Start Here – Quilting 101

New to quilting? Looking for some help with the basic skills and terms? Start here! Quilting tips tricks and little bits of inspiration for the newbie to intermediate quilter.

  • How To: Find Local Quilt Shops

    One of my favorite things to do when we travel is to look up a few local quilt shops to visit during some of our downtimes!

    I’ll admit that 1) I am probably the only one in my family that enjoys this part of the trip… and 2) Any purchases and finds as my souvenir from each trip.

    I have found so many treasures while on vacation… and I’m not just talking about fabrics! Check out my fabric hunting post from my trip to Paris, France.

    The women and men who work at these shops are absolutely wonderful and several of them have become cherished friends.

    I fully support the growth of small businesses know that each of these shops are truly a work of heart and soul to run.

    Are you a regular at your local quilt shop?

    Let me be clear that I am not knocking the big chain fabric stores and brands.

    I think that the fabric industry is big enough for lots of fish to swim!

    Each industry has its benefits.


    As far as local quilt shops go: Here are a few more blog posts you might be interested in.

    How To Find Local Quilt Shops

    The ‘hope for the best’ google search

    I like to start off with a quick google search… seems simple but usually, it gets you off on the right foot and your search in the right direction…

    Want more adventure in your quilting life? Try shopping at local quilt shops in your town or while you're traveling! Here is how to find the best shops.

    More and more quilt shops are getting internet savvy and trying to make their presence known to the world.

    Note: If you have a local quilt shop that you would like the world to know about, e-mail me! I’m in the process of making a big list that makes it easy for us traveling quilters to find these secret treasure spots.!

    When you are searching on google, “[town name] Quilt shop” should be a step in the right direction, but if it doesn’t… here are a few other internet searches to try.

    • “[town name] yarn shop”
    • “[town name] fabric supplies”
    • “[town name] craft store”
    • “[town name] sewing machine repair shop”
    Talk And Ask Around

    Really all you need to dip into the wonderful world of quilt shops is just one little source.

    Let me ask you a question… do you have a friend who “knows a guy” for absolutely everything? Then that also makes you a person who “knows a guy”, right?

    All you need is one person who knows someone and you’re IN!

    Quilters are some of the nicest people… most everyone I’ve met is very open and happy to help answer whatever questions a newbie can come up with.

    So… talk to your quilt buddies and guild friends… If things are safe in your area to travel, make a group list of places to visit and pull out your calendar!

    Ask the workers in the quilt shop! Talk to the wonderful people when you are in a quilt shop and ask if there are other quilt shops in the area that are worth visiting.

    You can also ask around at sewing machine repair shops too. They tend to have a wealth of knowledge.

    Make a game of it!

    See if you can make a game of it and tackle one quilt shop a month until you’ve visited several in the area!

    Schedule a few half day trips to the other side of town and check out a few new restaurants or dessert shops while you’re at it!

    Maybe I’m a little crazy, but turning a simple shopping trip into an absolute adventure (even just a few hours) is a wonderful way to make it more exciting and shake up your creative inspiration!

    Seriously, if you’ve found yourself stuck in a creative rut or you’re feeling like you are missing that little spark that you had when you first started quilting and everything was new and exciting… perhaps a shopping adventure is exactly what you need!

    Quilt shops inventory varies from store to store…

    You’ll find that different quilt shops have different inventory and cater to different crowds and tastes in fabric.

    In my area, there are a few shops that cater to traditional fabrics and a few that cater to more modern fabrics. If you haven’t found quite what you’re looking for… keep looking.

    Search just a little outside of your comfort zone

    If you live in a small town or you live in a more rural area… plan a few small day trips with your girls (or a husband/friend that is willing to trade some time waiting around the quilt shops with you for some road trip snacks).

    If you can’t find what you’re wanting to find in your area, expand your search and look a little further out.

    You can easily make a short weekend get away and hit up a few smaller towns if you carefully plan your tip as well!

    Want more adventure in your quilting life? Try shopping at local quilt shops in your town or while you're traveling! Here is how to find the best shops.
  • What is a MugRug? (plus free patterns!)

    It is a fairly regular occurrence around my house to see us sitting with a cup of tea and a snack while lazily reading a good book. We’re all bookworms at my house 🙂

    My favorite quick quilting project for fellow cozy life enthusiasts and bookworms has got to be mug rug!

    “A what?” You ask.

    “A Mug rug!” I say!

    It’s like a tiny, mini quilt-slash-coaster that is just big enough for your drink and a few cookies. Because everything in life is better with cookies, right?

    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!

    What is the difference between a mug rug and a coaser?

    A coaster is just big enough for a cup or mug and nothing more. A mug rug usually is big enough to hold a mug and a snack or cookies. It is usually a mini quilt and super adorable.

    How big is a mug rug?

    It can be anywhere from about 4” x 7” to as large as 12” x 8”. But the sizing is completely custom-designed by the creator.

    I like to use the bigger ones to share between 2 people.

    I first shared about mug rugs in this post.

    What is small quick and tons of sewing fun? A Mug Rug! Find easy patterns and a full description of 5 ways to use a mug rug

    What else can you do with a mugrug?

    • You can use it as a mini quilt for a wall hanging.
    • You can gift it as a gift to a friend or loved one… nothing beats a beautiful handmade gift, especially when it didn’t take you 3 years to complete!
    • Feature your favorite fabrics around you all of the time!
    • Be resourceful and use up scraps of fabric that are hanging around.
    • Easy, quick, and creative projects to have on hand when you need a quick gift.
    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!

    Do you need a pattern for a mugrug?

    Technically no. Most of the mugrugs that I have created were just spontaneous bursts of creative inspiration.

    I like to try and be resourceful where I can. I like to use what I have on hand for my projects if I can and I try not to waste fabrics.

    I’ve also used orphan blocks or test blocks from different quilt patterns over the years to make mug rugs.

    What is small quick and tons of sewing fun? A Mug Rug! Find easy patterns and a full description of 5 ways to use a mug rug

    If being spontaneous without a pattern isn’t quite your cup of tea… check out these FREE patterns from around the web to create your own mugrug set!

    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!

    FREE PATTERNS FOR MUGRUG INSPIRATION

    1. Crazy Little Projects has a really great tutorial on the steps to making a fun scrappy fabric mugrug.
    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!
    Image from Crazy Little Projects

    I love the stripey look to this one… and the fact that she doesn’t add a binding to hers. It makes it that much simpler (i.e. quicker!) to create!

    2. The Crafty Quilter has a cute pattern that includes a pocket! Everything is cuter with a pocket, isn’t it?

    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!
    Image from The Crafty Quilter

    She tucked a cute tea bag in the pocket, but I could see tucking in a surprise sweet candy cane for the kids or a cute little card.

    This would even be a cute one to add on top of a gift as just a little handmade touch.

    3. Another one by The Crafty Quilter. I added this one to my list because I wanted to show you the capabilities and endless options that you have as far as design.

    If you have been curious about a technique or a quilting idea but aren’t ready to commit to a full-size quilt… now is your time to give it a shot!

    You can add in embroidery, applique… patterns, quilting… mix it up and experiment with those techniques that you’ve been inspired by. It is a small commitment, but you never know… you may discover something new that you love 🙂

    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!
    Image from The Crafty Quilter

    4. This teal swap mugrug by Jacqueline Steves gives me an inspiration for a fun retreat project.

    Her touches of hand embroidery make me want to swoon. Embroidery is something I have always admired and something I would like to do more of in the future.

    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!
    Image from Jacqueline Steves

    5.

    5. Binding seems to be a struggle for many newer quilters… and even just a dreaded step for seasoned quilters as well. I really like the tutorial on CraftyForHome for a fuss-less binding.

    While it might be a bit of a struggle to learn something new, I found her tutorial very straight forward and the pictures helped explain every single step well.

    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!
    Image from CraftyForHome
    What is a MugRug? Check out these ideas for inspiration for a quick quilting project (and free patterns!) for one of life's most wonderful treats!

    Well, Are you inspired???

    I hope these five different ideas and free patterns have helped to answer “what is a mugrug?” for you!

    My wish is that they inspire you to take a little extra joy in your day by making the time to sit down with your tea and a treat instead of standing at the counter while reading an email on your phone (something I’ve been trying to do less of!)

    Try to make plans to take an evening or make time for a quick weekend project to have a little sewing party and create a set to use when you have guests drop by. They will absolutely love this little personal touch to their treats. 🙂

    Let me know how it goes! I would love to hear if mugrugs are a project that you enjoy or if you prefer the larger quilts.

  • The BEST Fabric Marking Pens

    I have been quilting for a lot of years… I have always been on the lookout for something that makes my life easier. I’m not afraid of hard work buuuuut if life doesn’t have to be hard, why make it that way?

    I have recently discovered the coolest tool for my sewing room and *cue angels singing* it is too amazing not to share with you!

    You know if I find something fun and handy for the sewing room or just a way to make life easier in general… I have to share it with you!

    This little seemingly simple pen is my new fabric marking pen best friend and… I’m just going to say it… I haven’t used any of my other markers for MONTHS!

    That’s right. I don’t even use my other fabric markers and pens anymore!

    This little friend is the only fabric marking pen I use!

    I’m kind of a writing utensil/marker snob. You don’t really need to know this about me but it helps explain why I get so excited/disappointed with writing utensils.

    I have my favorite pens and prefer to have my own marker set for coloring. (the kids have their own sets as well) The tip of my yellow is never tainted with brown and black smudges… It’s a weird OCD issue dating back to when my little sister would use the markers carelessly as a child and absolutely ruin them.

    Thankfully, I don’t have to share with her anymore… I don’t have to share with anyone anymore actually. ??

    The Frixion Pen for Fabric

    Let me tell you more about this pen for marking your fabric.

    I first discovered the Frixion pen when I went to the International Quilt Festival in 2019. You can read more about my trip here.

    First of all, the pen says “erasable” on the side… now, we have all had experience with pens that said erasable, but what they really meant was… “slightly less there than it was before but still completely visible”, right? (my middle school days are coming back to me when I think about the rage of erasable pens)

    These Frixion pens, however actually do erase… and really well!

    The way they erase is with heat! … yes! heat! And when I say erase I mean, like… no one even knows it was ever there. It’s truly amazing.

    I had to make a short video to show you why I get so excited over a pen… You just have to see it to believe it, honestly.

    I have found that the dark blue shows up on most every fabric I own, but just in case you want to have options… they have every color you could ever want available too!

    Other Fabric Marking Tools

    Which ones are worth buying?

    I’ve owned and used many different fabric marking pens, markers, and tools in the past.

    I’ve had quilter friends swear by tools that I didn’t particularly care for and vise versa.

    What it comes down to is that you really have to find what works for you…

    • These purple ones used to be my favorite go-to before I started using the Frixion pens. The purple marker ink just disappears over time (usually within a few hours and gone completely by 24 hours), which is really handy… one less step to worry about as a sewist. It could just be an unlucky coincidence, but lately, I’ve purchased a few markers that seemed to dry up really quickly. Once they dry up, they’re useless. It is rather frustrating when working on a project and your marker is dead.
    • This Blue pen erases with just a little spritz of water… or if you live somewhere mostly humid like I do… it’ll just disappear within a few hours because the air already has enough water in it. (Sometimes the mark can be gone before you’re ready for it to disappear.) ?
    • Chalk Writer – I will never not have my chalk on hand in my sewing room. I still love the ability to sketch out quilting lines that are easy to just shake/brush away and chalk is the perfect tool for the job!
    • I’ve used a hera marker for my quilts. This is a zero ink option. It’s really helpful when dealing with delicate or antique fabric that you just don’t want to take any chances on accidentally staining. You simply run the edge over your fabric and it leaves a slight dent/crease within the fabric as your marking guide.
    • I’ve used mechanical pencils – always be careful to make sure you write in places where it won’t show on the final quilt, because though it seems like it would wash out, on occasion I have noticed that it did not. oops.
    • I’ve also used thin Crayola washable markers because as a mom it seems logical that if they promise it will come out of my child’s favorite t-shirt, it should wash out of my cotton quilt fabric quilt just fine, right? NOTE: Use this tip at your own risk… a 4-year-old’s stained shirt is much less of a loss than a custom handmade quilt with stained markings.

    I hope this gives you a good overview of the options that you have when it comes to marking your fabrics.

    Have I made you curious about trying the Frixion pens on your own projects? Obviously, I highly recommend them because I love them, but I’m curious to know what your opinion is and if you like them as much as I do.

    Please let me know your thoughts down in the comments below!

    Do you have any other favorite tried and true methods for marking your fabrics for projects?

    Happy Sewing! ?

  • What is Modern Quilting?

    This question often comes up in conversation after I tell someone:

    “I am a modern quilter”…

    “So um what is ‘modern quilting’?” they ask. “What defines it from just regular quilting?”

    Is Modern Quilting special? Is it different?

    This is what we’re going to talk about today!

    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!

    I am a member of The Modern Quilt Guild. Not only is it a really great organization and a great benefit… They have a mission “to support and encourage the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education, and community.”

    If you aren’t a member, you should consider joining to help support their mission!

    They send out great newsletters. You can enter contests and monthly swaps. They also provide great discounts on events – I even get a discount at my local quilt shop for being a member! The Modern Quilt Guild also has monthly block patterns to share as an added bonus. It’s really a lot of fun. You can read more about the benefits here.

    The Modern Quilt Guild’s definition of a modern quilt is:

    Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work. “Modern traditionalism” or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.

    Modern Quilt Guild

    In short…..Bold colors and prints, high contrast, graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work are what make up a modern quilt.

    My Adventurers at QuiltCon

    I had the privilege of attending QuiltCon2020… modern quilts are what this show is about!

    You can see more pictures from the show as well as a few videos about my favorite quilts in the show. Check them out here.

    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!

    Modern quilting is one of my favorite things to talk about… and there is so so much to talk about!!

    We’ll get into the pattern/design in just a minute but I want to talk about fabric choices first.

    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!

    The choice of fabrics that you choose can really change the look of your quilt.

    You can take a tried and true classic quilt pattern and turn it into a modern piece of art, by showing off some of the many modern fabric choices out there.

    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!

    Picking modern fabrics, but a classic old quilt pattern can really change up the look.

    This is the Stardust pattern by ISeeStarsQuilting. It is a block of the month pattern that takes place over 9 months complete with video instructions! I'll be there to help you every step of the way.
    This is My Stardust Pattern Block of the month quilt. Check out the pattern access here.

    I used a collection of modern fabrics from my scrap pile to create the quilt in the photo above. The quilt would take on an entirely different look if I chose a collection of Americana or depression era fabrics.

    Simply put, Modern fabrics are a simple way to create modern quilt designs.

    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!

    Asymmetrical Design

    Another category that determines a modern quilt is asymmetrical design.

    The design can be mostly off-center or to one side. It is not “on the grid” or even squares or blocks. looking at this photo of my Radiance quilt, you can see that the focus doesn’t fall to the center of the quilt.

    This is the Radiance Quilt Pattern by ISeeStarsQuilting! Its a fun and easy beginner quilt pattern that comes together quickly.
    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!

    Graphic Patterns

    Graphic Prints and patterns are another defining characteristic of modern quilts.

    Check out these patterns for some inspiration on modern patterns in design.

    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!
    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!

    While the above photo examples are of architecture, quilt design can come from anywhere. Could you see quilts with bright colors and patterns formed within the lines of the photos above?

    I absolutely love the differing triangle patterns that seem to radiate around the corner of the second photo.

    Or what about the pattern in this pink photo with the half-hexies? Wouldn’t that make an adorable modern quilt? Everything from the slightly off-grid hexies to the juxtaposition of the seams.

    What is modern quilting? Do you know? Do you consider yourself a modern quilter? Check out these defining characteristics of a modern quilter!

    Is there only one definition of modern quilting?

    The short answer is no. I believe that the definition of modern quilting is constantly evolving and progressing as we, as artists, discover new ways to use color and evoke more edgy designs.

    What does modern quilting mean to you?

    What is it that you believe defines you as a modern quilter?

    For more examples of Modern Quilting, check out the Modern Quilt Guild’s Online Gallery.

  • Should You Pre-Wash Your Fabrics?

    This is one of those questions where you’ll get a different opinion from each quilter you ask: Should you pre-wash your fabrics before you quilt?

    It could save you a lot of time if you don’t have to wash your fabric but it could cost you more time and frustration in the end if you choose wrong.

    How do you decide what to do?

    Should you pre-wash your fabrics? Check out these tips and tricks to see if you can skip the time consuming step of pre-washing your fabrics!

    There are certain circumstances when all quilters SHOULD wash their fabric and it is important to know when you can SKIP washing.

    Check out the info below on HOW to wash your fabric to avoid ruining it.

    Let’s be honest… no one likes to waste time… so let’s dive in, because this is a pretty big question for newbie and beginner quilters.

    You SHOULD pre-wash your fabrics if:

    The quilt will be given to a baby or child

    Babies have more sensitive skin and any chemicals or residue from manufacturing could irritate their skin. It’s just not a good risk to take.

    However, it doesn’t matter what stage of the quilting process you choose to wash the fabrics. You could choose to wash as soon as you buy the fabric, or after you sew all the pieces together and the quilt is bound.

    Either way works. Personally, I choose to wash baby quilts after I’ve finished them. It helps to give the quilt a good crinkle, I get to make sure nothing is going to happen to it in the wash and also make sure that a stray puppy hair isn’t going with it.

    If you have allergies

    Perhaps this goes without saying… but if you have skin allergies and find that you are sensitive to dyes in fabrics, you might want to wash the fabric before cutting to reduce or eliminate any reactions.

    Also, if you acquired the fabric at an estate sale or second hand shop, it helps to know that its clean before you begin any projects.

    You should definitely consider pre-washing your fabric if you are prone to allergies or the recipient of your quilt is prone to allergies.

    You are concerned about fabric shrinkage

    I like to quilt with 100% cotton. If you’re quilting with a material that you’re not sure of the makeup, you might want to consider a pre-wash. Washing the fabric before cutting it will reduce the amount of shrink-age.

    Vintage Fabric Dyes

    Vintage fabrics are the reason we have this whole debate in the first place! Most modern day fabric companies use much more responsible dyes that have been engineered to be not only safer for our planet, but more likely to stay put and less likely to bleed into areas where they aren’t wanted.

    Wash vintage fabrics at your own risk. There is too many if, ands and buts to go into the possible outcomes for this blog post. Do your research beforehand or opt to hand wash your fabric.

    If you’re worried about colors bleeding

    Have you ever dealt with a bleeding quilt? – if not, thank your lucky stars because it is the absolute worst thing in the world. (Do you think I’m being dramatic? I hope the quilting spirits are always kind to you)

    The bright vibrant colors tend to be the worst culprits: navy, reds and purples. When using fabrics with high contrast (think red and white combo), washing your fabrics before stitching will reduce the color from later bleeding onto the light fabrics during washing or storing the quilt.

    Consider a good pre-wash if you have a very high contrast quilt that you want to stay a good high contrast quilt.

    Why You Shouldn’t Pre-Wash Your Fabrics!

    I know I knowI’m pretty sure I heard an “amen!” from somewhere in the back because don’t I know that anything having to do with the washing machine and extra steps in my day is just a pain in the rear end!

    Ok here we go…

    MORE TIME TO SEW!

    I can’t remember one single time that I’ve come home from the fabric store not completely giddy with a fabric find and decided that I was ready to sit and wait to cut into it while I pop it in the washing machine, then the dryer… then spend a good amount of time ironing it out flat again.

    Ain’t nobody got time for THAT! Am I right? Whew…

    If you choose not to pre-wash… you can start planning and cutting just as soon as your little fit hit the threshold of your sewing space!

    You are not concerned about fabric shrinkage

    Wait, what? Yes, this is going to make the pros list and the cons list. Because sometimes that perfect fabric crinkle/wrinkle on a quilt is absolutely the mark of a good snuggle quilt success.

    Sometimes, you want it, sometimes you don’t. It’s a personal preference thing, but it happens usually when the fabrics shrink up just a little bit after being all sewn together and makes it’s mark within the quilting boundaries.

    Personally, I think its wonderful!

    Should you pre-wash your fabrics? Check out these tips and tricks to see if you can skip the time consuming step of pre-washing your fabrics!

    Stiffer fabric makes for easier cutting/sewing

    Remember those chemicals from further up in the post? ha well… they kind of come in handy actually.

    The dyes and the chemicals from the factory kind of act as a starch to the fabric. So it’s a little bit stiffer and easier to work with when you’re cutting and sewing.

    Of course, if this bothers you… you could pre-wash to get rid of the chemicals and then simply add the starch back in while you’re ironing.

    HOW TO PRE-WASH YOUR FABRIC

    If you’ve decided pre-washing is the way to go, here are the simple steps to take to make sure you and your fabric are taken care of.

    • You don’t want any raw edges on your fabric. They will fray in the wash and you’ll end up with a tangled stringy mess.

      Solution: Use pinking shears or the attachment for your rotary blade to trim the edges of your fabric. (Don’t worry about the selvage edges as they are already safe from fraying.
    • Keep wrinkles to a minimum by drying fabrics with low heat and removing them from the dryer as soon as they are dry.
    • Some quilters like to iron/press their fabrics right away. You could also choose to press them when you’re ready to start your project.

      I don’t like to make time for ironing if I can help it, so I keep a close eye on the dryer and grab them just after that last tumble. Then I fold them as nicely as possible and stash them away. This keeps the ironing time to an absolute minimum (and most of the time I don’t even bother with it!)

    Only you can decide if pre-washing is for you or not. If you’ve never given it a try, I suggest you do it at least once just to see if you like it or not. You never know until you try it out, right?

    At some point, you will have to wash your finished quilt. I have a free printable download sheet: Quilt Care 101 that details how and when you should wash your quilt. It’s also a super cute printable that makes a great little token to include with any quilt that you gift so your recipient is prepared to take care of their gorgeous quilt too!

    A few more notes about pre-washing…

    Don’t Prewash Pre-cuts. ever. ever. never.

    Any fabric that is the size of a fat quarter or smaller… don’t do it. The edges tend to unravel and the shape/size of your fabric can change so much that it isn’t useable anymore. No one wants that.

    FYI: a fat quarter usually measures 18″ x 21″

    Color catchers will one day be your HERO BFF!

    Even if you’ve been quilting for 200 years and you’ve never had a quilt bleed on you. All the quilting angels are on your side and the dyes have stayed put all this time… you should still have at least a few of these on hand.

    Because one day, it could happen to you. You’ll have 2 choices. 1) crumple up into a ball (it doesn’t really solve anything but it is exactly what you feel like doing) or 2) grab a handful of color catchers and start praying!

    Whether you decide to pre-wash your fabrics or not, it is not a bad idea to throw in a color catcher sheet with your quilt when you wash it the first few times. ESPECIALLY if your quilt has some pretty deep colors in it.

    I like to buy the big box of color catchers. I like to shop in bulk, but it is also another handy token to gift with your quilt… You can read more about how to stop a bleeding quilt here.

    Ok, ok… so it’s really just a little extra assurance that you’ve given your little quilt all that you can as you wish it farewell!

    Whew, thats a lot of talk about fabric and laundry! What do you think? What is your take? Do you pre-wash?

  • What are the most common quilt sizes?

    We’ve talked a little bit recently about common quilt sizes. The hardest thing to understand is that these guidelines are just that… guidelines. But as a beginner quilter, you have to start somewhere right?

    Quilts come in all shapes and sizes. There is no “right” or “wrong” quilt size. As long as the quilt size fits the needed size, it is right. Some of my quilts have ended up square, and some are more rectangular. I’ve even made hexagon-shaped quilts.

    I’m here to give you your starting guidelines.

    What are the most common quilt sizes? - Check out this handy chart and information on how to create your own quilt sizes!

    I wanted to share with you a clear quilt size chart to visually show the differences in the quilt sizes and shapes of standard quilts.

    You may choose to make your quilt a little wider or a little taller depending on your need, but this will be your first stop before designing your quilt.

    I created the perfect chart for you so that you’ll always be able to refer back to it for quilt sizes… and… of course, I made it pretty too!

    Most Common Quilt Sizes

    (Make sure you Pin it to save it for later!)

    This is the perfect chart to keep handy for quilt sizes. Make sure you Pin it so you'll always know where it is at! I'm also sharing my tips for how to make your own quilt size decisions!

    But what if I don’t want to follow a common quilt size?

    (You’re a bit of a creative rebel aren’t you? It’s totally fine, I am too ?)

    Yes, well the good thing about guidelines is that they’re not hard cut rules. You can – and in some cases, totally should – break them!

    This sizes above are approximate and can vary 4″ – 8″.

    If you want to go completely rogue and do your own thing… go for it!

    You just have to adjust the fabric requirements for your pattern so that you won’t run out of fabric before you run out of quilt.

    If my budget allows for it, I will usually buy a little more than the required fabric in a pattern anyways. I tell myself that it’s a little safety net in case I mis-cut or make a mistake I can’t come back from.

    It also come in handy to piece coordinating fabric from the front of the quilt into the back of the quilt.

    For more tips on what to do on the back of your quilt, check out these recent posts

    The ultimate Guide to Quilt Packings! Everything you need to know on how to make it work... plus a free cheat sheet download!

    Tips to design your own quilt patterns

    This isn’t something that I talk a lot about but I really like to design my own quilt patterns. Ha, um you may have noticed as I give away a lot of FREE patterns in my Freebie Library and on my site. I also have several really fun patterns available in my shop as well that work for any level of quilter.

    I start out sketching my ideas for a quilt pattern on graph paper and once I have a lot of the kinks worked out I draw the pattern up in my EQ8 software on my computer. It is a wonderful program with so many awesome calculations and capabilities.

    If you’re even half serious about designing your own quilts, I highly recommend owning the program because it will make your quilt math so much easier!

    You can download my FREE printable graph paper sheets from this post: Free Quilt Planning Graph Paper Pack

    Do you like to create your own quilt patterns? I created these 5 printable sheets as a FREE download just for you!