Quilt Tips and Tutorials

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.   These links will open in a new window.

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 perfectly straight, pieced, mitered, or scalloped border and methods for creating it.  An illustrated two-part article on how the border affects the look of the quilt.

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.

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 chart on fabric requirements for both bias and straight-grain/cross-grain binding. for various size quilts. This is a handy chart to print and save to calculate the amount of fabric needed to bind a quilt.

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 a standard mattress, pillow, and quilt sizes and a free pattern for making a “hot dog” pillowcase with all seams enclosed.

Catching the Muse
Unleashing your own creativity to create a quilt design that represents your unique style.

Challenge Yourself
Stretch those quilting wings!  Here are some tips for getting out of your comfort zone one small step at a time.

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.

• The Colorwheel can help
• Common Color Associations

Copyright Concerns
Respecting the talent of those who share their creations keeps them designing.

Establishing a Quilt Guild
Do you know a group of people who would like to form a quilt guild? Perhaps you are interested in converting your existing informal quilting bee into a formal guild. It’s a bit of work, but worth it in the end!

Fleece Facts
How to sew with fleece

Hanging your Quilt
This article explains how to make and attach a hanging sleeve to a quilt.

How to Make Microwave Heating Bags

How to Read a Quilt Pattern
Here is the key to understanding the secret language used in quilt patterns.

How to make a Snail Trail Block

How to Sew with Minky
This plush microfiber is wonderfully soft and easy to sew once you know its secrets.

How to use a Quilt Panel
21 Ways to easily make an amazing quilt from a preprinted panel, large scale print or border.

How to Make a Controlled Scrappy Quilt

Inexpensive program ideas for your guild

Jelly Roll Ideas for 2-1/2″ strips
You love the jelly roll you just bought – but what to do with it?

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 antique and vintage quilt blocks in new settings.

Organize your Quilting Space
Are you sick of the mess?  Here are some tips for creating a relaxing and efficient sewing space.

Photo Transfer Tips and Projects/Printing on Fabric

Picking the Correct Sewing Machine Needle
Which sewing machine needle do you use for your project? Here is how to choose the correct needle for everything you do. Here are tips on how to choose the correct sewing machine needle for your fabric and your project.

Preparing wool items for storage

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.

Quilters Survival Basket
Need a gift basket for that special quilter in your life, or a retreat treat? Here it is!

Quilty Sayings, Dedications, and Poems
Here are quilting-related sayings for use in your guild newsletter or quilt labels.

Quilt Tips, Terms, and Definitions
All the quilting lingo demystified.

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.

• Dryer Sheets Uses for new and used dryer sheets.
• Using Freezer Paper for quilting

Scrapdash!
How to make a scrappy or controlled scrappy quilt.

Sewing with Flannel
Tips and Tricks for washing, cutting and sewing flannel projects.

Stain Removal Guide (seriously)

Thread Theory
There are so many different types of threads 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.