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Handy & Time Saving Tips for Beginners and Experience Quilters

Whether you are an experienced quilter or just beginning, there are things that you should do before you start a quilting project to make your experience more enjoyable. At least these are the things I like to do. There is nothing worse than starting on a project and then having to stop to fix things! If you have some routine things you do before starting a project that you would like to share, feel free in the comments below. Let’s get started.

Tip #1

A good place to start is the pattern. This seems like something that everyone would know, but reading the pattern through prior to starting a project is the best advice I can give a beginner. We experienced quilters often skip this step, but we should not either. Here’s an example of one of my patterns:

I like to put all my cutting instructions for all the fabrics right up front. Including for the binding. This way, you know you have enough fabric before beginning or, if you run out, you can get more before it sells out. Now all patterns are not like this, that’s why it’s a good idea to read it through. This leads to tip #2.

Tip #2

When you are buying fabric, I recommend adding at least 1/8 yard to what is stated in the pattern, especially if you are a pre-washer. I already add extra in my fabric requirements on my patterns but not every designer does. This also saves you if you make a cutting error or if you lose some fabric in squaring it up. That extra 1/8 yard can be cut into strips and stashed if you end up not needing it for the current project. We all like to build a stash, right?

Tip #3

Make sure your machine is ready. After every project completed, I will clean out the bobbin area and under the throat-plate. That handy little brush that came with your machine works great! Also, oil the parts of your machine that your owner’s manual dictates. Trust me.. your machine will love you for that! 

Cleaning will keep your stitches smooth and even. And you won’t get clumps of lint interfering. Finally, definitely take your machine into your local service shop or the shop you bought it from for a yearly maintenance check and deep cleaning. It’s worth the money spent for the headaches it will save.

Tip #4

Check the accuracy of your 1/4″ seam before beginning the project, even if you have a 1/4″ quilting foot. There are things such as needle position or thickness of thread used that can effect the 1/4″ seam that most patterns require. Before you start sewing the pieces for your project, sew a seam on a scrap piece of fabric and measure it.

If you don’t have a 1/4″ quilting foot, you can use markings on your throat plate and some painter’s tape and give yourself a guide. Here’s the mark on my throat plate and how you can line up your fabric:

If this mark is too difficult for you to see as you are chain-piecing, add a piece of tape to extend this guide using a tape measure and masking or painter’s tape. Start by laying the measuring tape under your needle at the “0” line. This will also help you to measure if the marking on your throat plate is accurate if you have one. (See my little white arrow in the photo above.) Lower the needle by hand to make sure the needle matches up with the “0” line. Then, find the 1/4″ line on the measuring tape. Use this as a guide to place a piece of tape (or determine the accuracy of the mark) on your throat plate.

Now the left edge of the tape (photo on the right) is an extended guide for the edge of the pieces you are stitching. Test this on scrap fabric before you start sewing your project.

Tip #5

This applies to your cutting tools. You can’t cut your project’s pieces if your cutting tools aren’t in tip top shape. And one of those tools is the cutting mat. You should keep your cutting mat clean to avoid cutting mistakes. If your mat has debris on it from precious projects, it can cause your rotary blade to skip and cut your piece wrong. Here’s some easy cleaning tips:

You can remove bits of fabric fiber that get caught in cuts in your mat by rubbing a gum eraser (artist’s eraser) over sections you have just used to cut. You can also use a soft toothbrush. Another way to remove bits of fiber or lint from the surface is by wrapping your hand in packing tape and lightly running it over the mat. Or use a lint roller that you usually use to remove pet hair from clothing.

Finally, when you are using your mat, try not to continuously cut in the same place when you are cutting fabric. Yes, these mats are self-healing but they do wear out. To get your mat to last as long as possible rotate your mat often to avoid cutting in the same place. Some mats are even double sided so if yours is, flip it occasionally and use the other side. Taking care of your self-healing mat will make it last for years longer than expected. Try to keep your mat from direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes and definitely never iron on your cutting mat.

Tip #6

Finally, organization helps to create a relaxing quilting experience. I like to label my stacks of pattern pieces with a small piece of tape with the letter shown in the pattern so I know which piece I need instantly. I also like to stack individual pieces or block units to make chain piecing quicker and easier.

Well, I think these six tips are a good start for making sure you are ready to sit and sew an afternoon away! Comment below with some of your favorite tips. Also, if there is a subject you’d like me to blog about in the future, perhaps a tip or technique, let me know as well.

I will draw a name from commenters below and you will win a copy of my newest pattern, Strips & Stars!

The drawing will be on Monday, November 28th. Good luck! **We have a winner! Congrats, Joan!**

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

My Top Five Tips as You Begin a Project

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced quilter, it’s always a great idea to be prepared when you start a quilting project. The purpose of this post is to provide you with my checklist of things I think are important to make sure my quilting experience is enjoyable. I’ve done some of these lists over the years and they do evolve. I’ve added some things to the top of the list and other things, while still important, are a bit further down. Of course, this is just what I think are the most important tips. Share yours with me in the comments and perhaps we’ll all learn something new!

Tip #1 Machine Maintenance– The first and most important thing is having your sewing machine prepared for the project. To start, make sure it is cleaned and oiled (according to manufacturer’s directions). I like to clean it every time I change a bobbin. Don’t forget to clean under the throat plate.

All clean!

Tip #2 Needles and Seam Allowance – Related to machine maintenance, check to make sure your needle is fresh and your seam allowance is an accurate 1/4″.  

Needles:

A good rule of thumb is to put in a new needle after every completed project, especially if you have just completed a large one. If you have just made a table runner, you can probably get away with keeping the needle for your next project. Another way to know when to change a needle would be after you’ve gone through 3 bobbins.

Damage to a needle is not visible to the naked eye but under a microscope, you will see burrs and cracks. Click here to see what a damaged needle looks like. It can also be bent. Here are some ways you can tell you need to change your needle:

  • If you hear a “punching” sound as your needle enters the fabric. 
  • Your top thread keeps breaking.
  • You see snags develop in the fabric where the needle enters when you are stitching.
  • You can see the holes where the needle entered.

Seam Allowance:

Using a 1/4″ foot helps with an accurate 1/4″ seam but make sure to do a test seam if this is your first time using the 1/4″ foot. Sew 2 scrap squares together, then measure the seam.

You can repeat this test until you know exactly where to position the pieces you are stitching to get the exact 1/4″. This measurement is important because virtually all quilt patterns require this seam measurement when you are piecing the top. If you don’t have an accurate seam, your blocks will not measure correctly and your quilt top will be difficult to piece.

Tip #3 The Pattern and Fabric –

Patterns:

So the machine is ready and you have your 1/4″ seam measured out. Now it’s time to read through the pattern thoroughly. Not all patterns are written in the same format unless you are working on a pattern by the same designer as your previous project. The most important tip I have, is cut all your pieces from the fabrics in the beginning, whether the pattern calls for it or not, to make sure you have the correct amount of fabric. It’s easier to store all your cut pieces in a tub for later than going back to cut some and realizing you don’t have enough fabric!

Fabric:

I always advise you to buy more than is listed in the pattern, especially if you pre-wash fabric or are prone to cutting errors (like me!). Also since fabric must be squared up before you cut, you can lose some inches during that process. Here’s my mini video tutorial on squaring fabric:

If you have fabric left over, no problem! Cut it into squares or strips and store for future projects.

Tip # 4 – Cutting and Rulers – Have a clean cutting surface whether you have a dedicated space or you have to set up your mat on the dining room table.

Now I confess that my cutting area does not always look this clean, but I strive for this. If there is a lot of fabric, scraps or rulers in the way while you are laying out a piece of fabric, that can add to inaccurate cutting. I also recommend using the same brand of ruler for cutting pieces for a project. Markings on rulers can be slightly different from brand to brand.

Tip #5 – Be Organized and Prepared – Organization and being prepared keeps you sewing! 

Tools, Threads and Spools:

I like to keep threads & spools stocked and tools close by. I have a small container that was made for the shower attached to my table to keep everything I need close by. I attached it with a Command strip to my table so it can be easily removed in the future.

Besides my scissors for clipping threads, I keep a small ruler to measure seams on units and blocks and a pressing stick to press seams so I can keep stitching.

Be sure to have enough thread in the color you have chosen for your project, especially if it’s a large quilt top. Also, wind several bobbins ahead of time so you do not have to stop and wind when one runs out. Simply pop out the empty bobbin, clean out the lint from your machine and pop in the new bobbin.

Organization:

Finally, organization is the key to happiness when quilting. This sort of ties into cutting everything out in the beginning. I have all the pieces cut for all the blocks, sashing and borders and I separate them by those categories. The pieces for the blocks are stacked and labeled (as per the pattern) so I can quickly grab a stack and start stitching.

Everything else is stored until I need it in a tub like the one below, labeled with the project name (removable tape) and with a copy of the pattern. 

So those are my top five tips, at least for now. Share with me the tips you think are the most important to you. I will draw a name from those of you who comment and the winner will receive a copy of my new pattern, Trinkets!

The drawing will be on Monday, October 18th. **We have a winner! Congrats, Beverly Lawler!***

Good luck and Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Sewing & Piecing Tips for Quilters

Wow! We’re in the last full week of August already. I can’t believe how fast the summer has gone. I will have a blog post this week and next week (August 31st) but will not have one on Labor Day (September 7th). I will be taking a break that week to relax and re-charge. You will still see a post that day, but it will be a repeat of a popular one.

I’ve been piecing a lot of projects for magazines and for new patterns I am creating these last few weeks. Because of this, I thought I’d share some sewing & piecing tips that will hopefully make your quilting experience more productive and fun.

Tip#1 Make Sure Your Machine is Ready

To start, I recommend a yearly tune-up at the shop where you purchased your machine. If that’s not possible, make sure you are cleaning the bobbin compartment, hook race and bobbin case as well as the area under the throat plate. Be sure to drop the feed dogs before lifting off the throat plate. 

I use the tiny soft brush that came with my machine. Do NOT use anything sharp in these areas because that may cause damage.

….As you can see, Addie was trying to help!

Finally, be sure to pull out your machine manual and lubricate it as advised. Most machines today have a sensor that will tell you when lubrication is needed, but if yours doesn’t you should lubricate the recommended areas when you notice your machine sounds different than normal as you stitch. I can tell when my machine sounds louder. Once I lubricate, it quietly hums as I’m sewing. If you use your machine several hours a day every day like me, you will have to lubricate more often. Here’s the handy oil “pen” that came with my machine.

Tip#2 Thread, Bobbins, Needles… oh my!

Just a few handy little tips I follow when it comes these items.

I like to load several bobbins in the color thread that I am using so when one runs out, I can quickly replace it with a full one. That bobbin always seems to run out at the most inconvenient time. As for the thread, I like to use Aurifil 100% cotton 50wt. I have found that this thread creates the least amount of lint build up as opposed to other threads I have used.

And finally, be sure have a good needle. A rule of thumb is to put in a new needle after every completed project, especially if you have just completed a large one. If you have just made a table runner, you can probably get away with keeping the needle for your next project. Another way to know when to change a needle would be after you’ve gone through 3 bobbins.

Damage to a needle is not visible to the naked eye but under a microscope, you will see burrs and cracks. Click here to see what a damaged needle looks like. It can also be bent. Here are some ways you can tell you need to change your needle:

  • If you hear a “punching” sound as your needle enters the fabric. 
  • Your top thread keeps breaking.
  • You see snags in the fabric you are piecing.
  • You can see the holes where the needle entered.

Needles are relatively cheap. Certainly cheaper than fabric and thread, so keep that needle new as often as possible so you’re not wasting thread or damaging your fabric.

Tip#3 Away we go!

Well, it’s more than one tip … here’s a few.

Now it’s time to sew! I like to use what I call a leader/ender piece when I begin stitching.

This is a thread saver, since I am not pulling my finished piece away from the machine to snip it. I just run this leader/ender piece through at the end of my stitching and snip my sewn unit off after it’s out from under the foot. I like using this to lead off stitching pieces to avoid thread glitches or fabric pieces scrunching up.

Another tip: Keep your tools close at hand so you aren’t always hunting around for the scissors, small ruler (I use it to measure seams) or pressing stick. Here’s my solution:

I took a plastic soap dish, the kind that you put up in the shower with suction cups, and attached it to my sewing table to the right of my chair. I used Command strips so I can remove it if I want.

So there you have it. These are a few of my sewing tips to get you started on your next quilting project. Leave a comment below and be entered in a drawing for my new pattern Loop-d-Loop.

The drawing will be on Friday, September 4th. 

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Quilting Tips – Sewing Room Uses for Household Items

I love to hunt around to see how other quilters utilize everyday household items in their sewing room. Some of them seem crazy, but when you try it, it actually works! I’ve also come up with some unusual uses on my own. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention! I’m sharing some of the ones I use the most here. 

Tip #1

There is a lot of information about ergonomics while sewing to reduce back and neck strain. My sewing table does not allow my machine to be sunk in, so one of the tips I have employed is using door stops to elevate the back of my sewing machine to tip it forward. These door stops can be found at any hardware store.

I chose 1 1/2″ high ( at the highest point) door stops since I thought any higher would make the machine unstable. Simply slide them under your machine in the back to tilt it forward. Make sure everything is stable by trying to move the machine after inserting the stops. If the machine seems like it’s slipping, pull out the stops a bit so it is not tilted as much.

Notice it’s not a severe tilt, but it is enough to eliminate my need to bend too far forward to see how my fabric is feeding under the presser foot.

Tip #2

Use a mason/canning jar to hold a large spool of thread if your machine does not have a spindle for the large spools. Use the cover that comes with the canning jar to help keep the spool from jumping out of the jar while you’re stitching. 

If your jar cover does not have a hole in it like mine, carefully punch a hole to feed the thread through. Be sure to smooth down any sharp edges with a metal file so those edges do not cut your thread. If you do not have a cover, you can fashion one from a piece of cardboard.

The cardboard “top” can be taped on two sides to hold it down while you’re stitching.

Tip #3

Use an extra long ball chain to make a necklace for your scissors!

Think of the convenience! You will never be searching for your scissors again when you are hand stitching or even as you are sitting at your machine. This type of chain can be found at your local craft store. There are a variety of lengths so you can find one that fits you perfectly.

Tip #4

Hold a piece of bright colored paper behind your sewing machine needle to help you to thread it if your machine does not have an automatic needle threader.

Notice in the above photo how you can barely make out the eye of the needle. And this is with the machine on and lights shining in the area! Now look what happens when you have a piece of colored paper behind the needle.

Now you can see the eye and easily thread the needle! I used a post-it note in a neon color. I keep the piece of paper in a drawer by my machine to use over and over.

Tip #5

Apply blue painter’s tape or washi tape to mark the line on your ruler if you are cutting a lot of strips of the same measurement. This will save you a bit of time and help with accuracy.

When you are done, simply peel away the tape. It leaves no residue on your ruler!

So those are my tips for this week. Tune in next week for some more fun tips and hacks! Comment below on some of the things you use in the sewing room that may not be conventional. You will be entered into a drawing for a my pattern Seaside Cottage!

The drawing entry will be over the next two weeks since it’s holiday time. You can enter this week or next. I will draw for the winner on Monday, January 6th in the new year! **We have a winner! Congrats, Lynne!**

Happy Quilting!
Deanne