What Is Quilting? An Illustrated Guide for the Beginner

Quilting is the process of sewing together layers of fabric in order to make a thicker, warmer layer.

Three layers are usually used and often referred to as a quilt sandwich..guaranteed to contain no calories but may make you rather inactive!

Historically the middle layer of this sandwich could be old blanket but these days a purpose made wadding or batting is used. This is a craft we should be embracing in 2019 as we can use and re-purpose old clothing and table linen instead of disposing of them. Also in a world where items are mass produced, it's rather wonderful to make and own something that NOBODY else has!

The only limit to this is your imagination! I have made some fantastically crazy quilts but I have also enjoyed making the most classic patterns like 'Flying Geese' or 'Log Cabin'.

There must be a thousand patchwork blocks out there, a simple google search or library visit will prove this but what is more fascinating is the many different patterns and secondary patterns that emerge when these blocks are:

• put together
• rotated

The choices only multiply vastly once you've chosen a pattern for your quilt top....fabric choice has halted many a Quilter in their tracks.

There are NO RULES - I work by instinct at this stage. I may have been drawn to a captivating print and then choose a few solids and complimentary patterns in different shades and tones that work with it.

In terms of what is on trend in quilting it's always interesting to see what the Pantone colour of the year is (this year is Living Coral), quilters are normally on the same page and we see this reflected in fabric choices. Over the last 4 years solid shades have been almost more popular than prints.

Be brave, be creative. If the worst comes to the worst you can turn it over, only display the backing fabric and pretend it's a 'whole cloth' quilt!

Once the 3 layers are basted (temporarily fixed together) either with a basting stitch that will be later removed or safety pins or an adhesive spray, the quilt sandwich can be quilted by machine or by hand. There are those who swear by one method or the other it can be a divisive topic - BUT I'm happy to use a bit of both.

Hand quilting is done with a needle and thread (make sure you're using a Quilting Needle, they're sharp) and involves sewing a running stitch through the three layers of the sandwich to secure them together. This can be achieved with a stab stitch or rocking stitch. A quilting silk finish cotton looks the best - I personally use Mettler but there are many brands that will perform in a similar way.

Hand quilting is distinctive and can definitely make an item more personal. It is a contemplative task which is slow and rewarding.

Machine quilting provides faster results but can be fraught if things don't go to plan. Unpicking is harder when you're dealing with tight machine stitching! Straight lines and gentle curves can be achieved with a walking foot.

For anything that requires more curves, you'll need a Free-motion Quilting Foot, also known as a Darning Foot or Hopping Foot. With this many effects can be achieved like the examples below.