QuiltBug Quilt Shop
169 Main St, Box 273
Tips, Tricks and Techniques
for Quilters
Need help from a quilter? This page lists free articles and how-to information on a number of quilt related topics, including quilting and sewing tips, terms and techniques for the beginning quilter. There is a few not-so-serious articles in here, too:-))
Applique techniques and tips
These tips will have you appliquéing like a pro in no time! Here are tips for both hand and machine appliqué by needle-turn, freezer paper, fusible and more.
Applique
using Fusible Web
Just learning fusible applique? Here are some tips and techniques to
make this quick method a bit easier. Lots of inspirational pictures!
Adding a border
You have finished your quilt top. Now how do you decide what borders to add? Here are some guidelines for choosing the perfect
straight, pieced, mitered or scalloped border and methods for creating it.
An illustrated two-part article.
Binding Basics
This article answers the questions, "What is the difference between straight
grain, cross grain and bias binding? How do I apply them and what do I
do about the corners?" Includes a link to a chart for both bias binding and
straight grain binding fabric requirements for various size quilts.
A detailed and extensively illustrated tutorial is also available as a
paid download. This tutorial discusses not only three types of
bindings and when they should be used but also six other edge finishes.
Complete instructions are given for six different methods of making bias
binding, including two for continuous bias binding. Yardage charts are
included for each method.
In addition, this tutorial includes information on how to attach bias
binding to your quilt, how to create mitered corners, and offers three
different methods of joining the loose ends of the binding. You will
not find a more thorough tutorial than this one! Best of all is the
price - only $1.50 for a reference you will use over and over again.
More information (and a sneak peek) is at
Phoebe Moon Designs.
Catching the Muse
Unleashing your own creativity to create a quilt design that represents your
unique style.
Choosing the Perfect Sewing Machine
Tips for choosing the machine for you, including a list of questions for your
dealer to print out and take with you.
Color in Quilts
What makes one quilt sing and another just hum? Here is a three part article on choosing the color and fabric that will make your quilt special.
Coloring a Crayon Quilt
This surprisingly ordinary method makes an extraordinary quilt.
Demonstrations on Video
Tips, tricks and techniques explained on videos.
Easy Prairie Points
Prarie Points are a great way to call attention to the border of a quilt - and they can be used as an accent inside the quilt, too! Here are several ways to make them and ideas for using them.
Fabric Postcards - 4 x 6 Works of Art
Fiber Art you can mail!
Fleece Facts - How to Sew with Fleece
Half Square Triangles - tips, tricks and techniques
Hanging your Quilt
This article explains how to make and attach a hanging sleeve to a quilt.
How to use Bubble Jet Set to put photos on fabric
Use this chemical to treat cotton, flannel and fleece in quantity for fabric transfer.
How to whitelist an address so you receive bulk E-mail (for example, a newsletter or a shipping confirmation)
Labeling your quilt - How to make a quilt label
A quilt isn't finished until it is labeled. Here is the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of making a quilt label.
Making a Silk Purse out of a Sow's Ear - Using old quilt blocks in new settings.
Picking the Correct Sewing Machine Needle
Here are tips on how to choose the correct sewing machine needle for your fabric and your project.
Photo Transfer Tips and Projects/Printing on Fabric
Preparing wool items for storage
Quality makes a difference!
Here is how to choose the best fabric for your quilt.
Quillows
How to make a quilt in a pillow
Repair, Restore, Conserve - what to do with an old quilt and how to do it.
Save your money for quilt fabric! Here are great tips for using everyday items in original ways to save time and money in quilting.
- Quilting at the Grocery and Hardware Store
- Dryer Sheets Uses for new and used dryer sheets.
- Freezer Paper
- Items from the office supply store
Setting a Quilt or Block on Point
Sewing Machine Needle Primer
Which sewing machine needle do you use for your project? Here is how to choose the correct needle for everything you do.
Stain Removal Guide (seriously)
The Seven Deadly Sins of Paper Piecing
Okay, maybe they aren't deadly, but mistakes are sure annoying! Here
is how to avoid them and become a Perfect Paper Piecing Person.
Thread Theory
There are so many different types of thread available! How do you choose which one is right for your project? Read this article on choosing
fabric for your project - and your sewing machine. This two part article includes a listing of Threads and Their Uses,
listing threads by type, characteristics and recommended uses.
"Tie"ing Up Loose Ends - Using Men's Ties
Ideas for using mens ties in quilts and other creative sewing and craft
projects.
Using a 60 degree ruler to make Baby
Blocks with no Y seams
This is a clever trick that will take your quilt making into a new
dimension!
