Sew Help me!
Tips, Tutorials, and Techniques for Quilters
Here are the Quilt Making Articles that quilters might need for their quilting project. The answer to your question is here! This page lists free tutorials and how-to information on a number of quilt-related topics, including quilting and sewing tips, terms, and techniques for the beginning quilter.
Be sure to see our How to Make page and the Tutorials page for more tips and techniques.
Quilt Articles
Adding a border
You have finished your quilt top. Now how do you decide what borders to add? Here are some guidelines for choosing the perfectly straight, pieced, mitered, or scalloped border and methods for creating it. An illustrated two-part article on how the border affects the look of the quilt.
Calculate the amount of fabric needed in a quilt.
Answering the age-old question, “How much fabric do I need for my quilt?” This is a great little calculator to estimate how much quilt material you will need if you are creating your own quilt If you aren’t sure how big to make your quilt, there is also a chart of a standard mattress, pillow, and quilt sizes and a free pattern for making a “hot dog” pillowcase with all seams enclosed.
Catching the Muse
Unleashing your own creativity to create a quilt design that represents your unique style.
Challenge Yourself
Stretch those quilting wings! Here are some tips for getting out of your comfort zone one small step at a time.
Choosing the Perfect Sewing Machine
Tips for choosing the machine for you, including a list of questions for your dealer to print out and take with you.
Color in Quilts
What makes one quilt sing and another just hum? Here is a three-part article on choosing the color and fabric that will make your quilt special.
- The Colorwheel can help
- Common Color Associations
Copyright Concerns
Respecting the talent of those who share their creations keeps them designing.
English Paper Piecing vs Foundation Paper Piecing
What’s the Difference?
Establishing a Quilt Guild
Do you know a group of people who would like to form a quilt guild? Perhaps you are interested in converting your existing informal quilting bee into a formal guild. It’s a bit of work, but worth it in the end!
How to Safely Recyle Needles
from Superior Threads
How to Read a Quilt Pattern
Here is the key to understanding the secret language used in quilt patterns.
Inexpensive program ideas for your guild
Labeling your quilt – How to make a quilt label
A quilt isn’t finished until it is labeled. Here is the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of making a quilt label.
Making a Silk Purse out of a Sow’s Ear
Using antique and vintage quilt blocks in new settings.
Organize your Quilting Space
Are you sick of the mess? Here are some tips for creating a relaxing and efficient sewing space.
Picking the Correct Sewing Machine Needle
Which sewing machine needle do you use for your project? Here is how to choose the correct needle for everything you do. Here are tips on how to choose the correct sewing machine needle for your fabric and your project.
Preparing wool items for storage
Quality makes a difference!
Here is how to choose the best fabric for your quilt.
Quilty Sayings, Dedications, and Poems
Here are quilting-related sayings for use in your guild newsletter or quilt labels.
Quilt Tips, Terms, and Definitions
All the quilting lingo demystified.
Save your money for quilt fabric!
Here are great tips for using everyday items in original ways to save time and money in quilting.
- Dryer Sheets Uses for new and used dryer sheets.
- Using Freezer Paper for quilting
Thread Theory
There are so many different types of threads available! How do you choose which one is right for your project? Read this article on choosing fabric for your project – and your sewing machine. This two-part article includes a listing of Threads and Their Uses, listing threads by type, characteristics, and recommended uses.
What is this UFO doing in my closet?
Finishing Quilt UFOs. Do you have a stack of unfinished quilt objects in your home? This article will help you organize and FINISH them!