Beginner's Guide to Quilting. Elizabeth Betts

      

       Contents

       Introduction

       Tools and Equipment

       Fabric

       Techniques

       Piecing

       Rotary cutting

       Making a quilt sandwich

       Quilting

       Binding

       Projects

       Patchwork Rosette Needle Book

       Flowered Dolly’s Quilt

       Tote-ally Fabulous Bag

       Simple Seedheads Table Mat

       Checkerboard Charms Car Quilt

       Summer Delight Table Runner

       Spinning Around Cushion

       Twirling Windmills Quilt

       Scooter Strips Wall Hanging

       Here and There Quilt

       Box du Jour

       Grab and Sew Quilt

       Summer Sunburst Cushion

       Funky Town Wall Hanging

       Spots and Blocks Bookmarks

       Blooming Marvellous Bed Quilt

Glossary

       For Jade and Florence

       Introduction

      Welcome to my world of patchwork and quilting – your journey starts here!

      In my quilt business I meet people every day who fancy making a quilt, but don’t know where to start. Then there are others who have started making a quilt, then got stuck and popped in for some advice as a last resort before putting their half-made quilt in the loft. If you recognize yourself as fitting into one of these categories then this book is for you. The projects have been designed to be easy and accessible, with the difficulty increasing gradually as the book goes on. If you work through them all in order, you will develop a wide range of techniques.

      The projects are also suitable for those who want to make a quick quilt, or experiment with a technique they haven’t tried before, such as using a jelly roll or machine quilting. The smaller projects can make excellent presents.

      Don’t be daunted by the idea of learning a new skill. I have tried to make the tone of the book friendly rather than authoritative, as if a friend was talking you through the projects. I believe the process of making is as important as the finished result. Through trial and error, you will find a way that suits you – if it works for you then it is fine. Enjoy the process!

      Quilts have been made for hundreds of years, so the process of making a quilt connects you with the past, while making something for the future at the same time. Investing time in quilting is a relaxing antidote to today’s throwaway culture. I like to think of each quilt I give away as giving the recepient a hug every time they snuggle up under it.

      My journey in quilt making started with a chance encounter eleven years ago. I made my first item, a patchwork bag, and something clicked. I found that playing with pattern and fabric became utterly addictive, which is how I now find myself here. I hope you get hooked too.

       Happy quilting!

       Liz

       Tools and Equipment

      It can be appealing to buy lots of haberdashery when you start making patchwork. I suggest you begin with a hand sewing kit, then buy other sewing tools as and when you need them. A good basic hand sewing kit should contain needles, thread, scissors, thimble, pins, tape measure and seam ripper. Keep your sewing kit in a box. There are some pretty ones available to buy, although a toolbox from a DIY store does the job just as well! It is also worth having a notebook and pencil handy when sewing to jot down notes and ideas as you stitch.

       Basic kit

      Needles: Use Sharps for hand piecing, and embroidery or chenille needles for hand quilting with perle thread. Buy a pack of needles with different sizes so you can try them to see which one you feel most comfortable using.

      Thread: Make sure you buy a good brand from a sewing shop as it will be colour-fast