The Shower Gift Dilemma - Make A Handmade Quilt

While photos and messages give a more current look to a blanket, embroidery allows it to look charming in a classic way. Names, dates, messages, or meaningful graphics can be embroidered on the blanket.

If you don't have a sewing machine, you have a lot of work to do. I don't recommend quilting a blanket without a sewing machine if you are looking for a quick easy blanket, even if you are a super fast sewer. If you are really fast at sewing, you probably don't have a desire to sew a quick quilt anyway but are looking for more complicated and challenging projects. If you don't have a sewing machine, you should get one. If you aren't planning on doing any sewing besides this project and don't want to buy an expensive sewing machine, ask a friend if you can borrow theirs.

Blanket Quilt Those who have a knack for it can quilt, crochet, or knit a blanket, which looks like a masterpiece. They can use their creativity in the fabrics, color combinations, and appliques that they choose. These can make sentimental and lasting gifts that can be handed down to future generations.

The preferred needle type for woven cotton fabrics is called a "sharp." Sizes 75/11 and 80/12 are good choices for piecing, quiltmaking, and binding most simple quilt patterns. Use a smaller needle (70/10) if you're piecing tightly woven batiks and a larger needle (90/14) for flannels. Dull needles can cause skipping or uneven stitches, so it's a good idea to insert a fresh needle at the start of every project.

Now that you have the 3 layers of your quilt, it is time to add a fabric border to frame your quilt. When choosing the fabric for the border, pick a color that compliments the colors and style of your quilt. Many online fabric retailers that offer pre-cut quilt squares also have complementary Jelly Rolls which are pre-cut fabric strips. These pre-cut fabric strips are perfect to use as your quilt fabric border.

For each block you want to make also cut a five-sided piece of solid fabric. Make the sides angular, not parallel. Don't make it too big or too small roughly about a ninth of the block (like a tic tac toe pattern on the muslin foundation square). It will serve as your crazy, off center middle of your design.

The construction of the blanket is the most time-consuming part. Many quilters actually pin the materials of the quilt together before they begin to sew so they can see what it will look like. This allows them to move and adjust the placement of stitching as needed. The construction process will differ greatly depending on the type of quilt you are making. Regardless of which style, it is important to take your time and pay attention to detail.

In the early days of quilting, any suitable material, from an old blanket to cotton wadding, was placed between the patched pieces and an old sheet and then put onto the quilting frame, which kept the quilt's layers stretched tight while the quilter worked away.