Quilters Retreat Michigan - An Overview of Quilting
Quilting is a stitching technique which is done either by hand, sewing machine
or a special Longarm quilting system. Each method utilizes a needle and thread
to stick together two or more layers of material in order to make a quilt.
Classic quilting is completed with three layers - quilt top, insulating material
and backing material. In the process of quilting, the quilter's hand or sewing
machine passes the needle and thread through all layers and then brings the
needle back up. This procedure is repeated crosswise over the whole piece where
quilting is required. A running stitch is normally made use of in this process,
and these stitches are useful, decorative and elaborate. Quilting is often put
into use on bedspreads, art quilt wall hangings, clothing, and a variety of
textile products. Special quilting techniques can be used in order to give the
final product more dimension and depth.
History of Quilting
There is a widespread conviction that quilting came into the use for its value
rather than ornamentation. The genesis of quilting is considered to have
developed in times of war and battle, when militia desired warmth along with
protection from the abrasion caused by heavy armor. Many ancient Egyptian
sculptures feature figures wearing clothing that was quilted, providing another
timestamp as to the history of quilting. In these instances, quilts were perhaps
used for warmth in the chilly desert evenings. In American colonial times when
the majority of women were busy spinning and weaving, quilting was a
time-honored way of recycling scraps of material into something useful. Women of
prestige prided themselves on their fine quilting of wholecloth quilts.
Classification of Quilting
There are currently numerous types of quilting used today, but the two most
broadly used are hand quilting and machine quilting. Hand quilting describes the
process of using a needle and thread to stitch a running-stitch by hand across
the entire area to be quilted. It attaches the layers collectively, and a
quilting frame or hoop is frequently used to assist in holding the piece being
quilted. On the other hand, machine quilting refers to the method of using a
home sewing machine or a long arm machine to seam the layers together. A home
sewing machine is also used to tack the layers together before quilting.
The Basics of Quilting
Conventional quilting entails a course of action that follows four steps -
piecing, layering, quilting and binding. Piecing is all about the sewing of the
quilt top, which is made up of small pieces of fabric set in a pattern. A part
of the pattern is called a block, and these blocks are sewn together. They
follow either edge to edge, or by separator strips of cloth called sashing. In a
few quilts where piecing is not done, a whole piece of cloth is used for the top
layer. Quilting combines connecting the three layers simultaneously as well as
including ornamental attributes. Frequently, binding completes the quilt by
finishing the edges with a trim of fabric. However, occasionally borders are
added earlier than the binding is done.
Quilting Fabric
In order to make a quilt of any substantial size, a large quantity of quilting
fabric is required. Quality fabric is available in virtually any size, shape and
color imaginable. A color wheel will, in fact, facilitate evaluation and
distinguishing of diverse colors and comes in different sizes and displays
different colors. Color wheels typically mark shades of just one or two colors.
You may perhaps only need one or two color wheels if you know what color scheme
you want to use. Out of the various quilting fabric, quilters can opt from
velvet to cotton to polyester. Velvet or pure wool quilting fabric is quite
costly, and those on a budget might pick cotton as an alternative.
Materials
Needed for Quilting
For the purpose of hand quilting, you will need several materials in the form of
frame or hoop, needles, thread and thimble. They relieve the pressure required
to push a needle through several layers of fabric and batting. While, on the
other hand, for machine quilting, you will need darning foot, safety pins,
thread and walking foot.
A New Trend in Quilting
Quilting remains among the most admired leisure pursuits in the world today.
Quilt making is a magnificent ability. And now a new form of quilt-making is
gaining popularity in the form of the creative quilt. It has taken the process
one step further as these designs often include landscapes, homes, and fields of
flowers. These quilts make exceptional hangings to complement any decor.
Creative quilting might test the imagination, but the end result will almost
always be worth the effort.
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