How do i start a patchwork blanket/quilt?

Question

Ok basically i wanted to start a patchwork quilt/blanket and need a list of equipment that i will need to start. if anyone can supply approximate prices i would be grateful also(uk sterling). i also need help on selecting the best fabric as i wish to use my own designs on it. Any advice would be great.

Answer 1

I suggest that you purchase a book with instructions for beginners, which will be a terrific reference for you.  You should make a small sample quilt just to see whether you really enjoy quilting and to practice before you invest in materials and tools for a large quilt.  To do that,  purchase 3 or 4 smallish pieces of fabric called "fat quarters" that look good together, plus one more that you will use for the back of your sample quilt.  They will be 100% cotton, which is what is best for quilts.  You will also need a piece of batting.  If you have a friend who quilts, tell her (or him!) you are making a small sample just to try out quilting, and ask for a piece of scrap batting.  If you don't have a friend to give you a bit of leftover batting, purchase batting.  (In fact, a quilting friend may give you the fabric, too!)    Buy what they call "low loft" batting, and get the least amount you can get from a roll or a pack for a crib quilt.  Everything else you need to make a sample quilt is probably already in your sewing kit at home!  If by chance you don't have a sewing kit, get a pack of needles called "betweens", a thimble that fits, a pack of straight pins with plastic or glass heads (glass is better), pin cushion, scissors, and a spool of thread that says it's for hand-quilting.  A pencil, some scrap cardboard, and straight edge will round out what you need to begin.  If you have a spare plastic box or cigar box or even a spare shoe box to keep your stuff in, use it to keep everything together and handy. Now, there are lots and lots of quilting tools you will certainly want if you decide that you really do enjoy quilting, and lots and lots of other doodads they would be pleased to sell you, but I suggest you stick with what I list for now.  You can always spend money later, and later you will have a better idea as to what is important to you and what is not.  And if by chance you really don't like quilting after all, think of the money you have saved!  In the meantime, take your book, fabric, and batting home, do a bit of reading, and make a sample quilt!  Sample quilts can be used for pillow covers, tote bags, under lamps or vases, in doll houses or on doll beds, etc.  

Answer 2

There are a couple of websites that have great instructions for beginning quilters. 'About.com' is one of the best, and 'quilterscache has good tutorials, too. About.com gives info on basic equipment, but no prices. Assuming you have a sewing machine, I'm thinking the absolute basic equipment (rotary cutter, mat, and 6" or 6 1/2"x24" (or the British equivalent) ruler) should be available for around 30-40 USD (don't know current exchange rate). You'd still need to buy thread, fabric for your top and backing, and batting (wadding). Most quilters prefer 100% cotton fabric (and thread!) - buy the best you can afford.

http://quilting.about.com/

http://quilterscache.com/

If we can be of any more help, please post back or email. Good luck, and welcome to the addiction!  

Answer 3

the quilters who win awards use only 100 percent cotton fabrics, but these can be rather $$$.

I use shirting fabrics 60/40 cotton/polyester and it works just fine. I just try to make sure all the fabrics are similar weight.

Ok, you have your own pattern, so here are some thoughts from my quilt box:

*rotary cutter and mat with inch markings on it

*see thru straight edge to run the rotary cutter against

*good dress makers shears and snipping scissors (I like Gingher brand shears and scissors, but very high $$$)

*dress makers pins, (stainless steel silk pins are best)

*needles and thread for stitching the pieces together (tiny sharps size 9 to 11 are perfect for quilting and patchwork stitching)

*sewing machine with quarter inch foot (this is the little single stitch foot that has a very slender side on it)

*All seam allowances should be about 1/4 inch

*press them toward the darker side so they don't show through the front.

*marking the seam lines with dress makers pencil helps keep lines straight

*it is your quilt, do as you please and not what anyone else thinks!!!

*have fun doing it.

Purchase the best equipment you can afford. Yes, you can get better equipment as time goes on, but if you start with the best then you are better off than those who start with kindergarden scissors, and nothing else.