Learn A New Skill: Quilting

If you have looked high and low for the perfect quilt and have had no luck then consider making one. You can choose the pattern and colors of your choice. By making your own you don’t have to compromise on what you want. Making your own gives you more choices but if you want to save money then it probably won’t be cheaper particularly when you consider the time you will spend on it.

Sewing and quilting is an expensive pastime. You need to have a sewing and quilting machine unless you are going to quilt it by hand. But you also have to purchase the fabric and other supplies in order to make your quilt top. Quilting is a hobby that lets you get away from the world and focus on something different. For many people, it’s a way to relieve stress and get into their own groove for a short time, but don’t get the wrong impression it’s complex and sometimes exasperating but very rewarding.

The extensive process for making a quilt first starts with picking the pattern. The pattern will influence the amount of time it will take to sew. Depending on the level of involvedness and the amount you will spend on a quilt will show in the pattern. The smaller the pieces the more complex and time consuming the quilt will be.

The next thing that you do is pick out the fabrics. This may seem like an easy task but it’s anything but that. Most people when making a quilt go to a number of different stores in order to see the lines of fabric, patterns and colors different shops carry. Don’t settle with cloth you find at the first store. Go to several stores in order to find the perfect combination of colors.

Next if you’ve chosen some dark colors you want to pre-wash and dry them.. This is a preventative measure because it will keep your dark colors from bleeding onto the lighter colors down the road. And drying it before cutting and sewing will keep it from shrinking afterward.. And after this is the cutting which can be quite mind-numbing depending on the sizes and shapes of the pieces. But make sure the pieces are exactly as instructed or else it will mess up the quilt.

Following this is the sewing and this is where it starts to get enjoyable. The pieces start to come together and you can see how well the fabrics work together and how the pattern is turning out. Just be sure that you are sewing it well because you don’t want the corners unravel or have points that don’t match up. But just remember if you’re frustrated take a break and come back because your frustration will show in your sewing

Then after you have sewn the blocks together it’s time to add the sashing and borders. This is the most satisfying experience because all your efforts have made this one thing. But, unfortunately it’s not done yet you still have to quilt it. It’s your choice whether you want to quilt it by hand or on a machine.. But whichever way you are absolutely going to love the end result especially after all of the time you spent on it.

This article was written and distributed by Diane Johnson. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Utah. She likes to write about the news, politics, Online School, colleges Online, and Adult Education.