Quilting Rulers
quilting rulers need help on how to use the FISKARS 6 1/2' ruler? I don't know if the white paper on the back is to be removed or not. And how do I measure material with it? The ruler has marking...
quilting rulers
![One Line at a Time: 24 Geometric Machine-Quilting Designs Made Easy [With Inchie Ruler Tape] [1 LINE AT A TIME] [Paperback]](http://www.craftingshop.com/media/images/i/510-Eyb28nL._SL75_.jpg)
Learn to Quilt – Discover Top Tips for the Beginning Quilter
Over the years, the easiest quilt I have ever made was one made entirely out of 4 ½ inch squares. If you’re looking to discover the joy of quilting, it’s the perfect place to start. Figure out how big you want your quilt, how many squares you’ll need, and go from there, following these tips along the way:
1. Choose a fabric line. When you go into a fabric store, ask the clerk to show you groups of fabric that have coordinating prints. You’ll discover it can make your fabric shopping a breeze.
If you’re making a quilt you want to last, choose high quality fabric. Quilt shops are the best place to purchase good fabric. Although the cost is greater, consider the amount of time and effort that you’ll be putting into this your project. The extra $20 in materials will greatly improve your end results, and you’ll find that time won’t be too hard your it.
2. Use an accurate ¼ inch seam allowance. Some machines come with what is called a ¼ inch foot. If yours didn’t, buy one. For an investment of just over $10, you’ll have pretty accurate seam allowances.
If you know your seam allowances are off, fix them before you go on. You’re going to be happier with the ease of sewing the pieces together.
3. Use a rotary cutter and an acrylic ruler. Measure twice and cut once. If you use a template and scissors, each square will vary in its size and the seam allowances won’t fit together evenly.
More than that, you’ll save a ton of time and get to the fun stuff faster.
4. Pin at every joined seam. By taking a little extra time to line up your seams and pin them together you’ll be thrilled to find that your completed quilt top isn’t distorted due to stretching and easing.
5. Take a class. Or more than one class. Personally, I would have learned so much faster had I put myself in front of a competent instructor instead of reading every book and magazine article I could find.
You’ll also make friends. There is nothing better than having a quilting buddy to go shopping with. No one else will ever understand your obsessive need to find that perfectly pink and green frog print that you saw in some catalog somewhere, that you just have to have.
You’ll discover quilting can be an adventure. Anyone with the proper directions can create an heirloom quilt that will stand the test of time.
Fortunately, with proper instruction, quilting is as simple as following a proven set of steps. Take the first step and learn how fun and easy creating heirloom keepsakes can really be. Go now to http://www.DiscoverHowToQuilt.com.
About the Author
Erin is a nationally known quilt pattern designer and instructor. For more information, go to www.discoverhowtoquilt.com