Machine Quilting is Sew Easy

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Machine Quilting is Sew Easy!

Have you tried machine quilting? Even a sewing beginner will find machine quilting easy.

For most of my life, if I heard the word quilting, visions of grandma's many hand stitched and old machine stitched versions immediately came to mind. Though many were blue ribbon winners at the state fair, quilts and quilting were just too "square" for my tastes

I have since had an epiphany, a sort of revelation about the whole thing. Quilts don't have to be hand stitched and you can be as creative as your imagination allows. Also, quilting can be applied to all kinds of sewn projects.

If you have a sewing machine, you can do this!

There are a few basic steps to constructing one and YOU can decide on how simple or how hard your machine quilting project will be. If I can do it, you can too! Personally, I enjoy a little hand stitching; however, I can't hand stitch an entire quilt. Truthfully, my hands just won't allow it. Which is why I enjoy and recommend machine quilting! It may not make traditionalists happy, but the results are just as fabulous. And if you want to add a little handstitching, you know, a personal touch, there are many types of hoops and frames to fit your specific needs.

Haven't tried it yet? Want to? I'll bet there are groups in your area willing to teach you or you can teach yourself! Trust me, you really can learn to quilt on your own.

Start small and buy at least one comprehensive instruction book -- with about 1,000 color photos for reference.

I confess, I have such a book. Actually, I have more than one and all of them are about machine quilting techniques.

Again, start small and stay with a simple design. You can follow a pattern or (with experience) make up your own. If you enjoy fabric painting and working with stencils, you can make beautiful quilts by painting designs onto your squares. You can also use special quilting stencils to follow as you quilt with thread.

Not too keen on the idea of sewing together a dozen or more squares? You don't have to! You can make a quilt without stitching together any squares. Though in quilting it's cool to be square, you can make an entire quilt using straight and decorative stitching. You just need instructions and the right quilting tools! It also helps to know some general quilting and machine quilting tips.

Quilting Books of Interest

What's Your Quilt Style?

Quilts can be crazy, traditional, heirloom, contemporary, appliqued, even embroidered. They can even be made using your favorite family photos transfered to the fabric in the design. Imagine showing off your favorite wedding photos this way! Think it can't be done... it can! There are so many different types and styles.

I'm not a traditionalist when it comes to quilts and quilted items so I'm always looking for cute, unusual and creative patterns while web surfing. Visit my links page for some nice sites to visit.

Here's something else to think about. Once you learn the basics of constructing the layers, you can machine quilt more than just bedcovers. Quilt a purse, a vest, a jacket, placemats, pillows, whatever your creative self comes up with. There are many books and other sources for instruction and inspiration.

Also...many of the name brands such as Babylock, Janome, Bernina also make quilting machines specifically designed for home quilters. They have longer arms, bigger beds, are computerized and multi-functional. They are truly dream machines. (You might want to leave your credit cards, debit card and checkbook at home. At least on the first visit!)

"Good friends are like quilts.
They age with you, but never lose their warmth."

Anonymous

I hope you get inspired and want to learn more about quilting. If you feel the need to surf for more information, please do! Just be sure to check back from time to time to see what's been added to this site.

Happy Stitching!

footer for machine quilting page