Quilting is an age-old craft, but these days, as more and more young people learn to quilt, the quilt has become a modern work of art, a piece of self-expression.

A hand-made quilt is guaranteed to be unique, and any small imperfection only serves to enhance its charm.

But we are all perfectionists, aren't we? So when we learn to quilt, we want to learn the very best techniques, and how to use the latest tools.

Helen Elizabeth, of Love-To-Quilt.com, has some of the best "learn to quilt" resources, including videos of the tricky bits!

Not only is designing important so you can "begin with the end in mind", it's also important because you want to be sure you have bought the right amount of each material.

Running out three quarters of the way through a project, and finding the store is sold out ... say no more.

We shall plan!

You can use grid paper and colored pencils, or get really fancy and use quilt design computer software.

Shop till you drop!

100% cotton is the recommended fabric for quilting, and you get what you pay for. Buy the best you can afford if you want a great-looking finished product.

Wash and press the fabric after you buy it, even if you are not going to start the project right away.

Life is much easier for quilters these days, with rotary cutters and self-healing cutting mats.

If you are working in blocks - recommended for your first few projects - you will also need a clear plastic rule marked in inches.

Cut strips the right width first, then turn them and cut into squares.

Assemble The Quilt Top

Lay the block out in rows, and you will get an idea of how the finished quilt will look.

First, sew the blocks together into rows, including sashings if you wish, then sew the rows together, again including sashings if your quilt has them.

Borders frame the quilt top, and there are no set rules about how many or what widths to use. Take some time, and decide what you like best.

Borders can be joined straight to the quilt with straight or mitred seams (mitred ones are the diagonal seams). It is better to use straight seams until you gain some experience.

A quilt has three layers - the top, the wadding, and the backing fabric. The process of putting these layers together is called ‘sandwiching".

Cut the wadding 2-3 inches larger than the quilt top - the quilting process will pull it in a bit.

The backing fabric should be a similar weight to the top of the quilt, but it can be much cheaper and plainer.

Cut the backing 3-4 inches larger than the quilt top.

You will need to choose a quilting design. "In the ditch" and outline quilting are the simplest, and are recommended for beginners.

Lay the backing fabric out, right side down. Place the wadding on top of the backing fabric, then place the quilt top, right side up, on the very top.

Tack, pin or spray baste to hold the three layers together.

Many people choose to take their quilts to a professional quilter these days, because large quilts and small domestic sewing machines don't mix!

You can get long-arm quilting machines, but for your first project, unless you are absolutely positive you will be quilting for a long time and it's worth buying the right machine, either keep it small or send it out.

You can, of course, quilt by hand - if that is your plan, buy slightly thinner wadding, and set aside considerable chunks of time for the next few months.

Many people find hand quilting the most therapeutic and enjoyable part of the whole process.

Your quilt is finished - but is it complete?

You can always add buttons, sequins, or beads - and your "Hand Made With Love" label. You can list information like when it was made, for whom, and if it was for a special occasion.

You can buy labels, or use a piece of left-over fabric. Some computers can print indelible ink on to fabric, or you can hand-write using an archive pen.

Sew the label on the back, and your masterpiece is all done!