Essential Techniques
28 Beginner’s Guide to Quilting
Turn your sewing machine into a quilting powerhouse with these special
tools you can add on whenever you fancy tackling something new!QUILTING EXTRAS
for your sewing machine
Thanks to Janome for the image. Model shown is the
JQ2 accessory kit, compatible with DXL603, QXL605, TXL607 and
XL601 machines. Find out more at http://www.janome.co.uk.CRAFT/APPLIQUÉ FOOT
The main difference between an
appliqué foot and a regular presser
footis is that it’s clear, so it doesn’t
obscure the fabric that you’re
working on (very useful when you’re
tackling something detailed). It’s
also shorter, which means it’s easier
to manoeuvre around corners and
other shaped edges.FREE MOTION FOOT
A free-motion quilting
(or darning) foot will
allow you some artistic
flourishes! Unlike a
standard presser foot,
it lets you sew in any
direction you like so
you can create wavy
lines, patterns...
whatever you fancy!WALKING FOOT
To make quilting easier
invest in a walking foot,
which can be
attached in place of
the presser foot that
comes with your
machine. A walking
foot ensures multiple
layers or fabric are fed
through the machine
evenly, helping to
prevent puckering and
an uneven finish.DITCH QUILTING FOOT
‘Stitching in the ditch’
(or ‘sink stitching’)
involves quilting along
the join between two
pieces of
patchworked fabric.
The ditch quilting foot
makes this easier by
spreading the seams
so that your stitching
sits neatly in the ‘ditch’.EXTENSION TABLE
This fits against the
end of your
sewing machine
to give you a
larger work area.
By supporting the
fabric as you sew,
it helps to keep it
in shape and
prevent distortion
and pulling.¼” SEAM FOOT
The standard
patchwork seam
allowance is ¼in, and
this foot has a built-in
guide to ensure you
get an accurate seam
on all your projects. For
a quilt top that features
lots of small blocks,
think how much time
that could save!