted yarn that creates an opaque, firm, and lightweight material.
Save your scraps from other projects, sorted, this way you may have some or all of your material for the next great quilt!
Fabric - is your pallet with which you paint. Some of the fabrics out there today are:
Cotton Broadcloth - A plain closely woven fabric. There is all cotton and some as blends. A good general purpose material.
Calico - A plain closely woven relatively soft fabric. Often with small prints - geometric or floral
Gingham - True gingham is plain weave and medium weight - usually in checks or plaids showing on both sides.
Muslin - A plain weave and medium weight - can be loose or very tight weave, often a light beige color. Is good for applique background or for a backing.
Poplin - similar to broadcloth but has a fine crosswise rib. comes in many weights and finishes.
Satin/Sateen/Wool/Silk/Velvet - Good material for Crazy or Applique quilts - helps give texture.
Making that special quilt is about 70% prior planning and 30% execution, so get planning!
