3 May 2008
Material Choices For Quilt Patterns
Posted by tom under: Hobbies-Crafts .
How to make the right choices in materials for your quilt patterns
The art of Quilting, and it is most definitely an art, is very popular for all age groups all around the world. Traditionally it was something that the grandmother would do sitting around her quilting table with her friends. They would sip tea, socialize and continue stitching away at their latest creation. Today younger women kid’s groups and even men, participate in this ever popular creative activity. If it isn’t tea being served, it’s coffee or lemonade on a hot summer’s day or even a few glasses of wine. Just be careful you don’t spill it on your quilt.
If you fancy giving quilting a try get yourself a quilt pattern, the materials you need and join a group. You’ll get a regular social event. You will make some new friends and get a lovely quilt for your time. Here are a few pointers on how to purchase the right materials to bring your quilt patterns to a proper state of quilthood!
When you are planning the fabrics you will be using, be sure to choose materials of essentially the same weight. So, for example, don’t go mixing wools and velvets with calicos. Although the visual effect might be pleasing, it is far more difficult to sew the pieces together with the same tension. All of the fabrics will tend to stretch at different amounts, which can ruin the look the quilt pattern intended.
Quilt patterns will often offer suggestions on the types of fabrics that work particularly well with that pattern. If you’re not an experienced quilter, you’ll do well to go with the suggested fabrics. Such fabrics take into account factors such as stretch and fabric nap, as well as the type and number of fabric cuts, which can affect the finished piece.
When you come to choosing trims for your quilt pattern check the pattern instructions for any suggestions they might make. If certain fabrics are recommended, it’s likely good choices in matching trims are given as well. It is also important to use the right backing fabric and filling so use the correct sewing machine needles, hand needles and quilting threads.
Using the correct components will help you to make the most of your chosen quilt pattern and enable you to produce a technically excellent result, the real beauty is attained with your own creativity. You choose the colors, fabric patterns, textures and trimming that makes your quilt a one-of-a-kind creation.
By joining a quilting group you will find that you can draw on the experience of others and share your design concepts with other more experienced members of the group. Choosing the right materials assures a well-made, professional look, but the truly lovely quilt is a product of your creativity. With your first successful foray into the world of quilting, you’ll be eager to begin the next. No less important will be the fun and the company of your new artist friends!