Made With Love: Tips For Handmade Quilts
Quilts are truly remarkable in that the variations of patterns and colors in which they are made are endless. Some feature themes of the seasons, showcasing the colors and symbols of the holidays while others are marked for special occasions, such as weddings or anniversaries. The occasion or reason that you make your quilt will be personal to you and the process should be fun and fulfilling. Whether quilting by hand or using a machine, a handmade quilt will last you for years and is a piece that is truly special in that it was created by you. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when you begin the quilting process.
Patterns and Sizing
From simple block styles to intricate designs, choosing the right pattern for your quilt will depend on your level of experience and comfortability. If you are a seasoned quilter, for instance, a detailed Four Winds pattern would be a challenge that would help develop your quilting skills. For beginners, something simple such as a patchwork quilt or block that requires fewer pieces, such as a Flying Geese pattern, would be more appropriate. Once you have found a pattern that you are interested in, make a sketch of it on some graph paper. This will not only help you have a better visual of the pattern but will also assist in ensuring you purchase enough fabric to cover the size of the quilt. Queen-sized quilts are a fantastic choice for sizing as they can be used for both smaller and larger beds.
Take Your Time
Quilting can be a long process. Because of this, it's important to constantly remind yourself that finishing your quilt does not need to be a race. Rather, take your time with the quilting process and trust the lessons you learn along the way. Consider how you feel during the creation of the quilt and what preferences you may be noticing. Perhaps you are more motivated to quilt in the evenings; set apart some extra time for yourself to get cozy and work on a block or two each night. Perhaps you notice that you are not happy with the thickness of your current thread; do a little research and purchase one that will make your work go smoother. Taking your time with a quilt will also help you catch mistakes more and allow you the extra time to correct any areas that need to be redone.
Finishing Touches
Completing each block and piecing them together is one of the more satisfying aspects of quilt making. Finally, you are able to have a clear picture of what your quilt will look like in all its glory! When the top layer of your quilt is complete, you'll need to add batting for the middle layer and a backing. Batting can be found in a variety of materials such as cotton, down, or even polyester and will provide warmth and fluff to your quilt. Depending on how heavy you'd like your quilt to be, you can add more or less batting. A border will also be needed to hold down the ends of the quilt and guarantee each layer is fully connected to one another. Finally, when deciding on whether to tie or quilt, consider the quilt itself. If this quilt is for a more formal occasion, quilting the layers will give a more professional and delicate look. For a quilt that will be used for practical everyday use, tying the layers with yarn or ribbons is perfectly acceptable.
For more information on a handmade queen-size quilt, contact a company like Grannys Handcrafting Studio.
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