Fabric The Most Important Medium in Quilting

Although quilting is often thought of as a thrifty way to use up scraps of fabric, most surviving quilts are not made totally of scraps.

MATERIAL SELECTION RULE #1 :

Buy the best you can afford. Don't skimp on this key element if you want your quilt to last.

RULE #2:

Begin by working with 100% cottons, they will last longer, wear better and handle easier.

As your experience grows try other materials. The best way to learn about how other materials handle is to try them for yourself.

As your interest in quilting grows, so will your material collection. Study the different types of prints, then sort through your collection to see which areas need some stocking up. Try to include a complete selection of colors. Keep in mind, it is much easier to design a quilt from materials you have on hand then to spend hours in a shop trying to decide if you are making the right selection.

RULE #3:

Keep in mind that the value (the lightness or darkness of a color) can be more important than color in making your quilt. Use a range of values in your quilt for best results.

RULE #4:

Start small and work your way up. Your first project should not be a major undertaking that will take years to finish. By starting small, you will have the satisfaction of actually achieving something.

DEFINITIONS AND TIPS

SELVAGES: The finished edges of fabric. Lengthwise grain runs parallel to the selvages and has little stretch. Crosswise grain runs perpendicular to selvages and has slight stretch. Bias runs at a 45 degree angle to the selvages and has the maximum stretch.

VALUE: The degree of lightness or darkness of a color, more crucial to the success of a design than color itself. Designs can be changed depending on the placement of fabrics of different value; use assorted light, medium and dark values.

SOLID COLORS: Will create bold, sharply defined designs. Always position pieces with the grain running the same way to prevent mistakes.

PRINTS: Patterned material is commonly taken to be a hallmark of quilting, and the use of prints will add a traditional feel to your projects. For the best success, use a combination of small, medium, and large scale prints in your quilt.

MARKING AND CUTTING PRINTS: Careful placement of templates on printed fabrics will result in some wonderful effects when pieces are joined together.

*While typically better to cut straight edges on grain, you may wish to work on bias for a particular look.

CONTRAST: Try to use fabrics that contrast well with one another, both value and scale. Prints vary in appearance ranging from widely spaced motifs to swirling compact designs. Combine 2 for a memorable effect.

STRIPES: Add vitality and movement to a project, and can provide a visual relief from busy prints.

*They do not have to be solid lines, any linear design can be used in the same way as traditional stripes.

GEOMETRIC PRINTS: Plaids and bold geometric can add richness and vitality to your design. Many of the old patchwork quilts freely used checks, plaids and geometrics in unexpected combinations.

COLOR: There are 3 primary colors or hues from which all colors are formed: red, yellow, and blue. Green, orange, and purple are secondary colors called intermediates.

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