Longarm Quilting Machines

Quilting has an ancient history, going back to days when knights in armor wore quilted fabric underneath their heavy suits to prevent chafing on their skin. It made sense to them – and their tailors – that quilted fabrics, comprising three or more layers sewn together, were warmer than ordinary layered fabrics. Soon, quilted fabric began showing up in medieval bed chambers, providing warmth and comfort during sleep.

Recent History Of Quilting

Pioneers and settlers used quilting as a way of recycling clothing that still had some wear left to it. By cutting "good" scraps of fabric from worn-out garments and sewing those pieces together, pioneer women created larger pieces that could be backed with feed sacks, filled with cotton batting, and quilted together to form a warm bed cover at virtually no cost.

Modern Quilting

Sewing machines moved quilting along technologically as quilters used machines to do their piecework to form quilt tops instead of sewing the scraps of fabric together by hand. However, most quilters still used hand-quilting to do their actual quilting – the sewing together of layers of fabric. Some quilters were purists, who didn't consider machine quilting to be authentic quilting. Others would have been only too happy to let the sewing machine do the quilting work for them, but they couldn’t figure out how to fit a 96-inch wide quilt beneath the arm of a standard sewing machine.

Then, in the 1980s, along came longarm quilting machines.

Longarm quilting machines are the latest innovation to turn the quilting world upside down. A longarm quilting machine is mounted on a table with rollers. The quilter merely feeds their quilt onto the table through the rollers, sets the desired pattern on the quilting machine, and the machine does the rest.

Quilting On A Regular Sewing Machine

This can be done, but it is very difficult. The easiest pattern to follow if you want to do machine quilting on a regular sewing machine is just to sew straight quilting lines along the seam lines of the patchwork quilt top. This is known as a "stitch in the ditch," because the quilting stitches end up in the small indentation in the surface of the fabric that is created by a seam line.

Quilting By Hand

Plenty of home quilters still quilt by hand, using a portable frame to hold their work in place. In lieu of a frame, a quilter can use hand basting stitches to hold a quilt together while it is being quilted. Just lay all three layers (backing, batting, and top) out on the floor. Starting in the center of the quilt top, sew large basting stitches to the outer edge in all four directions, plus a diagonal line of basting in all four directions. Use thread in a contrasting color so you can find and cut the basting stitches without too much trouble when the quilt is finished.

Making The Best Use Out Of Quilting Kits

Whether you are someone who is just getting started with quilting or you have been doing it for a long time, quilting kits is an excellent way to get things started. This is especially true for someone who is getting started for the first time, as it will come with most of everything that a person needs to get on his or her way. Quilting kits also make perfect gifts for that young someone in your life that wants to learn this handy skill of quilting and maybe even be able to pass it on to their children later down the road.

A lot of people make great use out of quilting kits and they can be found in many price ranges. Of course, the more you spend the more you are going to get within the quilting kits but you do not have to go broke to start learning how to quilt. A lot of people find these as an excellent way to keep track of what is needed as everything comes with it. There would be no forgetting to get this or that, especially since those in the beginning stages may not always remember what they need to have on hand.

Where To Find Them

A lot of these are sold within quilt shops, scrap booking stores, and your regular craft stores. Whether it is a large chain or a small family shop, you are bound to have no trouble at all in finding quilting kits, as they are very popular. If you do not like the selection they have in the store, there are other ways to get some nice quilting kits. A lot of people who have been quilting for years may design their own kit and sell it on the Internet. You can often find great deals this way, as they will price theirs better in order to compete with what is already on the market.

Also, a lot of the companies that make and sell quilting kits can be found online but the problem there is that you are going to have to pay for shipping fees. If you are not near any stores that carry them, paying for the shipping fees may be your only way. In the end, you will be so glad that you invested in quilting kits, as they are able to give you the head start you need to make yourself a success.

Quilting Ideas – Great Places To Find Great Quilting Ideas

There are dozens of places to find great quilting ideas. In fact, great quilting ideas can be found just about anywhere. You can get quilting ideas from just about anything. A picture, or a stretch of scenery can form a great idea for quilting. There are also a variety of other places to find quilting ideas.


Where To Look When Looking For Ideas On Quilting

Ten years ago the answer to this question would have been, a book either purchased or rented from the library. Now however, the answer is the internet. Just about, everything and anything can be found online through a variety of different sources. If you know where to look there are whole books, which have been digitalized and are available for either free or for a small fee download.

The internet also has a number of websites that are dedicated to quilting and ideas on quilting. It is not hard to find these sites and they provide a wealth of information and ideas as well as how to’s, supplies and other necessary need to know when getting involved in quilting ideas. These sites can also point you in the direction of local groups that can provide you with a wealth of information and resources as well.

The local clubs are a great way to get an idea of how to accomplish putting your ideas onto your quilts or can help you to figure out how to accomplish a particular theme or style type. It is a good possibility that individuals that are within a local quilting club are going to have a good idea of what works and what does not when it comes to quilting.

Family members are good resources when it comes to learning these types of crafts. In addition, the older generation in the community and checking out to see if there any communities such as Quakers or Amish in the area, these communities usually have individuals who are well versed in these types of crafts.

Finding ideas to turn into quilts or quilting related projects is not difficult. In fact, it is relatively easy to turn anything you are inspired by into something that can easily be put into a design or applied to a quilting application. There are also a number of software applications that can provide a variety of helpful solutions when it comes to making and turning various ideas into quilting patterns.

Quilting Frames And Other Supplies

Quilting is making a comeback in popularity, as a new generation makes this needlecraft hobby its own. As any generation of quilters gets down to work, they will find that they need some basic quilting supplies on hand.

Quilting Needles And Quilting Thread

These are specialty items, and substituting an ordinary sewing needle and thread for them won't do. Quilting needles are smaller, and they maneuver easily in and out of several layers of fabric at a time. Most quilters can get two or three stitches at a time on a quilting needle, but only one stitch out of an ordinary sewing needle.

Similarly, quilting thread is super strong and coated with wax, so it glides along the quilt pattern without tangling or breaking. Most quilters use plain white thread, but you may want to use dark thread for a special top-stitch effect or if you are "stitching in the ditch" – quilting along the seam lines of a pieced quilt top.

Rotary Cutters

Using a rotary cutter, quilters who use straight-line patterns can cut hundreds of quilt pieces in minutes – work that used to take hours with scissors. A rotary cutter takes the drudgery out of cutting. It is no longer considered a "want," but a "need."

Quilting Frames

Technically speaking, a quilting frame is optional, but a quilting frame is sure nice to have, especially if you are not stitching in the ditch, but are outlining an intricate quilting pattern on a blank muslin, where every stitch will be exposed to scrutiny. Quilting frames hold the top and bottom layers of fabric, sandwiched around a layer of quilt batting, in place while the quilter does the stitching.

I once knew a woman who loved to sit in bed and watch TV and quilt. Her husband rigged up a large quilting frame that dropped down from their bedroom ceiling via a rope-and-pulley system, so she could quilt in bed. I don't know anyone else who wants to have such an elaborate quilting frame system, but it is nice to have a portable quilting frame one can use to keep the fabric in order and assure that uniform tension is applied to the fabric during the quilting process.

The typical quilting frame for personal home use is a large oval hoop, like an embroidery hoop on steroids, mounted on a stand. The hoop swivels so the quilter can adjust it to their light and comfort needs, and the stand is wide enough so a quilter's knees can comfortably fit between the legs of the stand.

Quilting Frame Plans – Use Quilting Frame Plans To Build Your Own Frame

Quilting frames can be an expensive investment if you are buying ready to go frames. However, they can be significantly less expensive if you take the time to put the frame together yourself. There are a number of quilting frame plans that are available. There are also a number of places to find quilting frame plans so you do not have to be limited in where to search when looking for the perfect set of quilting frame plans for you and your projects.

How To Use Quilting Frame Plans

There are a number of different types of frames that can be used to hold your projects. The first thing to do is pick the size of frame that you want. Various types of quilting projects are going to need different size frames. After all, you would not use a frame made for California king quilts to do lap quilts with. Once you have decided on the type of frame and the size it is time to get started. Luckily, plans usually include a supply list. This is where you can really save some money. Depending on the type of frame, you are building you and the size you can probably find the wood you need to create the frame very easily.

A quick trip to the hardware or local hardware department can pick up the necessary screws and fasteners you may need. Then simply follow the instructions in the plans and finish your work so that your frame will not have any rough edges that could snag needle, thread or fabric. There are also a number of different options when it comes to standing on the floor or being what is called a sit on it frame. This is the type for frame that is actually held in the lap position by the individual sitting on a brace using their leg to hold the frame steady.

Either type of frame is easily made at home however, the floor based rather than lap based frames are probably going to be the more difficult to create because of their size. It is rather easy to create the type of frame that can sit in the lap. In addition, with the majority of the materials being easily found for free it can be a very inexpensive way to create a wonderful frame for relatively no money. It does take some tools and a bit of knowledge.

Quilting Frame – Hand Quilting Assistance

For individuals who are interested in hand quilting a quilting frame is an essential piece of equipment. For those that do not know a quilting frame is not something to be used to display a quilt. A quilting frame is actually a piece of equipment that is used to hold the fabric of the quilt taut while the quilter is working on the quilt.

A quilting frame is also not a cheap piece of equipment so you need to be sure you really want to do quilting by hand before purchasing a quilting frame. There are a number of different types of frames. The types usually vary based on manufacturer.

Appearance Of Quilting Frames

The appearance of a frame used for quilting is actually no different from the appearance of a regular frame used for needlework. Frames use for needlework is usually more common and can be found in a variety of locations that they are simply for pieces of wood. These frames usually have a bar or of their tightening system that is used to hold the fabric taut. On a frame that is used for quilting the only difference between a needlework frame and a frame that is designed to hold quilts are the size of the frame itself and the size of the wood used to create the frame.

Some frames may actually look like two sets of rollers that have been joined together. The purpose of these two sides is to provide a way to roll the quilts onto the frame and then hold taut. This allows the quilter to work on any given section and to manipulate large projects or small easily by simply rolling or unrolling the quotes from one end or the other to move to various locations on the project.

While frames that are used for quilting can be easily purchased at the majority of craft stores or stores that sell quilting projects you may be able to find better pricing from online suppliers. You can also create a frame for your quilting projects through the use of materials that you find in home. You can either create one your self without the use of a pattern or patterns are available, as do it your self projects.

Depending on the type of frame, it may also be collapsible for easy storage or it may be a permanent fixture similar to a worktable so there is sure to be something for everyone when it comes to a frame suitable for their quilting projects.

Selecting The Right Quilting Fabrics For Your Project

For those who love to quilt, there is no doubt in their minds that the quilting fabrics you select for a project can make or break the entire thing. A quilt is made up of all sorts of fabrics, colors, and patterns. Some quilts are designed for nothing other then to be beautiful while others tell a story. A lot of people will use special or particular kinds of quilting fabrics that go along with their theme or the story that they are trying to tell and they can get these fabrics from all sorts of places.

When someone finds the right quilting fabrics they just know it, as it will seem to fall into place with what is already going on with the quilt. Some people may take a few months to put together a quilt while others may take a few years. It will depend on their purpose for the quilt. If it is to tell a story of a child's life, the one making the quilt may take up to eighteen years to complete it. This way, they can have a patch for each important step during the child's life and quilting fabrics for this may be collected on the way.

Where To Get The Fabric

There are a lot of places that sell fabric, which can be used as quilting fabrics. But the fact of the matter is that any sort of fabric can be used for a quilt. It you like it and it will work well with the other quilting fabrics you are using, you should go ahead and add it in. There is no real rule when collecting quilting fabrics as they do not have to match and they do not have to be made of the same material. Some people will use a piece from a used baby blanket, or a piece of a prom gown, or an old favorite shirt that was worn thin because it was worn all of the time.

As long as the fabric looks and feels good to you then it should be used in your quilt. If it means something special or will remind you of a lovely time in your life, then add it in. A truly beautiful quilt is one that is made out of love and memories. Take your time with it, as there is no need to rush through it. Keep your eyes open and always think of new quilting fabrics you can collect in case you can use them later down the road.

Quilting Designs – Beginning Through Advanced

The first step to any art produce is the design and the same goes for quilting. Quilting designs are simply the patterns used to create masterpieces using cloth. There are hundreds perhaps even thousands of quilting designs that range from simple designs that anyone can do to quilting designs that can only be accomplished by individuals with a significant amount of skill.

Where To Find Quilting Designs

There are a number of places to find quilting designs. The first place to look, especially these days, is the internet. Just about, anything you want to know about can be found through simple internet searches. There are also a number of resources available through craft stores, books, and even quilting clubs if you have one in your area.

Of course, depending on your age you can always ask an older person from your family such as a mother or grandmother, aunt or cousin who may be old enough to have done quilting and needlecrafts. There are also other things to consider when finding designs for quilting. Just about anything can become a quilt design, there are a number of iron on transfers, patterns, even software applications that can turn any picture into a design that you can use for a quilting block.

Quilt designs are not just about the pictures that are stitched onto the fabric. They are also about the type of stitching that is done. In fact, there are some quilts that are nothing more than plain fabric that has a series of designs created simply by stitching. The stitching can be in the same color thread as the quilt fabric or it can be done in a contrasting color. The point is that designs are not just about pictures, they do not have to be fancy in order to be attractive and they do not have to be hard to accomplish.

Though you may be a little intimidated when you first look at some of the quilting designs that are available, especially if you are looking at the final product or you are only looking at the design specifications without seeing the final product. This is why it is a good idea to take quilting classes. There are a number of classes usually available in an area provided there is a craft store, which sells quilting supplies. The majority of large and even small stores that sell supplies for quilting usually offer classes for beginners in both hand and machine quilting.

Choosing a Quality Quilting Cutting Table

With literally hundreds and hundreds of quilting cutting tables out there, it is a good idea for you the consumer to have a good idea what you want before you decide what quilting cutting table to purchase. This article will take a look at some basic features common to all quilting cutting tables so that you can decided exactly what will fit you.

Features of a Quilting Cutting Table

The first feature common to all cutting tables is size. If you plan on doing a lot of king size quilts you are going to need to get a larger table then someone who is not. On the other hand, you may not want a huge table that dominates an entire room so finding a balance is key. The table should be big enough so that you can make your longest cuts, but again not so big that you can not cut on it. One interesting option found on my quilting cutting table is that it has the ability to fold down.

Unfolded the cutting surface is a little over five feet; folder down the table takes up less than three. This is very important to me because I wanted a table that had the cutting surface I required, but also was something I could store away when not in use. The next thing to consider and look at when shopping for your quilting cutting table is how stable the table is. You want to get something that is extremely sturdy so you can make the cuts you need to on it without fear that you might slip or the table might collapse. Another option to look at is how much storage space your quilting cutting table will have.

With mine I can store all my quilting supplies in the table so when I pull it out I do not have to go hunting for this or that. I would highly recommend that you get a table that can hold most if not all of your supplies. Also, if all the supplies are in the table you will more than likely use it for its one intended purpose as opposed to having it used for other things.

This can be cumbersome and get in the way of your actual work so you want to make sure that your table is best at performing its one function. Once you have decided what features you want, now you can begin shopping for your quilting cutting table. There are many places to get good quality furniture from, either online or in store, so look around. In addition you may find a table that suits your needs that is not specifically a quilting cutting table. Do not be afraid to try something different.