Great Quilting Ideas:

Add a Fun Twist to Your Designs



The art of quilting was originally discovered mainly for utility purposes rather than for its aesthetic value, as what it is popularly used now. It flourished throughout the past centuries mainly because women made use of the collected scraps of cloth sew them together to make warm and cozy bedcovers out of what was considered to be of no use. Such as cheap alternative has a great appeal during the Civil War. In fact the use of quilts were reported to be the best and cheapest alternative used to ward off the biting cold during the war and practically saved hundreds of lives.


It is a small wonder why quilts remain to be among endearing piece of needlework that have continued to flourish throughout the years. The craft are passed on from one generation to another, a have become a charming family heirloom that depicts a rich and colorful history.


Memory Quilts


If you are so keen on preserving some memorabilia from family members, the best way to do it is to actually make a memory quilt. It can include old shirts, photos and any other thing that can clearly depict the personality of each family member. Memory quilts especially make great gift ideas for loved ones and family members. Technology has always had a way of making a lot of things impersonal and remote that is why a token or a gift painstakingly made would definitely a very welcome expression of love – definitely a priceless memento.


Making a memory quilt can prove to be a tricky endeavor can are best left to expert quilters. If you have had some extensive on quilting, then memory quilts would probably present you with another needlework challenge that you don’t want to pass up. Here are some handy tips that you can use in making your own memory quilt:


§ Collect your favorite photographs, keepsakes for memorable vacations, your child’s artwork, or any other material that you would want to include in your quilt.


§ Use the 8 x 11 sheet of paper as your guide in position your photos. There is actually no need for you to leave spaces in between pictures since they will eventually be cut apart before ironing on to the fabric. If it is possible, crop unnecessary portions of the photos and use nonpermanent glue or even a double-sided tape to effectively keep your images in place. Don’t forget to leave enough room for margins, roughly about half of an inch on each side.


§ If you don’t own a scanner, you can have your photos scanned and reproduced so you will be able to keep the original ones.


§ Try experimenting on combining a number of materials such as wedding invitations, baby announcements, theater tickets and any other mementos that are sure to evoke some wonderful memories.


Sashings


Your quilting blocks can range from the very simple to the highly intricate ones, largely depending on your skill level. Whether it’s a beginner’s project or a masterpiece it project, it can definitely benefit from some nice sashings. So what are sashings exactly? These are the designs that go in between your quilt blocks. Although most quilts have no sashings, adding one will definitely contribute to a charming effect on your work.


There are actually a number of sashing ideas that you can incorporate in your quilting. One the most popular ones are merely adding some fabrics to separate one block from another. This will definitely add a new dimension in your quilting and a charming homey look to it. Here are some useful tips that you can use on your sashings:


§ Base your fabric choice on what you want your blocks to look like. If you have some simple quilting blocks, then you might want to use some exciting fabric textures for your sashings. However, if you want the eyes to focus on the beauty of your blocks, then stick to some solid color fabrics.


§ Another great option would be to use the same color of the fabric you used for your blocks as the main background. This will make the designs look like each block stand apart from each other. This is quite handy if you need to create some distance from one block to another.



§ You can also add some cornerstones to your sashings. These are squares of fabrics that are merely pieced together right within the sashing and are fitted at the corners of the quilting blocks.


§ You can also use multiple strips of fabrics to be places in between blocks to add more interest to your sashings. You can use the chain sewing technique to achieve the desired effect.


§ If you are looking for some ideas to put in some fun and a dash of excitement in your quilts then pieced sashings would be one brilliant idea to achieve this. To make this, make some series of half square triangles and sew 2 pieces together to make one solid square.


Rag Quilting


Ever heard of rag quilting? Most people would assume that this method would require big and long strips of fabric rags to weave together in order to make a quilt. However, this is simply not the case. The idea of rag quilting was actually gotten from the ragged edges on the quilt. Whether this variety was initially discovered intentionally or by pure accidentally, we will probably left to wonder.

In order to make rag quilts, you will need to take 2 squares of fabric and a piece of batting for every single block in your quilt. You can also use a piece of flannel as an alternative to the batting. All battings of flannels should be cut in about 1 ¼ inches smaller than the squares in your quilting fabric. You can then place one fabric square with the batting or the flannel at the center, and the top fabric to make 3 layers, sort of sandwiching the batting with two quilt squares. Make sure the front sides of both fabrics are facing outwardly.

Then start to stitch all three layers together in order to secure then all in place. More often than not, these are made with a sewing machine. But sewing by hand can also be used by making and X across the square using even straight stitches. Once you have finished stitching all the blocks, you can then start to sew them all together, using the similar approach in make your quilt top. When stitching make sure to leave one inch allowance and do not backstitch. You can then clip the seam allowances with a pair of scissors, which will look like ragged edges. Make small slices without cutting into the stitching and shake of the loose threads after.


Tips for Rag Quilting:


§ The best type of fabric to use in rag quilting is flannel and 100% cotton fabrics since they are known to fray better.

§ Try to choose a fabric that also has a color on the back. This is important since both sides of the cloth will be seen, plain white back can ruin the total effect of the ragged edges.

§ Use a backing fabric that will best complement your quilt. This will show in you seam allowances. Contrasting colors will probably look awkward and will stand out and probably ruin the whole effect.

§ You can set your sewing machine to make 12-15 stitches per inch, be sure to use sharp and new needles that are specifically designed for medium weight fabrics.

§ Using a neutral thread will be the most ideal choice unless you would want your quilting thread to stand out.

§ It will be much easier to clip two pieces of fabric at a time and will help you avoid making some mistakes.


Borders


Adding some borders on your quilting blocks will definitely contribute to a uniquely charming effect that will probably conjure some sweet thought of log cabins and cute cottages. This is because a quilt on its own conjures some nostalgic images and memories and home complete with endearing chimney tops. Borders definitely add a charming twist to your quilt.


The most popular type of quilting borders is the butted or straight sewn border. This can be dine by sewing borders to the sides of your quilts, including the top and bottom edges and extending straight across the ends of the borders. To help you with making borders, here are some great tips that can come in handy:

§ Make some measurements of the quilt from top to bottom through its vertical center.

§ You can cut to border strips that will match your measurements accurately by using the width you have already determined. Use the crosswise grain in making borders, since they are known to be stretchier than the lengthwise grain.

§ One great idea in making borders is to actually repeat your blocks in varying color schemes. This will make a more interesting effect and a great way to play with colors.


Now that you have learned a few great tricks in the trade, you are sure to find great ways to incorporate them in several of your quilting projects. You simply need a few prods to the right direction to get your creative juices flowing. Every ardent quilter is always n the lookout for some fun new way to add more character and interest in their work.



Quilting can certainly turn out to be a rewarding and highly enjoyable hobby. You simply need to give free rein to your creativity and have the confidence to learn and try out new quilting methods. Experimenting on fabric color combinations and some geometric designs will definitely lead you to fun discoveries of quilting. The learning definitely doesn’t stop after a few quilts. You only need to explore every possibility and test the very limits of you imagination and creativity.