From Janet Wickell,
Your Guide to Quilting.
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There are no absolute rules to follow when you learn how to make a quilt. Quilters are constantly changing the rules, mostly because they are very clever and come up with new--and timesaving--ways to accomplish the same tasks.

It wasn't too many years ago that quilters marked fabric using templates and cut out every patch with a pair of scissors. Some quilters still do that, but more and more love the ease and speed of rotary cutting their patchwork. Machine quilting is another technique that's become very important in the past decade or so.

Use these instructions to get started, but always remember that you might develop timesaving--or just plain better--quilting methods of your own.

How to Make a Quilt

Read Quilting Patterns

It might seem a little backwards to start you off by reading quilting patterns, but I think it's an excellent way to begin learning how to make a quilt. Why? It makes you familiar with techniques and you'll begin to learn quilting terms. The answers people give to all of your questions will make more sense after you've studied a few quilting patterns.

Start with quilt block patterns, then move on to patterns for complete quilts.

Learn About Quilting Fabrics

You'll probably make the majority of your quilts with cotton quilting fabrics. I can't say this strongly enough--learn fabric characteristics before you wash or cut a piece of fabric.

• Find out how fabric grain can enhance or destroy your accuracy.

• Decide whether or not it's important to prewash your quilting fabrics.

• Learn how to do a bleed test and an easy way to keep fabric edges from fraying in the wash.

Get Comfortable with Color

You'll be bombarded with lots of colors and textures from the moment you walk into a fabric store. And I can almost guarantee that, unless you're already involved in similar crafts, you'll be confused at first about fabric selection.

There are no color rules, but a basic understanding of a simple color wheel can help you choose colors and fabrics for your first quilts.

Color value is possibly more important than color itself. Value refers to how dark or light a color is in relation to other colors. Even if you skip the color wheel, do learn about color value, because value differences and similarities work together to make our quilt layouts either stunning--or forgettable.

Quilt Block Construction

It's really helpful to have a feel for quilt block construction before you make patchwork blocks. That knowledge shows you how blocks flow together--a huge help when it's time to design and sew the quilt.

Accurate pressing goes hand in hand with quilt block construction. If the block isn't pressed carefully, it probably won't be accurate.

Quilt Layout Options

You'll need to know standard mattress sizes before you design the quilt and buy fabrics.

If you're not using a pattern, you'll need to determine if you want blocks that are set on point or straight set--sewn side by side.

You'll find lots of quilt layout inspiration in our quilt photo galleries.

Quilt Sashing and Borders

Should you add sashing to the quilt? And do you prefer the look of straight sewn borders or mitered borders? You might opt to go with pieced borders or use a border print to make the quilt border truly unique.

Making the Quilt Sandwich

What kind of batting will you use? Will you piece the quilt backing or use one of the wide fabrics made especially for that? You'll have a several decisions to make when you assemble the quilt sandwich.

Quilting the Quilt

You can quilt the quilt by hand or machine. Or you might choose to tie the quilt for a quick finish.

Binding the Quilt

You're getting close to the end when it's time to bind the quilt, and it isn't difficult to make binding strips from any fabric. Finally, you'll sew the binding to the quilt. One popular method gives you binding with neat mitered corners.

Before you finish, decide if you want to sew a hanging sleeve to the back of the quilt. A temporary sleeve can be added anytime, but a permanent sleeve is often sewn on at the same time you add the binding.

Quilting Options

That should get you off to a good start, but doesn't begin to cover every quiltmaking technique--or even all the options for each method. I'm working to get tutorials online as quickly as possible, but it will take awhile. Please do send me an email if there are specific things you'd like to learn. If I'm not familiar enough to write about it, I'll try to find someone who can.

Finding Articles on About Quilting

Take a look at the left column on this page, at the folders and red dots with red linked text. Click on any folder to find the articles for that topic. You can also look for articles by typing a few words in the Search box in the upper right portion of the window.

More Quilting Topics

• Learn Foundation Piecing

• Make a Denim Quilt

• Make Quick Pieced Half Square Triangle Units

• Rotary Cutting Help

• Applique Techniques

• Advice Just for Beginning Quilters