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

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Chances are, if you’ve dabbled in a bit of
home sewing or textile crafts before, you’ll
already have a lot of the bits and bobs you
need for quilting. But, there are a few extra
tools that’ll really help to get your projects
off to a flying start. Here’s what you need...


Rotary cutter
Used along with a cutting mat, a rotary
cutter is the quickest and easiest way to cut
precise pieces of fabric. The blade is
extremely sharp so you’ll need to be
careful when using one, but the finish is
much neater than using scissors. They
come in a variety of sizes, but a 45mm
diameter blade will be most useful when
you’re starting out.


Cutting mat
Whether you’re working at the kitchen
table or on a dedicated craft desk, you’ll
want to protect it against the blade of
your rotary cutter. Buy the largest cutting
mat you can afford, as this will enable you
to make longer continuous cuts of fabric
using a rotary cutter.


Quilter’s ruler
Made from acrylic, quilter’s rulers are
tough enough to withstand the blade of a
rotary cutter. They’re available in many
shapes and sizes, but if you’re starting out,
opt for a 6½in x 24½in or 3in x 18in version.
You may also find it handy to buy a 6½in or
12½in square ruler for squaring up
patchwork blocks and quilts.


Tape measure
Accurate measuring is essential when
quilting, so make sure your tape measure is
easy to read. If you’re planning a large
project, such as a bedspread, then treat
yourself to a long tape measure!


Scissors
Two pairs of scissors may come in handy
in your quilting arsenal: dressmaking
scissors for cutting fabric, and a separate
pair of general household scissors for
cutting paper, card and thin plastic.
Don’t use dressmaking scissors for cutting
paper as this will quickly blunt the blades.
A small pair of embroidery scissors are
often useful too, as are pinking shears –
these create a zigzag edge as they cut
fabric and can stop your patchwork pieces
fraying. When you’re shopping for any
scissors, look for steel blades and
comfy-to-hold handles.

Seam ripper
If you need to unpick a seam or small area
of stitching, this tool is more precise and
much quicker than scissors.

Fabric markers
Lines and patterns can be marked out on
fabric with various tools. Tailor’s chalk is
best on dark fabric, while pencils come in a
range of colours and can be used on most
materials. You can also use water-soluble
(washable) or air-erasable marker pens.

Fabric glue
Adhesives are useful for holding fabric in
place before or during stitching, and can be
bought in liquid, stick or spray form. Many
quilters glue baste English Paper Pieces.

Pins
You’ll need to pin fabric together while
quilting, so make sure you have plenty
of pins. Choose ones that aren’t too thick,
and, if possible, have a selection of heads:
flat ones that can be passed under a sewing
machine, and heat-resistant ones for when
you’re pressing your fabric.

Stock up on a few essentials for your craft kit


and you’ll be quilting the days away in no time!


the quilter’s


tool kit


Needles
As well as needles for hand sewing,
you’ll need to make sure your sewing
machine has the right needle for quilting.
‘Sharps’ and ‘betweens’ are best for hand
sewing, while a ‘universal’ needle should do
the trick in your sewing machine.

Safety pins
Safety pins are useful when making your
‘quilt sandwich’, securing the top, batting
and backing in place before you sew them
together. Special curved safety pins for
quilting are available.

Thin card or
template plastic
You’ll need sheets of card or thin plastic for
templates for your patchwork shapes.

Freezer paper
It might have been created for
wrapping up food before it’s frozen, but
freezer paper is also ideal for templates and
appliqué. One side of the paper is slightly
waxy, so it can be ironed onto fabric where
it will stick temporarily, then peels off
without leaving any waxy residue.

Sewing machine
You’ll need a sewing machine for most
projects, or they’ll soon become very
time-consuming! Nearly all standard sewing
machines are suitable for quilting, appliqué
and patchwork. The most useful types offer
a variety of stitch lengths and can do zigzag
stitch too. See page 26 for more on how to
use a sewing machine.

Steam iron
It’s a good idea to iron fabrics before
you work with them, and finished projects
will benefit from being pressed.

steam iron
See page 31
for top tips
and tricks on
pressing fabrics

sewing
machine
See page 26 to learn
all the parts of
your sewing machine

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