Beginning Quilting Series Lesson #3

BEGINNING QUILTING SERIES (3 LESSONS)

January 10th, 17th, and 31st from 9 am to 2 pm

LESSON 1

1.      ROTARY CUTTING

Rotary cutting is a way to quickly and accurately cut fabric pieces of varying sizes and shapes.  This lesson will include: 

v  Lining up your fabric for cutting multiple layers

v  How to use a ruler and cutting mat for precision cutting

v  How to know when your blade is dull

v  How to change a rotary cutter blade

Note for PYS – tools that I would recommend for this class:  Rotary cutting mat (24x36), 24” or 24.5” long ruler (6.5” or 8.5” wide).  Amy was talking about putting together a beginning quilting kit.

2.      SEWING AN ACCURATE 1/4-INCH SEAM

Most quilt patterns rely on accurate 1/4-inch piecing for block construction.  This allows use of more than one block type in a quilt.  This lesson will include:

v  Review of tools to aid in precise 1/4-inch piecing

v  Pressing seams

Note for PYS – tools that I would recommend for this class:  1/4" foot, magnetic seam guide, glow tape or other 1/4" marking items, 80/12 or 70/10 microtex or organ needles, wool pressing mats, wooden pressing blocks or irons.

LESSON 2

1.              PICKING FABRICS

Choosing fabrics for a project is a very important part of quilting.   This lesson will be include:

v  Fabric types

v  Choosing fabric (focus, background, complimentary and contrasting)

v  Methods for labeling fabrics for organization before sewing

Note for PYS – tools that I would recommend for this class:  Maybe a GC for $25 required for picking fabrics at the show this day / evening, red/green value finder, color wheel / color tool

2.              BLOCK CONSTRUCTION

Block construction is the foundation of quilting.  This lesson will include:

v  Review of block types (half square triangles, quarter square triangles, 4-patch, 9-patch, flying gees, split rail, log cabin)

v  Strip piecing

v  How to square your blocks

Note for PYS – tools that I would recommend for this class:  Pins (I like the clover blue & yellow ones, but fine would be good), thread, scissors (small ones for snipping threads), seam ripper, 12” rotating cutting mat (optional, but I will demonstrate), 10.5” or 12.5” square ruler, flying geese ruler, clearly perfect slotted trimmer, blade saver thread cutter

LESSON 3

1.              QUILT ASSEMBLY

This lesson includes:

v  Sewing blocks together into rows

v  Labeling rows

v  Pinning blocks and rows

v  Pressing / Ironing

Note for PYS – tools that I would recommend for this class:  Double / Forked pins, quilting clips, spray bottles, magic spray or Mary Ellen’s best press

2.              FINISHING

This lesson includes:

v  How to pick a backing fabric, binding fabric, and batting (and how to calculate yardage).

v  How to layer your quilt (top, batting and backing)

v  How to baste

v  How to quilt your project

v  Finishing options (binding, facing, flange binding)

v  How to make and sew on binding, facing and flange binding

Note for PYS – tools that I would recommend for this class:  Stitch in the ditch foot, 90/14 or 100/16 microtex needles, craft size batting (or 2/3 yd from bolt) basting pins, spray baste