Keep Your Handmade Quilt Beautiful

Cut the number of 12 and a half inch muslin squares you will need for your finished project. You could cut one if you just wanted to make a single block for learning purposes.

If you don't have a sewing machine, you have a lot of work to do. I don't recommend quilting a blanket without a sewing machine if you are looking for a quick easy blanket, even if you are a super fast sewer. If you are really fast at sewing, you probably don't have a desire to sew a quick quilt anyway but are looking for more complicated and challenging projects. If you don't have a sewing machine, you should get one. If you aren't planning on doing any sewing besides this project and don't want to buy an expensive sewing machine, ask a friend if you can borrow theirs.

Blanket Quilt The preferred needle type for woven cotton fabrics is called a "sharp." Sizes 75/11 and 80/12 are good choices for piecing, quiltmaking, and binding most simple quilt patterns. Use a smaller needle (70/10) if you're piecing tightly woven batiks and a larger needle (90/14) for flannels. Dull needles can cause skipping or uneven stitches, so it's a good idea to insert a fresh needle at the start of every project.

First, a quilt has three layers of fabric that have been sewn together. If it doesn't have three fabric layers, it would be just a blanket. The top layer, also called the quilt top, is the visually stunning side. It can be made up of hundreds of quilt squares fit together in indicant geometric patterns. There are no limitations to the colors and fabric designs you can use. The easiest way to get started is to purchase pre-cut quilt squares or jelly rolls from online fabric retailers. Purchasing pre-cut quilt squares not only saves you time but also gives you a chance to make a quilt from several different designer fabrics without purchasing multiple yards of each style.

Now that you have completed the first go-around and shapes have been sewn to all five sides of the center piece, it is necessary to cut more angles from the pieces you have sewn down. Be brutal in cutting back, cutting from seam edge to seam edge, trying to achieve at least five more angles. Work toward a variety of shapes and sizes.

The construction of the blanket is the most time-consuming part. Many quilters actually pin the materials of the quilt together before they begin to sew so they can see what it will look like. This allows them to move and adjust the placement of stitching as needed. The construction process will differ greatly depending on the type of quilt you are making. Regardless of which style, it is important to take your time and pay attention to detail.

The next time you are trying to figure out just what to get for an upcoming baby shower, think of the impression your gift will make if it is personalized. Even if mom and dad have not announced the baby's name, you can still have the child's last name added to any gift you choose. If you decide on a baby blanket, quilt, or pillow, ask the parents what theme they have chosen so you can coordinate your gift.