Warm and cozy pieces as well as heirlooms have been made through the generations-old technique of quilting. Although quilting frequently conjures up thoughts of large quilting machines, the truth is that you don’t need a specialized tool to start this creative endeavor. We’ll explore the fascinating world of this feature and provide step by step guide about how to quilt with a regular sewing machine in this tutorial, making this time-honored hobby approachable for everyone.
Starting: Necessary Equipment and Supplies
To set the stage to know how toquilt with a regular sewing machine and build experience, let’s make sure you have the required supplies and tools before you get started.
Instruments:
- Regular Sewing Machine: Select a sewing machine that has the most fundamental features. A sophisticated quilting machine is not necessary to produce exquisite creations.
- Walking Foot: During quilting, this attachment helps feed several layers of fabric uniformly and prevents movement.
- Quilting Needles: Made especially for quilting tasks, these needles guarantee a smooth stitch through multiple layers of cloth.
- Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat: When quilting, accurate cutting is essential. This work is exact and efficient thanks to a cutting mat and rotary cutter.
- Quilting Ruler: Cutting fabric strips and blocks precisely is made easier with the help of an acrylic ruler that has indicated measurements.
- Iron and Ironing Board: A crucial component of quilting is pressing fabric. For neat seams, make sure your iron is in good working order.
Another article we described in detail is Can You Iron on Patches to Leather? You must read it.
Resources:
- Fabric: For your quilt top, select premium quilting cotton in a variety of hues and designs.
- Batting: This is the layer that gives your quilt thickness and insulation. Choose a batting that will give you the warmth you want.
- Backing Fabric: The material used to make your quilt’s reverse. It can go well with or contrast with the quilt top.
- Thread: Choose premium cotton thread in a shade that goes well with the fabrics you’ve chosen.
Let’s begin the methodical process of quilting with a regular sewing machine now that you have your supplies and tools ready.
First Step: Create and Arrange Your Quilt
Spend some time planning and designing your quilt before you thread your machine. Choose the color palette, block patterns, and quilt size. Making a paper sketch of your concept might be quite beneficial. This phase guarantees a more seamless quilting procedure and lets you see the final result.
Step 2: Cut Pieces of Fabric
Cut the fabric pieces to fit your design using your quilting ruler, cutting mat, and rotary cutter. Be mindful of accuracy during cutting, as well-executed seams are facilitated by accurate cutting.
Step 3: Quilt Top Assembly
Put the quilt top together by sewing the fabric pieces together. For most quilting projects, use a seam allowance of ¼ of an inch. Using your iron, press open each seam to produce a smooth, polished surface.
Step 4: Get the backing and batting ready
Place your backing fabric right side down on a level surface. Place the quilt top, right side up, on top of the batting. To ensure that every layer is taut and straight, smooth out any wrinkles.
Step 5: Baste the Layers
Use one of the following techniques to baste the layers together to ensure their security:
- Spray Basting: Use a temporary fabric glue spray to adhere the layers together.
- Pin basting: Make sure the layers are equally spaced out by securing them with safety pins.
Step 6: Put the Walking Foot in Place
Use a walking foot in place of your usual pressure foot. During quilting, this attachment makes sure that the layers of fabric are fed evenly, avoiding puckering or shifting.
Step 7: Choose Your Quilting Pattern
Select a quilting design that goes well with your layout. Popular options for beginning quilters include free-motion quilting, straight-line quilting, and piecing together your blocks’ seams.
Step 8: Layer Quilting
Stitch along the chosen design to start quilting. One step at a time, and don’t be afraid to stop and adjust when necessary. Helping to keep the stitch length constant will be the walking foot.
Step 9: Make the quilt square
After the quilting is finished, use a rotary cutter and ruler to square up the quilt’s edges. This stage guarantees a tidy and balanced result.
Step 10: The quilt’s binding
Binding the edges of your quilt completes it. Cut the fabric into strips, fold each strip in half lengthwise, and stitch around the edge of the quilt. To achieve a neat finish, tuck in the rough edges.
In summary
Using a standard sewing machine to quilt allows for many creative and expressive possibilities. Equipped with the necessary equipment, a small amount of perseverance, and a dash of imagination, quilting may produce stunning, one-of-a-kind works of art. Now thread your needle, bring your presser foot down, and allow your sewing machine’s soothing hum to lead you into the fascinating world of quilting. I hope you like quilting!