Resources and Tips

Wash or not?

Whether to wash fabric or not, depends on how the quilt will be utilized. Just to be on the safe side, I do wash deep colors and very old fabrics but typically do not wash before cutting. Washing softens the fibers and makes it more challenging to cut. Good quality fabrics can make a difference. If the quilt will have heavy use and require frequently washing, pre-washing the fabric might be wise.

If you feel that you must wash your fabric, hand wash it in the sink using just clear water. Keeping the fabric flat, roll it in a large towel to soak up most of the water, then air dry it. Do not put it in the dryer as this will fray the edges and it becomes difficult and messy to cut. You will need to iron it before cutting.

I use clear water in a spray bottle and spray my fabric then iron it using a dry iron.  Most of my project will not be used in a manner that they will need to be washed.  I am perfectly comfortable not washing fabric before quilting.  

Some Basic Fabric Terms

Selvage edge – the edge along each side of the fabric.

Straight gain - runs parallel to the selvages
Cross grain - runs perpendicular to the selvage edges
Bias Grain - is at a 45-degree angle from the straight grain (diagonal).
Right Side – The face of the fabric that you want to be seen on the outside of a garment or project.
Wrong Side - The wrong side is the back side of the fabric, usually the side that is on the inside of a completed garment or project.  
100 % Cotton - a fabric made from the natural fiber produced from a cotton plant. 

Supplies for Beginner Quilters and Basics Hand Quilting

fabric 
quilting needles 
seam ripper       
scissors  
design templates 
paper
ruler or tape measure   
ball point straight pins 
iron and ironing board
thread 
cotton batting                                 
thimble (metal) 
quilting template plastic               
pin cushion

A place for laying out fabric to mark and cut such as kitchen table or island.

Quilting Additional Items

Sewing machine

o   Standard machine with ¼ inch Quilting Foot and Walking Foot attachments

o   Machine that has built-in quilting

Cutting Mat
rotary cutter – Medium
Rotary Quilters Ruler
Spinning Square Cutting Mat
Dress Maker Scissors
Quilt Ruler 3x12 inches
Quilt Ruler 6 x24 inches
Quilting safety pins
Needle threader
Clipping scissors
Batting
Stencils (purchased or homemade)
Square Rulers 
·         4.5 inch
·         6.5 inch
·         9.5 inch
·         12.5 inch
Bias Tape Maker
Creative Grids Quilt Ruler 3-1/2 x 12 inches - nonskid
Beginner quilt lessons books
Quilting/Embroider Hoop
 
Be picky about where to buy rulers.  Choose one ruler to use for quilting to be sure measurements are consistent. If possible, buy non-skid rulers from a good Quilt Shop.