Quilting Basics
A quilt is made up of:
1. The pieced or patchwork top
2. The middle padding called batting
3. The backing fabric
4. The quilt binding
Selecting Fabric
Select good quality 100% cotton fabrics where possible
Quilting fabrics measure 44" or 112cm wide
Fat Quarter - a cut of fabric approx 20” x 22” (50cm x 55cm)
Fat Eighth - a cut of fabric half the width of a Fat Quarter or 10" x 22"
Pay attention to the scale and size of the prints you choose as well as coordinating the colours
Tools to Get Started
1/4 inch sewing foot
Cutter - Choose a good quality Rotary Cutter as you will need to use this tool often.
Self Healing Mat - Get as bigger mat as you have room for
Rulers - Rulers come in many shapes and sizes. Choose a long rectangular ruler and a Square ruler to get you startedf
Pins - Flat head long pins are recommended
Fabric Marker - Water erasable
Seam Ripper - Keep it handy
Construction Tips
A Quilt is measured in inches
Measure twice cut once!
A quilting seam allowance is 1/4 of an inch
Choose a pattern that is not too challenging for your first quilt - straight lines are easier than curves
Remember when you are learning if you make a mistake it can easily be fixed. Once you creation is quilted you will not notice small errors so do not give up!
Standard Quilt Sizes
Cot - 36” x 47” 92cm x 120cm
Single - 70” x 86” 180cm x 220cm
King Single - 70” x 95” 130cm x 230cm
Double - 85” x 90” 200cm x 220cm
Queen - 90” x 95” 220cm x 230cm
King - 105” x 95” 260cm x 260cm
Super King - 110” x 95” 280cm x 230cm
These measurements are a guide only
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