ruler quilting

My first Quilt-----Need a little help ? There are a few questions, thanks for any help! 1. What size of quilters ruler would be best to invest in? 2. If the pattern says 1/4" seams, does that mean I measure a 1/4" on each patter and sew them together at that point? 3. Do I make it long enough to fold over so I can sew it together and stuff it, or can I sew the pattern to a plain white blanket? 4. Any websites you can recommend for a beginner? Thanks Check at your local library for some basic quilt books, One I especially like for beginners is Carol Doaks' Your First Quilt Book ... Or It Should Be! http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/36942539&referer=brief_results 1. My favorite quilt ruler size is 6x18". 2. "1/4" seams" actually means that "this block is intended to be sewn with whatever size seam it takes to get the block to the proper finished size, otherwise known as a "scant quarter inch"". For me, that's about 1 mm less than 1/4". For other people, or with heavier or lighter fabrics than cotton broadcloth, it could be more than that. Quick test: cut 3 2" square pieces of fabric and sew them together and press them. The finished strip of 3 should be 5" wide after pressing. (See also: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmFP_lAy.5abQU0lWH7KJ1Dty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20091224094422AAVg6ry&show=7#profile-info-Ig1hWNnDaa ) 3. You can, but it would be more usual to use plain fabric for the back of the quilt. Quilts are typically made of three layers of fabric: the fancy front of the quilt, a plain back, and in the middle, there's a thin batting for warmth. Here's a fairly typical quilt front and back: http://wombat.san-francisco.ca.us/cachien/quilts/images/around_frontBack.jpg Here's one where the back was pieced: http://lacubanitacose.blogspot.com/2009/05/baby-quilt.html 4. Good websites for beginners: http://quilting.about.com/od/beginningquilters/Quilting_for_Beginners.htm http://planetpatchwork.com/beginners.htm http://quilt.com/FAQS/BeginnersProjectsFAQ.html A couple of good beginning projects for beginners (because points don't have to match to make the quilt top look good:): http://www.straw.com/equilters/library/quickquilts/railfence/railfence-links.html and http://www.quilterscache.com/C/ChineseCoinsBlock.html and one that's only a bit harder: http://quilting.about.com/od/blockofthemonth/ss/irish_chain_3.htm What's the pattern that you've chosen? Some of us with a bit more experience may be able to tell you if it's a good one for a beginner, or if you might want to make a different quilt (or hot pad or table runner) first.

Altos QuiltCut NIB cutting system mat swing ruler layers quilt projects easy ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER SEWING HEM MEASURE RULER QUILT VICTORIAN Creative Grids DRUNKARDS PATH Quilt Ruler Wanderers Robbing Peter Puzzle Blocks QUILTING RULER HOLDER 14 SLOTS SOLID CHERRY WALL MOUNTED Omnigrid 85 x 24 Quilting and Sewing Ruler OGN8524 Omnigrid Non Slip 6x24 Quilting Sewing Ruler OGN24 Omnigrid 6 x 24 Quilting and Sewing Ruler OG24 Olfa 165 x 165 Non Slip Quilting Ruler RTF 16S Rings That Bind Quilt Book Ruler Cheryl Phillips SIDE SETTING TRIANGLE Creative Grids QUILT RULER NIP Lot of 6 Omnigrid Quilting rulers and 3 rotary cutters Olfa Rotary Cutter 45mm Birch Quilt Ruler 4X14 June Tailor Mini Mat 5X5 Grace Frame Quilting My Comfort Cutter Ruler Combo NEW Omnigrid quilting ruler squares set 4 1 2 6 1 2 9 1 2 12 1 2 TRUECUT 65 x 125 RECTANGULAR QUILTING RULER SEWING QUILTING TOOLS ACCESSORIES TRUECUT 6 x 24 RECTANGULAR QUILTING RULER SEWING QUILTING TOOLS ACCESSORIES NEW TRUECUT 65 x 245 RECTANGULAR QUILTING RULER SEWING QUILTING TOOLS ACCESSORIES TRUECUT 65 x 65 SQUARE QUILTING RULER SEWING QUILTING TOOLS ACCESSORIES NEW TRUECUT 125 x 125 SQUARE QUILTING RULER SEWING QUILTING TOOLS ACCESSORIES NEW Wrights EZ Quilting Easy Star Geese Ruler Ominigrid Omnigrid Quilting Ruler 125x125 Square Ominigrid Omnigrid Quilting Ruler 95 x 95 Square Ominigrid Omnigrip Neon Quilting Ruler 4x14 Ominigrid Omnigrip Neon Quilting Ruler 6x12 Ominigrid Omnigrip Neon Quilting Ruler 85x24 Ominigrid Omnigrip Non Slip Neon Quilting Ruler 25x 18 Omnigrid OmniEdge Non Slip Quilting Ruler 3x18 Omnigrid OmniEdge Non Slip Quilting Ruler 4x36 Omnigrid OmniEdge Non Slip Quilting Ruler 5x18 Omnigrid OmniEdge Non Slip Quilting Ruler 5x24 Omnigrid Omnigrip Non Slip Neon Quilting Ruler 125x125 Omnigrid Omnigrip Non Slip Neon Quilting Ruler 6x24 Omnigrid Omnigrip Non Slip Neon Quilting Ruler 85x85 Square Omnigrid Omnigrip Non Slip Neon Quilting Ruler 105x105 Omnigrid Omnigrip Non Slip Neon Quilting Ruler 85x12 Omnigrid Omnigrip Non Slip Neon Quilting Ruler Diamond Free 6x 14 Omnigrid Quilting Ruler 15x15 Square Omnigrid Quilting Ruler 3x 18 Angles Omnigrid Quilting Ruler Value Pack 1 45 65 95 125 Squares Omnigrid Quilting Ruler Value Pack 2 25 45 65 95 Squares Omnigrid Ultimate Accuracy Quilting Ruler 4x14 Omnigrid Ultimate Accuracy Quilting Ruler 6x24 Omnigrid Ultimate Accuracy Quilting Ruler 6 x12 Omnigrid Ultimate Accuracy Quilting Ruler 35 X 24 Quilt In A Day Triangle In A Square Ruler Quilt In A Day Triangle Ruler Quilt Sense Kaleidoscope Triangle Ruler

Learn to Quilt: Discover How to Save Money

In today’s economic climate, starting a new hobby may seem like an expense that your budget just can’t support. Between gas and groceries, becoming a quilter just doesn't seem like a wise financial choice. I'm here to tell you that being a quilter doesn't have to be expensive. Over the years I have become an expert at stretching my dollar to support my quilter's habit. The following are my favorite ways to get the most for my limited allowance:

1. Borrow A Machine. If you are looking to make your first quilt, and don’t already own a machine, borrow one from someone that you know who has one that they don’t use. Borrowing a sewing machine has the added advantage of giving you a chance to figure out which features you would like your own machine when you go to buy one. Specialized quilter's machines can be expensive, and you may decide that you don't need one.

2. Be Coupon Friendly. Joanne Fabric and Michael’s regularly send 40% off coupons to people on their mailing list. These coupons can be used to purchase the more expensive tools that you might want but would rather buy at a reduced price. With coupons, you don’t have to wait for your wanted item to go on sale.

3. Shop The Sales. Big box stores and quilt shops constantly run sales on their wares. Fabric might be on clearance by 30 to 50% off. The rotary cutter you covet might be free if you buy a particular ruler. Shop around and be aware of what’s out there, and what might be offered in the near future. Fellow quilter's always seem to have their ear to the ground on this front and can help give you a heads up.

4. Go To Garage Sales and Estate Sales. I have found some of the most wonderful fabric and quilter's notions at simple estate sales. Estate sales are like a garage sale on steroids, and the prices are generally similar. I've seen some amazing vintage quilts that people are just looking to get rid of. The holy grail of garage sales, of course, is one that your quilting buddy is having…

5. Keep A List. Make sure you have a list of the items on your wish list when you’re out and about. You never know when you’re going to run into a deal at Walmart on batting—but if you forget that you’re going to need it for your current quilt project, it does you absolutely no good.

In a short time you’ll have every tool that you really need to begin quilting. After your necessities are purchased, you’ll have a blast finding the perfect materials for your individual projects. Quilting doesn’t need to be expensive if you’re a savvy shopper.

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