Start a Quilt Making Business

     
 (169). Start a Quilt Making Business
A quilt is a type of bed cover, traditionally composed of three layers of fiber: a woven cloth top, a layer of batting or wadding and a woven back, combined using the technique of quilting. “Quilting” refers to the technique of joining at least two fabric layers by stitches or ties. In most cases, two fabric layers surround a middle layer of batting (cotton, polyester, silk, wool or combinations of fibers) which is a lighter, insulating layer. Batting is often referred to as “wadding” in Britain. Some modern quilts are made with an upper fabric layer, quilted to a layer of microfleece, perhaps without a fabric backing. The most decorative fabric surface is called the “top”, and is the design focus. A single piece of fabric (a “wholecloth quilt”) may be used as the top, or the top may be “pieced” from smaller fabric pieces. Sewing together smaller pieces of fabric into a larger patchwork "block" of fabric creates the basic unit. The “patchwork” of the top is typically made of a series of blocks (all identical, or of diverse design), which are made sequentially and then assembled. The blocks may be separated by plain fabric strips, called “sashing”. The central design space may be small (a “medallion”) or dominate the top of the quilt. Many tops have decorative "borders", of plainer design, surrounding the central panel of the top and enlarging the quilt. The "binding" is the final edge of fabric, that covers the entire edge, and seals the batting. Most modern quilts are made of 100% cotton fabric in a light weight. Early quilts were often made of "calico," which is a cotton fabric in a small, repeating print. “Muslin” is a similar fabric (the name derived from Mosul, where quality cotton fabrics were produced in the Middle Ages), of lower quality on average. Silk and lightweight wool are also used, but less commonly than in the past.
There are many traditions regarding the design and characteristics of quilts, and they may be made or given to mark important life events such as marriage, the birth of a child, a family member leaving home, or graduations. Modern quilts are not always intended for use as bedding, and may be used as wall hangings, table runners, or tablecloth. Quilting techniques are often incorporated into garment design. Quilt shows and competitions are held locally, regionally and in national shows. There are international competitions as well, particularly in the United States, Japan and Europe.

How to Make a Quilt

Quilt making is a fun and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is an act of creation of true beauty and an expression of emotion that is captured and shown in the careful choice and preparation of fabric and in the placement of each individual stitch. 
The best thing about making your own quilt is that once it is finished you get to share it with your family and friends! A quilt can be used by someone on a day-to-day basis and serve as a constant reminder of the love, care and attention to detail that went into making it. For this reason many quilts are cherished and kept as heirlooms to be passed down to future family generations.
 

Applique

Applique is a sewing technique where an upper layer of fabric is sewn onto a ground fabric, with the raw edges of the "applied" fabric tucked beneath the design to minimize raveling or damage. The upper, applied fabric shape can be of any shape or contour. The edge of the upper fabric is folded under as it is sewn down in the "needle turn" method, and small hand stitches are made to secure down the design. The stitches are made with a hem stitch, so that the thread securing the fabric is minimally visible from the front of the work. There are other methods to secure the raw edge of the applied fabric, and some people use basting stitches, fabric-safe glue, freezer paper, paper forms, or starching techniques to prepare the fabric that will be applied, prior to initiating sewing. Supporting paper or other materials are typically removed after the sewing is complete. The ground fabric is often cut away from behind, after completion of the sewing of whatever method, in order to minimize the bulk of the fabric in that region. A special form of applique is "broderie perse", which invovles applique of specific motifs that have been selected from a printed fabric. For example, a series of flower designs might be cut out of one fabric with a vine design, rearranged and sewn down on a new fabric, to create the image of a rose bush.

Reverse applique

Reverse applique is a sewing technique where a ground fabric is cut, and another piece of fabric is placed under the ground fabric, and the raw edges of the ground fabric are tucked under and the newly folded edge is sewn down to the lower fabric. Stitches are made as inconspicuous as possible. Reverse applique techniques are often used in combination with traditional applique techniques, to give a variety of visual effects.

Trapunto

Trapunto is a sewing technique where two layers of fabric surrounding a layer of batting are quilted together, and then additional material is added to a portion of the design to increase the profile of relief as compared to the rest of the work. The effect of the elevation of one portion is often heightened by closely quilting the surrounding region, to compress the batting layer in that part of the quilt, thus receding the background even further. "Cording" techniques may also be used, where a channel is created by quilting, and a cord or yarn is pulled through the batting layer, causing a sharp change in the texture of the quilt. For example, several pockets may be quilted in the pattern of a flower, and then extra batting pushed through a slit in the backing fabric (and this slit later sewn shut). The stem of the rose might be corded, creating a dimensional effect. The background could be quilted densely in a stipple pattern, causing the space around the rose bush to become less prominent. These techniques are typically executed with whole cloth quilts, and with batting and thread that matches the top fabric. Some artists have used contrasting colored thread, to create an "outline" effect. Colored batting behind the surface layer can create a shadowed effect. Brightly colored yarn cording behind white cloth can give a pastel effect on the surface.

Embellishment

Additional elements may be added to the surface of a quilt. The most common objects sewn on are beads or buttons. Decorative trim, sequins, found objects, or other items can be secured to the surface.

English paper piecing

English paper piecing is a hand sewing technique, used to maximize accuracy when piecing complex angles together. A paper shape is cut the exact dimensions of the desired piece. Fabric is then basted to the paper shape. Adjacent units are then placed, face to face, and the seam is whip stitched together. When a given piece is completely surrounded by all the adjacent shapes, the basting thread is cut, and the basting and the paper shape are removed.

Foundation piecing

Foundation piecing is a sewing technique that allows maximum stability of the work as the piecing is created, minimizing the distorting effect of working with slender pieces or bias cut pieces. In the most basic form, a piece of paper is cut the size of the desired block. For utility quilts, a sheet of newspaper was used. In modern foundation piecing, an elaborate design featuring pointed shapes, is used. A strip of fabric or a fabric scrap is sewn by machine to the foundation. The fabric is flipped back, and pressed. The next piece of fabric is sewn through the initial piece and paper. Subsequent pieces are added sequentially. The block may be trimmed, flush with the border of the foundation. After the blocks are sewn together, the paper is removed, unless the foundation is an acid-free material.

Getting started in quilt making 

Making your own quilt is a very hands-on process that is very much a blend of art and skill. To make a quilt from start to finish can be a time-consuming process but it is not overly difficult to do as long as you do not try to rush it. The result at the end of the day is almost always worth the effort so remember just to relax and take your time!
In these pages you will find step-by-step guides to help walk you through all the stages of making a quilt from start to finish. Simply start at the first page and follow as each section leads on to the next, or browse down this list to find help on specific topics that you are stuck on.
Either way, take your time to enjoy the information presented here and hopefully you will find the inspiration to get started and make a quilt of your very own!

• Ideas for Designing Your Quilt
  The first step when making a quilt is to create a design. Start here by reading about some of the factors that may influence the design choices for your quilt.
• Designing a Patchwork Quilt
  Patchwork involves joining small pieces of fabric to create an appealing pattern. Find out how to incorporate patchwork in the design of your quilt.
• Designing a Quilt Using Appliqué
  Careful use of appliqué can really bring a quilt to life. Learn all about this technique and how to incorporate it in your own quilt design.
• Designing a Quilt Using Embroidery
  Learn how to add that little bit of extra decoration to your quilt by incorporating embroidery in the design.
• Quilt Design - Choosing Fabrics, Colors and a Pattern
  Selecting the right pattern, colours and materials is a must if you want your quilt to evoke particular feelings and emotions. Read these tips to ensure you get your design right every time!
• Designing and Cutting Templates
  Using templates is always a good idea if you have non-rectangular pieces of fabric in your quilt or are using appliqué in your design.
• Marking and Cutting Your Fabric
  Following these invaluable tips will ensure you mark and cut your fabric correctly and avoid accidently getting your shapes upside down!
• Assembling the Quilt Block
  Now all your preparation is done and you are ready to go! Start assembling your quilt block by following this simple step-by-step guide.
• Assembling the Quilt Top
  When your individual quilt blocks have been assembled it is time to sew the whole quilt top together. Find out how to use sashing to bind your quilt blocks together.
• How to Choose Quilt Batting
  Several different types of material can be used as the batting or bulk of a quilt. This guide will help you choose the right one for your quilt.
• Choosing Quilt Backing and Binding
  Many people spend a lot of time organising the fabric for the quilt top but don't consider the backing or binding. Although it is not seen as much as the quilt top, it is still important!
• Assembling the Quilt Sandwich
  Before you can start quilting you first need to assemble the quilt sandwich and pin everything in place. Here are several tips to ensure your quilt is assembled evenly.
• Basting/Tacking the Quilt
  Basting or tacking can give you the ability to move around with your quilt, without having to worry about whether it is going to fall apart every time you move it!
• How to Tie a Quilt
  The alternative to hand or machine quilting is to tie your quilt. Tying is a simple, yet very effective way of holding your quilt sandwich together!
• Quilting
  There is an ongoing debate between hand quilters and machine quilters as to which quilting method is the best. Here we help you choose which method is best for you.
• Hand Quilting
  Hand quilting is a very time-consuming process but the results can be worth it! Learn how to use hand quilting to create your own heirloom quilt.
• Machine Quilting
  Machine quilting can be a lot easier and faster than hand quilting and when used correctly the results can be just as impressive!
• Binding a Quilt
  At last your quilt is almost complete! Learn about the two different ways of binding the edge of your quilt and give it the finish you are looking for.
• Quilting Books
  Check out a great variety of beautifully illustrated quilting books, perfect to enjoy on your own or give to someone special.
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