A great variety of quilting techniques involve sewing together multiple fabric layers to create an item, for example a blanket or wall hanging. Typically, the layers are a top, middle and backing layer. The top layer is often made with fabric for decorations and the middle layer includes padding that’s usually made of natural fibers like cotton. When it comes to quilting, you can do it by hand or use a machine as shown below, and then style it according to your preference. There are a lot of different ways of doing this, including different fabric and stitch combinations that allow for endless possibilities!
There are many quilters today, with a variety of different styles, some traditional and some more modern. No one particular style dominates.
Wikipedia provides a very complete information about Quilting.
In addition, An Introduction to Quilting and Patchwork is a beautiful article that also provides excellent information.
You can also enjoy The History of Quilting in this beautiful video
Step-by-Step Instructions For a Variety of Quilting Techniques
There are many different quilting techniques that you can use to create a variety of quilts. Some of the most commonly used quilting techniques are presented here, along with links to tutorials and patterns.
Hand Quilting
Hand quilting process involves sewing the running stitch by hand around the entire quilt. This binds the layers of fabric together. You use the hoop or frame to keep the quilt off of your lap. It is a popular method with many different variations. The Amish and Mennonites practice it, as well a many others who consider this technique a very special one.
Hand Quilting Basics video tutorial by Wendi Gratz.
Machine Quilting
You can use a home sewing machine or a long arm sewing machine to create your quilts. With the former you will typically use tacking or pinning. With the latter you place the layers on a special frame and move the machine across the fabric. You can use your weight to push down on it and keep it steady while you sew when you use a tabletop or heavy duty stand.
Machine Quilting 101 with Angela Walters
Tying
Tying is a technique quilters use to fasten three layers of a quilt together with yarn or thread. Square knots are perfect for finishing the ties as they do not come undone easily. This will let your quilt withstand washing in the future. This technique is also known as “tacking” and is commonly used on quilts that need to be completed quickly. The name for tacked bed covers in the Midwest is comforters.
How to HAND-TIE Your Quilt AT HOME With Matt and Donna!
There’s also another classification given by Rachel Rossi in her post: The 4 Basic Types of Quilting: A Guide
Pieced Quilts
A pieced quilt is a traditional American quilt made by sewing small blocks together and then pressing and arranging them into rows and columns to form the whole quilt. These quilts are typically quilted with an all-over pattern, either by hand or machine. They are a common type of quilt and are often what come to mind when thinking about quilting.
50+ Free Easy Quilt Patterns for Beginners
Appliqué Quilts
Appliqué is a quilting technique that involves attaching small fabric shapes to a quilt. This can add a lot of visual interest to a quilt and allows for the use of shapes beyond just rectangles, squares, and triangles. There are two main ways to apply appliqué to a quilt: the raw edge method and the interfaced method.
The raw edge technique involves tracing the outline of the appliqué onto fusible web, sticking it to the fabric, cutting out the shape, and finally ironing it onto the quilt. Now the edges can be secured in place using a blanket stitch, zig zag stitch, or other decorative stitch.
The interfaced method is a good choice for larger shapes without sharp angles, like circles, as it helps the appliqué retain its shape and prevent fraying. When you use this method you cut out the fabric and a matching piece of lightweight interfacing. Next, you stitch them together with right sides facing. Turn the interfacing right side out and press it well so you can attach it to the quilt. Then you can secure the edges in place using a decorative stitch.
How to Applique! by Missouri Star
Paper Pieced Quilts and English Paper Piecing
Paper piecing and English paper piecing are both techniques used in quilting and patchwork projects, such as cushions, pouches, and bags. Both techniques allow for the use of scrap materials, but there is a key difference between them: paper piecing is done using a sewing machine, while English paper piecing is done by hand, in addition, the templates used in English paper piecing can be reused, while those used in foundation piecing must be discarded after use.
How to do Foundation Paper Piecing – Quilting by Professor Pincushion
How to English Paper Piece with Tula Pink – Part 1 – Cutting | Fat Quarter Shop
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