Beginner's Guide To Quilting - UK (2020-04)

Tools & Materials

Lower the presser foot and sew back and

forth on the seam line to secure the start of

the stitches. Then feed the fabric under

the presser foot as you control the speed

of the needle with the foot pedal.

To turn a corner without finishing your

thread, make sure the needle is down in

the fabric. Raise the foot and spin the

fabric round to the new direction. Lower

the foot and carry on sewing.

Raise the presser foot and slide the fabric

under it. Your machine probably has an

indicator guide on the plate, giving

measuring guides for seam allowances.

Line up the fabric edge with this guide.

Once your stitching line is done, secure it

by making a few stitches back and forth

over your line. With the needle in the up

position, raise the presser foot and pull out

your fabric, then snip the threads.

W

hether you’ve never used
one before, or you’re
dusting down your faithful
old machine after a few years of it
sitting on a shelf, this simple guide
is for you. Read on if you need a
basic lesson in machine sewing or
a quick refresher course.

If you’re new to machine sewing, don’t

be intimidated by all the knobs and

options. A simple running stitch will do

for most patchwork and quilting, and you

can check the manual if you’re not sure

which stitch length, tension or needle to

use. If you’d like to know more about

sewing machines, see page 26.

Before you embark on any machine

stitching it’s a good idea to practise on

some scrap material first. Offcuts of the

fabric you’ll be using for your project are

best, so that the thickness is the same.

Take things slowly – don’t be too heavy on

the foot the pedal! – and keep practising

until you’re happy with the results.

DON’T WORRY IF YOU’RE NEW TO

SEWING MACHINES. WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

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Machine sewing

Beginner’s Guide to Quilting 29