QUILTING TIPS and Helpful Hints
Tracing Paper for Beginners.
Beginners should start out by tracing patterns onto a very translucent tracing paper. This type of paper usually won't go through your computer printer, so you are stuck tracing by hand. But the transparency will make it much easier to see what you are doing when you are just learning.
Precut Strips Make Piecing Faster.
If you are using fabric that will be cut from a large piece, start by cutting a strip of fabric approximately 3 - 3 -1/2 " along the width of your fabric, making it approximately 40" long. Then cut this strip into 4 lengths, making your strips approximately 3 - 3-1/2 " x 10". This size is easy to handle yet still large enough for the requirements of most patterns.
Trim Seams to a Scant 1/4".
I use my applique scissors to trim my seams and trim them a little narrower than in traditional quilting.
Don't Precut Individual Pieces.
If you are worried about wasting fabric, don't precut pieces to try and match the area they need to fill. Use the precut strips method and don't trim your strip off until the adjoining piece has been stitched in place. This way you will trim the excess off as you trim the seam and you won't waste as much fabric.
Keep Your Fabrics Handy.
I precut strips of all the fabrics I will be using in my block. I line them up along my work area (just like you organize your Monopoly money) and frequently tidy up my stacks to keep them neat. Small scraps of the fabric are kept on top so that I use them first whenever possible.
Keep a Mini Seam Iron Handy.
I was constantly standing up and sitting down to use the iron until I finally started using one of those little seam irons on a wand. I keep it right at my work area and press the seam of each fabric piece that I add.
Use a Lightweight Thread.
I have found that using a lightweight thread eliminates a lot of unnecessary bulk in my seams.
Don't Knot Your Thread.
Knots just add unnecessary bulk. Stitch two or three stitches into the adjoining piece so that the next seam secures your thread.
Secure Your Dog Ears.
I call those sharp angles or corners of patterns "dog ears". The fabric doesn't lay down even after ironing and can shift on you as you trim or stitch units together. Run a line of stitches across the dog ear in the seam allowance to hold down the fabric. The stitches will easily pull out when you go to remove the backing.
Tear Off the Backing in Seam Allowances.
I don't remove any foundation material until I absolutely have to. It gives your pattern pieces more stability and keeps them from distorting as you handle them. Do remove foundation material in the seam allowance before pressing two units that you have sewn together. You don't want to trap any foundation material in a seam and then not be able to get it out.
Keep Stitches Tiny.
Small stitches will improve your accuracy and make it easier to tear off the foundation material.
Check Your Needle.
Backing material will dull your needle more quickly than you are used to. Replace with a fresh needle before quilting your assemble top.
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