Quilting Tips

Use the right thread

When using cotton fabric to make your quilt blocks, always sew with cotton thread, or polyester thread that is wrapped with cotton. Polyester thread will tear right through your cotton fabric over time. -- jj, Orem, UT

Cutting diagonal pieces

Normally, when cutting squares or triangles to make a quilt block, you add a 1/2 inch for seam allowance. If the piece you are cutting has a diagonal edge, however, you should add the 1/2 inch seam allowance, and another 3/8 inch to account for the diagonal. -- jj, Orem, UT

Lining up the Seams

When sewing up two pieced blocks, it is good to match the seams and get them lined up. To do this, fold the seam allowance of the top block up towards the sewing machine needle, and fold the seam allowance of the lower piece towards you. As you run over the seam on the sewing machine, the pieces will fit together and line up better. -- jj, Orem, UT

Using Old Clothes for Quilts

A great use for old denim jeans is to make them into quilts. Cut them up into 4, 5, or 6 inch squares, sew the squares together in random order, then add a border and backing of colorful flannel or chambray.

Another great type of fabric to use in quilts is wool. Go to the local second hand store and look for shirts or pants made of wool. Pendleton and other brands make great wool patchwork quilts. -- jj, Orem, UT

Press as You Piece

Your finished quilts will look much better if you press blocks as you piece them. After sewing two pieces of fabric together, press the seam towards the darker fabric. Also, make sure pieces are pressed before sewing together. -- jj, Orem, UT

Assembly Line Piecing

You don't need to cut the thread on the sewing machine after you sew each set of pieces together. You can just put the next set of pieces under the presser foot and keep going. When all the pieces are sewn together, just snip the little length of thread between pieces. This assembly line method of sewing pieces saves you lots of time and thread! -- jj, Orem, UT

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