Articles and Information
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.
Burma Shave
Do you remember the verse by the side of the road?
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.
Calculate the amount of fabric needed in a quilt.
Answering the age old question, "How much fabric do I need for my quilt?" This is a great little calculator to estimate how much quilt material you will need if you are creating your own quilt If you aren't sure how big to make your quilt, there is also a chart of
standard mattress, pillow and quilt sizes and a free pattern for making a "hot dog" pillowcase with all seams enclosed.
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?"
Binding Charts - Calculate the amount of fabric needed to bind a quilt.
This is a handy chart to print and save. It gives both bias binding and
straight grain binding fabric requirements for various size quilts.
Calibrate the color in your monitor
Choosing the Perfect Sewing Machine
Creating with Color. 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.
Copyright Concerns
Respecting the talent of those who share their creations keeps them designing.
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)
Improving the performance of your PC
Inexpensive program ideas for your guild
Just what kind of a quilter are you?
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.
Preparing wool items for storage
Photo Transfer Tips and Projects/Printing on Fabric
Putting it in Perspective: The Symbolism of Underground Railroad quilts
Quality makes a difference!
Here is how to choose the best fabric for your quilt.
Quick and Easy Gifts - see also Quilters Survival Basket
Quilt Games
Looking for something to break the ice at your next meeting? Here are games and program ideas.
Quilters Survival Basket
Need a gift basket for that special quilter in your life, or a retreat treat? Here it is!
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 (just kidding)
Stain Removal Guide (seriously)
Ten Commandments of Posting to Lists (chat groups)
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 the Internet with Windows - I bet you find at least one tip here you didn't know!
You know you are a quilter when...
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