Quilting is a process of joining 2 or 3 materials together by hand and or a sewing machine. Every quilt has three basic sections : a decorative top, batting and backing, otherwise known as a quilt sandwich. The quilt seam allowance is only 1/4 inch and the basting is done with nickle plated safety pins.
One must procure right fabrics and proper quilting supplies before making a quilt. Most quilts are made of 100 percent cotton fabrics. Quilt blocks characteristically make use of a mixture of dark , medium and light fabrics to generate the block patterns. A quilter also needs fabrics for a narrow inner border, a wider outer border, the quilt backing and the binding around the outer rim of the quilt. For your first baby quilt you can also use what is called a “cheater quilt” top. This is a pattern or picture stamped on the fabric and is sold as the basic top piece or panel and not by the yard. Often there are coordinating fabrics to go with the panel as well. There are generally enough different coordinating pieces to decorate an entire babies room. You will also use quilt batting which is the material used as a stuffing between the quilt top and quilt backing.
Some quilting supplies that one would essentially require to make a quilt are specific needles and threads which are easily available in a quilting supplies shop. A quilting ruler and rotary cutter are also an essential part of quilting supplies. The quilting ruler and rotary cutter will make cutting your fabric easier, more accurate and save you time. Quilting rulers are clear plastic rulers of different lengths and widths. The rotary cutter is a tool resembling a pizza cutter that is capable of cutting through several layers of fabric and is used in conjunction with the quilting ruler. A sewing machine will be required even if you are stitching by hand. It is used to put your patchwork quilt together.
Hours of love is invested in making a baby quilt which often becomes an heirloom that is passed down from one generation to the next. A baby quilt is the best way to get started with quilting, being that the quilt is quite small . Learning to create these one of a kind gifts on a smaller scale will help you from being overwhelmed when you decide to tackle a larger version. Baby “cheater” quilt fabrics and quilt patterns with instructions can easily be found in fabric and craft stores as well as quilting shops. A popular baby quilt style is the “red work” quilt. It consists of only the outline of children, animals and the alphabet in red embroidery. The entire quilt top can be put together in red, white and cream then the redwork done by hand before sandwiching the quilt together. Redwork patterns and books can easily be found along with other quilting books and supplies.
Natural fibers are generally used when making a baby quilt. Cotton fiber is ideal as there are fewer irritants and chemicals which could potentially bother a baby’s sensitive skin. Even a beautifully patterned baby quilt may not be used as much as you would like it to be if it is harsh and discomforting. Many baby quilts are made just to decorate the room and are displayed on the wall instead of used as a blanket. Be sure to make the quilt big enough to fit a crib. If made to fit the bassinet the baby will quickly outgrow the quilt.
Good luck , enjoy the journey and have fun learning how to create a one of a kind treasure .
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