> Quiltmaking Techniques

Quilt Photo Galleries @ Applique Quilts @ Quilting Glossary @ Quilt Patterns & Projects @ Equipment, Tools & Supplies @ 1 - Choosing Colors (6) 3 - Design the Quilt (15) 2 - Fabrics & Trims (25) 4 - Making Quilt Blocks (2) Sewing Techniques (50) 5 - Design & Sew Borders (16) Quilt Care & History (17) Quilt Piecing Techniques @ 6 - How to Finish a Quilt (22) Rotary Cutting Basics @ Learn to Rotary Cut (7)

Learn How to Cut Fat Quarters of Quilting Fabric
We throw the term "fat quarters" around a lot and new quilters always wonder what it means. This explanation and illustration will help you see how a fat quarter differs from a standard quarter-yard cut.

A Simple Approach to Color Value and the Color Wheel
Here's a simple approach to color value and the color wheel, an approach quilters can use to choose colors that work together in quilts. Our tips will help you take the quilt you see in your mind and stitch it up in cloth.

How to Make a Quilt, Step by Step Quilting
Learn how to make a quilt from start to finish. Quilting instructions that take you step by step through the quiltmaking process.

Top Tools for Beginning Quilters
There are an endless number of quilting tools available, so many that beginning quilters aren't sure which ones to buy first. Which tools do you really need and which tools can wait until you're more experienced? Here's a basic list to help get you off to a good start.

How to Press Your Quilt Blocks
Your piecing accuracy will improve immediately when you take a bit of time to press your quilt blocks after every step of the construction process. Pressing may seem like an extra step, but you'll love the payoff in time saved because your quilt blocks will fit together just like they should when it's time to assemble the quilt.

How to Sew an Accurate Quarter Inch Seam Allowance
Sewing precise quarter-inch seam allowances is critical for the accuracy of most quilt blocks, and you'll find that your quilts go together easily once you've got the seam allowance down pat. It's not difficult at all, so let's get started.

Prewashing Pros and Cons
Some quilters never pre-wash their fabrics. Others always prewash, because they don't want any surprises when they wash a quilt for the first time. Use these prewashing pros and cons as a guide to help you decide whether to wash your fabrics before using them or jump right in and start cutting.

Top Skills for Beginning Quilters
Beginning quilters are sometimes overwhelmed by the hundreds of new terms and techniques they encounter when they make their first quilt, and the confusion is often compounded because there are many ways to accomplish every quiltmaking task. Not to worry--practicing a few basic skills will help you sew accurate blocks and quilts on your very first try.