Beginner's Guide to Quilting - UK (2020-02)

Why not have a go at using a range of fabrics in your

next project? You’ll find it easy with our top tips

quilting with

different

fabrics

For past generations, quilting was
a way to turn old, pre-loved fabrics into
wonderful new blankets and quilts.
Designs often featured several types of
fabric or were based around the materials
that were to hand. Although modern day
quilters have much more choice at their
fingertips, most reach straight for 100%
cotton fabric, owing to its suitability for
patchwork and quilting techniques. But with
so many other amazing fabrics available, it
seems a shame not to experiment with
them as well! Why not try working linen,

flannel and silk into your designs, or raiding

your home for household items and old

clothes to recycle? It's easy once you know

how, there are just a few things to take

into account...

For example, if you want to try working

with something other than cotton, first think

about what sort of quilt you want to make

and start a collection of fabrics that are

similar in weight and thickness. This will

make your sewing experience a lot easier! If

you want to use delicate or vintage fabrics,

save them for a project that won’t get much

day-to-day use, or if you’re making a baby

blanket that needs to be super soft, why

not try adding a fleece backing fabric?

Whatever the age of the fabric, make sure

it’s colour fast and won’t shrink excessively.

If you’re using fabrics with a nap, such as

velvet, ensure it runs in the same direction

throughout the quilt. Check fabrics for

excessive fraying and if they do fray easily,

use a wider seam or overlock (or zigzag

stitch) the seam edges.

Before you start sewing, match your

thread to the type of fabric being used –

100% cotton for cotton fabrics, linen thread

for linen fabrics, polyester thread for

synthetics and so on.

Cotton

Cotton is the best fabric for beginners

and is the first choice for quilt making

because it’s durable, easy to work with,

doesn’t fray much and handles well.

Quilts and other projects made from

cotton will be more likely to wash well,

take a medium to hot iron without

problems and stand the test of time.

Wash and press your fabrics before use

to ensure accurate cutting. Machine sew

and quilt cotton fabrics with needle sizes

70/10–80/12. Beginners will find hand

quilting easiest using needle sizes 7–10.

A ¼in seam allowance is generally used

for piecing cotton.

Linen

Linen, like cotton, is a natural fibre and

can be used successfully in patchwork.

A collection of delicately coloured linens

can make a really elegant quilt with a

FABRIC PROS CONS

COTTON Easy to use, washes well Can crease easily

LINEN Rustic, textured finish Frays and creases easily

FLANNEL Soft, warm and cosy finish Can stretch as you quilt

SILK,

SATIN Lovely finished effect Not very hardwearing

DENIM,

WOOL OR

VELVET

Great for adding texture

Wool is warm, denim is

hard wearing

Not as easy to sew

RECYCLED

FABRICS

Reuse old clothes, add

personal touch

Avoid mixing different

weight fabrics

Which fabric should you use?