THE BASICS Choosing fabric: Look at the quilt photograph first, consider the values first: whether the colours are light, medium or dark. Variety in the visual texture is created by using florals, checks, plaids, spots stripes and solids (plain colours). Scrap quilts require a large variety of fabrics. It is fun to build a fabric collection. Look for traditional, antique replicas, brights and country fabrics. New ones are arriving in stores almost daily. Preparing fabric Many quilters wash their fabric first - others prefer to work with fabric fresh from the bolt. To dye test place a small piece of fabric in a container, cover with cold water and leave for thirty minutes. If the fabric bleeds discard it. A slight colour change indicates excess dye coming out, this should not affect other fabrics. Rotary cutting equipment To quickly and accurately cut multiple pieces of fabric at one without templates use a rotary cutter, perspex ruler and cutting board. When rotary cutting fabric for piecing, it is important that you learn how to use your cutter correctly and safely. Blades should be oiled regularly and closed after use. Fold the fabric with the selvages matching. Fold the fabric in half again by taking the first fold up to the selvage. The first fold and the selvages should now be parallel with each other. Cut the fabric into strips. Cross cut the strips into squares, rectangles and triangles. Rotary cut fabric for sashing and borders along the length of the fabric rather than across it. Accurate machine piecing Use an 80/12 universal needle. Replace machine needles after eight hours of sewing time. Use 100% good quality cotton thread. Use a normal stitch length. The seam allowance should be 1/4" for imperial and 0.75 cm for metric. It is important to achieve an accurate seam allowance. Chain piece by feeding the pieces through the machine continuously. When strip piecing feed the fabric through the machine evenly, press and cross cut into segments. When piecing by machine, it is important to press the seam allowance as you sew. Always press pieces with the right side of your work facing up. Press gently. Trim points to align with the edge of the square. When the quilt top is finished press it and then mark it for quilting. Batting Batting should be at least 2" longer and wider than the finished quilt top. Choose from cotton, polyester or wool. Backing Backing should be at least 4" longer and wider than the finished quilt top. Quilting Quilting by machine is faster and often stronger. Binding Double binding gives the quilt a strong long-wearing finish.
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