Quilting


Making Sense OF Quilt Patterns

There are literally thousands of quilt patterns already in existence, and more being designed everyday. If you are a beginning quilter it is best to stick to the simpler patterns. As you become more experienced, you will never run out of new patterns to try.

Some examples of simple patterns use squares. A Four Patch uses four squares of fabric sewn together to make one block. A Nine Patch uses nine small squares to make up one block. Different prints and colors can be mixed and matched to create different looks with these basic blocks. A Double Nine Patch is made up of nine 4-inch squares. The middle square is divided into nine 1 1/3 inch squares. Traditionally the large squares are cut from 4 dark and 4 light fabrics, while the small squares are cut from 4 light and 5 medium colored fabrics. Color combination may be varied to create different patterns.

The Churn Dash is another easy pattern. This block uses 3 different fabrics-2 designs and one background fabric. Variations of this pattern include the Grecian Design, the Greek Cross and the Wrench. There are three major pattern pieces: a 4 inch square, a 2x4 inch rectangle and a large triangle.

The Log Cabin design is probably the most well recognized quilt pattern. It is made of strips of fabric sewn together to give the appetence of a log structure.

The names of quilt patterns often reflect certain aspects of life. Names such as Job's Tears, Bethlehem Star, Cross and Crown, Jacobs Ladder reflect the Spiritual aspect.

Love and marriage is reflected in patterns like Hopes and Wishes, Lover's Knot, Double Wedding Ring and Cupid's Own.

Every state has at least one pattern named after it. These include Ohio Star, California Rose and Carolina Lily.

Not all quilt patterns are suitable for beginners. Drunkard's Path is definitely one. Once you have mastered it, it may quickly become a favorite.

Choosing fabric goes hand in hand with choosing a pattern. In fact there is great debate in quilting circles over which should be chosen first. While once quilts were made from scraps and leftovers, quilter's today have a wide variety of resources to choose from, and may purchase fabric expressly to create a quilt from it. One thing to remember is that it is better to buy to much fabric then to not have enough. Colors can't always be matched from different sources and runs.

Color is probably the most important aspect of any quilt. It is important to study tones, shades and hues. The easiest color scheme for a beginning quilter is probably monochromatic. This means one color, but different shades. Value is the lightness or darkness of a hue. A range of values provides contrast and depth to a pattern. A dominant color should be found in almost all of the quilt's blocks. An accent color should be used to create contrast and a blender color contains both colors in a pattern. When in doubt try a sample block first.

 

 

Search This Site

Quilting

 

 

 

Quilting


The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

... another, you can simply shop online at your own convenience. Among the highly reputable online shops for quilting is www.patchworks.com that offers an extensive array of quilting books, kits, fabrics, classes, and just about anything you can relate you this particular needlework craft. Another shop that ... 

Read Full Article  


Quilting Ideas

... to miss by a long shot. So if you feel like your are about to ran out of creative quilting ideas and badly need a new spark of inspiration, the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe should definitely do the trick. It s a great way to discovery the joys of working along with other talented individuals and treat ... 

Read Full Article  


Quilting For Beginners

... beginners guide that would certainly be a delight for people who want to learn the craft. Like any other craft, quilting can easily be learned with enough diligence and patience. Some people who are hooked to the art of quilting claim that seeing your very own piece of work adds a warm personal touch ... 

Read Full Article  


Quilting Is A Hot D.I.Y. Craft!

... quilts to sleep under and they didn't have a lot of materials to work with. So they took whatever fabrics they could salvage or cut from old, worn clothes, and somehow managed to craft these scraps into quilts that were not only warm but beautiful. For a time, the craft of quilting died out. Busy modern ... 

Read Full Article  


Pros And Cons Of A Long Arm Quilting Machine

... arm quilting machine has frames that can go up to 14 foot wide. This frame secures the sewing machine, which glides along a track as it quilts. The machine has three poles that hold the quilt stationary. Because of its size, a quilter can easily work on large projects with less the energy. As the machine ... 

Read Full Article