Learn basic quilting techniques with step-by-step photo instructions.
The Shoo Fly quilt block is a traditional favorite and a fun, easy block to make. This tutorial shows you how to make a 13-1/2” version of the block out of 5” charm squares (precut friendly!) and a clever technique that makes four half-square triangle blocks at one time. Fabric You Will Need Making…
Tools and Supplies Lightweight or featherweight fusible interfacing, either woven or non-woven. I like Pellon 911FF, but there are also good interfacings available from Thermoweb, June Tailor, and other manufacturers. Basting Spray OR wash-away glue stick OR straight pins Rotary cutter See-through cutting ruler Thin (preferably see-through) pressing cloth or large piece of scrap quilting…
There’s nothing young children love more than spending time with grownups, helping them do grown-up things. Teaching your child to make a simple quilt is a fun way to spend time together and teach your child the pride of creating something that is both beautiful and useful. Is Your Child Ready to Start Quilting? A…
Finished Block Size: 13-1/2″ x 13-1/2″ What says “autumn” more beautifully than a maple leaf quilt block? This tutorial shows you how to make the block with a super-quick and easy raw-edged layering method I love, because it requires no marking and almost no trimming. A maple leaf block is a type of nine-patch block…
I hear from lots of New Quilters readers who want to learn more easy free-motion quilting designs. This tutorial video from Laura at Sew Very Easy shows you a motif you can use as an all-over pattern on just about any quilt. Perfection is not required! Laura also has some good general machine quilting advice…
What does it take to turn a set of 5″ squares into these sophisticated disappearing nine-patch blocks? Some simple sewing, cutting, and resewing. Fabric You Will Need Eighteen assorted 5″ squares for each set of two blocks. You need to make two blocks at a time because you’ll be swapping sections between the two blocks…
Here’s a fun way to transform any room into party central: decorate it with a simple, festive flag banner you sew yourself. This project has been on my to-do list for years, and as soon as I made my first one, I quickly made a couple more for different occasions. Not just because I’m planning…
I have made a lot of half-square triangle blocks in my life as a quilter. If you’ve spent much time quilting, you probably have too, and you’ll understand why it’s so exciting to come across a technique that promises to speed up the process of making them. Triangle Blocks from Raw-Edged Appliqué I found this…
A hot iron alone doesn’t always get all the creases and wrinkles out of your fabric — even when you use steam. (I speak from bitter experience.) Pressing sprays like Mary Ellen’s Best Press really do help smooth out stubborn wrinkles, but they aren’t cheap! In fact, they are so pricey that I rarely buy…
We’re always on the lookout for easy projects like this table runner from Jordan Fabrics. The basic table runner is made from 5″ squares, which you can buy in precut charm packs or cut for yourself. See the video below for exact instructions. Make This Table Runner for any Holiday Like many of our favorite…
If you’ve ever wished there was an easier way to bind a quilt than laboriously making your own binding strips and sewing them onto the quilt, there is! You can save several steps (and quite a bit of time) by making a self-bound quilt. A self-bound quilt uses the backing fabric to create a finished…
Squaring up the quilt layers is one of the last and most important steps in making sure your quilt will look right after you finish it. We recently found this very helpful video from The Crafty Gemini that shows you exactly what to do.