Beginning Quilting With Traci

In the first class you will need your sewing machine and we will go over questions about the fabric and/or supplies. We will also cover cutting and rulers and you will have homework to finish cutting your fabric during the next week.

This is a four-session class and will cover a lot of information and give you a great start toward quilting.  The techniques learned on the project will include seven different blocks, borders, creating the quilt 'sandwich', batting, backing, information on simple quilting, continuous binding and a personalized label.
The quilt blocks created will be:  Rail Fence, Nine Patch, Nine Patch Variation, Friendship Star, Flying Geese, Square Dance, and Log Cabin.

NOTE:  You are given the option of designing your own quilt top using the blocks we'll be learning in class.  Many students find they like to use only three fabrics rather than the nine to twelve fabrics used in the sampler quilt in the book.  The fabric requirements for the sampler and the three fabric quilt are indicated below, if you plan to enlarge your project from the finished sample size (40" x 40") you'll need to increase the fabric requirements accordingly.  My fabric requirements have a SMALL amount extra included to accommodate the need to recut strips if necessary.

Some students have made table runners or placemats rather than a ‘quilt’ this is your decision – PLEASE make this YOUR project.

REQUIRED BOOK:

Start Quilting with Alex Anderson (3rd Edition)

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:  (Based on Scrappy Sampler in Alex's Book)

Focus Fabric:  3/4 Yard (for outer border) (if directional print you'll need 1-1/2 Yards)

First Color:  1/3 Yard EACHof 3 to 4 Different Fabrics (range from light to dark)

Second Color:  1/3 Yard EACH of 3 to 4 Different Fabrics (range from light to dark)

Third Color:  1/3 Yard EACHof 3 to 4 Different Fabrics (range from light to dark)

         Note:  This third color is often a neutral.

Inner Border:  1/4 Yard (not needed until last session)

Binding:  1/2 Yard (not needed until last session)

Backing:  1-1/4 Yards (not needed until last session) (see note below)

Batting:  1-1/4 Yards (not needed until last session) (must be at least 46" x 46")

OPTIONAL FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:  (Based on Three Fabrics)

Focus Fabric:  1-1/4 Yards (used for piecing ANDouter border)

         NOTE:  If directional print you'll need 2 Yards.

Second Color:  1 Yard (used for piecing ANDinner border)

Third Color:  1 Yard

Binding:  1/2 Yard (not needed until last session) (Mine was same print as focus fabric.)

Backing:  1-1/4 Yards (not needed until last session) (see note below)

Batting:  1-1/4 Yards (not needed until last session) (must be at least 46" x 46")

NOTE:  If you are planning to quilt your project yourself the above backing amounts will work BUTif you are going to use a Long Arm Quilter you’ll need additional fabric in order to have at least 5” of additional fabric on all four sides from the project.  If your project finishes at 40” x 40” you’ll need 50” x 50” of backing fabric and batting.

GENERAL SUPPLIES: 

NOTE:  You may wish to wait until after the first session to purchase supplies you are

                  unsure about as we’ll discuss pros and cons of the items listed.

Rotary Cutter (45mm recommended)

Cutting Mat (recommend largest you can afford and/or store)

         NOTE:  The cutting mat is for your use at home - not needed in class.

Ruler, 6" x 24" (recommended minimum size)

Ruler, 6-1/2" Square

Hera Marker (wider/fatter one, not the skinny one for appliqué)

         A Wooden Iron or Bone Folder will also work.

14-In-1 Measuring Gauge ORYour Favorite Measuring Gauge

Cotton Thread in Neutral Shade (Aurifil recommended)

New Needles (I like the Size 80/12 Sharps)

Straight Pins (I like the Clover Patchwork ones)

Seam Ripper (I like the Clover one)

Fabric Marker (I like the SewLine Pencils or Clover's ChacoLiners)

1/4" Patchwork or Quilting Foot (highly recommended)

Sewing Machine in Good Working Order

Sewing Machine Bobbins, Regular Sewing Foot, Power Cord, Foot Pedal, and Manual

 
ITEMS NOT NEEDED UNTIL QUILT TOP IS FINISHED READY TO QUILT:

Backing and Batting

Temporary Spray Adhesive (optional, helpful for basting your quilt if you are going to

         quilt it yourself). 

Quilter's No. 1 Curved Safety Pins (optional, helpful for basting your quilt if you are

         going to quilt it yourself - also helpful even if you use temporary spray adhesive)

Walking Foot (highly recommended IF you are going to quilt your project yourself)

NOTE:  These items, except the backing and batting are ONLY needed if you intend to quilt your project yourself.  If you plan to have a long-arm quilter finish your quilt you will only need the backing fabric and batting.  Also, most long-arm quilters need the backing AND batting to be at least 8" to 10" longer and wider than the project top so it can be loaded onto their frame for quilting