--- title: "Quilt Tips and Tutorials" date: 2021-04-21 author: "Phoebe Moon" --- # 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](https://phoebemoon.com/choosing-a-border-for-your-quilt/) 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](https://phoebemoon.com/choosing-a-border-for-your-quilt/). [Applique techniques and tips](https://phoebemoon.com/quilt-applique-comparison/) 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](https://phoebemoon.com/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.](https://phoebemoon.com/binding-charts/) 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.](https://phoebemoon.com/tutorials/calculate-fabric.htm) 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](https://phoebemoon.com/catching-the-muse/) Unleashing your own creativity to create a quilt design that represents your unique style. [Challenge Yourself](https://phoebemoon.com/creative-quilt-tips/) 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](https://phoebemoon.com/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](https://phoebemoon.com/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](https://phoebemoon.com/copyright-for-crafters/) Respecting the talent of those who share their creations keeps them designing. [Establishing a Quilt Guild](https://quiltguilds.com/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](https://phoebemoon.com/how-to-sew-with-fleece/) How to sew with fleece [Hanging your Quilt](https://phoebemoon.com/attaching-a-hanging-sleeve-to-a-quilt/) This article explains how to make and attach a hanging sleeve to a quilt. [How to Make Microwave Heating Bags](https://scrapdash.com/how-to-make-a-microwave-heating-bag/) [How to Read a Quilt Pattern](https://phoebemoon.com/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](https://wp.me/p9wB54-DF) [How to Sew with Minky](https://phoebemoon.com/tips-for-sewing-with-minky/) This plush microfiber is wonderfully soft and easy to sew once you know its secrets. [How to use a Quilt Panel](https://phoebemoon.com/using-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](https://phoebemoon.com/how-to-make-a-scrappy-or-controlled-scrappy-quilt/) [Inexpensive program ideas for your guild](https://quiltguilds.com/program-ideas/) [Jelly Roll Ideas](https://scrapdash.com/jelly-roll-quilts-blocks/) 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](https://phoebemoon.com/quilt-dedications/) 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](https://phoebemoon.com/organize-your-quilting-and-sewing-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](https://phoebemoon.com/photos-on-fabric-ideas-projects-and-supplies/) [Picking the Correct Sewing Machine Needle](https://phoebemoon.com/choosing-the-right-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](https://phoebemoon.com/storing-wool-items/) Putting it in Perspective: The Symbolism of Underground Railroad quilts [Quality makes a difference!](https://phoebemoon.com/choosing-quilt-fabric/) Here is how to choose the best fabric for your quilt. [Quilters Survival Basket](https://phoebemoon.com/quilters-survival-basket-gift/) 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](https://phoebemoon.com/definition-of-quilting-terms-and-acronyms/) 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!](https://phoebemoon.com/quilting-notions-from-the-office-supply-store/) Here are great tips for using everyday items in original ways to save time and money in quilting. - [Dryer Sheets](https://phoebemoon.com/using-dryer-sheets-in-quilting/) Uses for new and used dryer sheets. - [Using Freezer Paper for quilting](https://phoebemoon.com/freezer-paper-quilts/) [Scrapdash!](https://phoebemoon.com/how-to-make-a-scrappy-or-controlled-scrappy-quilt/) How to make a scrappy or controlled scrappy quilt. [Sewing with Flannel](https://phoebemoon.com/tips-for-sewing-with-flannel/) Tips and Tricks for washing, cutting and sewing flannel projects. Stain Removal Guide (seriously) [Thread Theory](https://phoebemoon.com/threads/) 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. ## How To: - Make a Four-Patch block - [Using a Stripology or June Tailor ruler](https://scrapdash.com/summer-storm-clue-two/) - [How to Twirl the Seams to reduce bulk](https://scrapdash.com/summer-storm-clue-one/) - [How to Make a Shaded Four-Patch Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/shaded-four-patch/) - Make Half-Square-Triangle Units - [20 Method Handout ](https://phoebemoon.com/#20Ways) - [Using a Traditional Method](https://scrapdash.com/making-half-square-triangles-hsts/) - [Using Magic](https://scrapdash.com/hsts-by-magic/) - [Bias Beauty (4 at once) ](https://scrapdash.com/mystery-quilt-bias-beauty/) - Make 3-Part and Quarter-Square-Triangle Blocks - [How to Make a 3-Part Triangle Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/make-a-3-part-triangle-quilt-block/) - [How to Make a Quarter Square Triangle Quilt Block](https://scrapdash.com/how-to-make-a-qst-quilt-block/) - Make Half-Rectangle Quilt Blocks - Using Templates - Using the Tri-Recs Ruler - Make Flying Geese Quilt Blocks - [Using a Traditional Method](https://scrapdash.com/how-to-make-a-traditional-flying-goose-quilt-block/) - [Using the Quilt-in-a-Day Flying Goose Ruler](https://scrapdash.com/make-flying-goose-quilt-block-qiad/) - [Using the Wing Clipper or No-Math Ruler](https://scrapdash.com/flying-goose-quilt-block/) - [Using the One-Seam Method](https://scrapdash.com/mardi-gras-geese/) - Make Triangle in a Square Quilt Blocks - [Using the tri-recs ruler](https://scrapdash.com/pumpkin-quilt-block/) - [Using the V-Block ruler from Studio 180](https://scrapdash.com/v-block-ruler-tutorial/) - [How to Make a Triangle-On-Point Block](https://scrapdash.com/how-to-make-a-triangle-on-point-quilt-block/) - Make [Square in a Square](https://scrapdash.com/square-in-a-square-quilt-block/) Quilt blocks - [Adding corners to a center](https://scrapdash.com/square-in-a-square-quilt-block/) - [Cutting a Bias Square](https://scrapdash.com/square-in-a-square-quilt-block/) - [Strips on a Square](https://scrapdash.com/making-a-square-in-a-square-block/) - [Templates](https://scrapdash.com/making-a-square-in-a-square-block/) - [HSTs](https://scrapdash.com/making-a-square-in-a-square-block/) - [Foundation or Paper Piecing](https://scrapdash.com/make-a-square-in-square-quilt-block/) - [Comparing Square-in-a-Square rulers](https://scrapdash.com/making-the-square-in-a-square-blocks/) - Make Dimensional Quilt Blocks - How to make a 3D Bow Tie - [How to make a Faux Cathedral Window](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvXUvKIzYZY&t=66s) (video) - [How to make and use Prairie Points](https://phoebemoon.com/prairie-points/) - [How to Chenille Fabric](https://phoebemoon.com/how-to-chenille-quilt-fabric/) - [3D Pinwheel](https://scrapdash.com/swirlybirds/) - [3D Square in a Square](https://scrapdash.com/making-a-square-in-a-square-block/) - [3D Flying Goose Block](https://scrapdash.com/mardi-gras-geese/) - 3D Attic Windows - Make a Log Cabin Quilt - [History and Barn Raising](https://scrapdash.com/black-and-white-with-a-red-binding/) - [Curved Log Cabin](https://scrapdash.com/circle-of-life-log-cabin-quilt-mystery/) - [Faux Log Cabin](https://scrapdash.com/september-bom-faux-log-cabin/) - Make a Storm at Sea Quilt - [Using templates from Accuquilt or Marti Michell](https://scrapdash.com/quilt-tutorial-storm-at-sea-quilt-block/) - [Paper Piecing](https://scrapdash.com/quilt-tutorial-storm-at-sea-quilt-block/) - [Using Specialty Rulers](https://scrapdash.com/more-storm-at-sea-block-tutorials/) - Finish a Quilt - [How to set a quilt (or block) on point](https://phoebemoon.com/piece-quilt-on-point/) - [How to Choose and Add a Border](https://phoebemoon.com/choosing-a-border-for-your-quilt/) (two-part article) - [How to tie a quilt](https://phoebemoon.com/tutorials/tying-a-quilt.htm) - [How to finish your quilt with a knife edge](https://scrapdash.com/finish-your-quilt-like-a-pillowcase/) - [How to bind your quilt](https://phoebemoon.com/binding-basics/) - [Binding Calculator](https://phoebemoon.com/binding-charts/) - [How to add a Faux Piped Binding to your quilt](https://scrapdash.com/adding-a-faux-piped-binding-to-a-quilt/) - [How to Make a Quillow](https://phoebemoon.com/how-to-make-a-quillow/) - [Machine Quilting Basics](https://phoebemoon.com/machine-quilting-basics/) - [Adding a Hanging Sleeve](https://phoebemoon.com/attaching-a-hanging-sleeve-to-a-quilt/) - [Adding a Label](https://phoebemoon.com/how-to-make-a-quilt-label/)