Q&A for How to Make a Quilt

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Can I use normal fabric for the back or does it have to be a certain type?

Community Answer

You can use whatever type of woven fabric you want. Do not choose a knit fabric or fabric that stretches at all.

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Question

How do I put pictures in quilts?

Community Answer

Order printable fabric online, and then print a picture from your computer with the fabric sheets.

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Question

Is muslin a good material for quilting?

Community Answer

No. Muslin is too lightweight and gauzy for a quilt. Consider using 100% cotton instead. It is a good option for quilts, especially if you are sensitive to synthetic fibers or want a lighter weight quilt. The only danger to 100% cotton is that it can shrink, but this can be mitigated by washing the fabric before cutting pieces or blocks from it.

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Question

Can I make my backing one solid piece of fabric?

Community Answer

Yes, most people opt to do that, but it is totally up to you. If you want a reversible quilt then make two quilts and sew them together.

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Question

I am making a quilt and the batting is in two sections. Do I sew the pieces together? Will this make a difference in the finished feel or look in the quilt?

Community Answer

Sew the two pieces together with a zig-zag stitch on the sewing machine, or hand stitch it together. Don't sew the pieces on top of each other as it may create a small uncomfortable "bump" in the quilt where they're doubled over.

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Question

How much material do I need to make a quilt?

Community Answer

It just depends on how big you want the quilt -- just measure how large you want the quilt, then figure out how much material you need altogether from those measurements. It's not possible to have a "one-size-fits-all" measurement.

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Question

How do I make a patchwork quilt where the seams stick out on the front?

Community Answer

This type of quilt is called a rag quilt. See wikiHow's Make a Rag Quilt for tips.

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Question

How large is a throw quilt?

Community Answer

It typically is about 45 inches by 60 inches. Lap quilts may be smaller, and sofa quilts may be longer (up to about 72 inches).

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Question

I'm a kid, but I already know how to sew. Do I need a parent to help me make a quilt and can I use a sewing machine?

Community Answer

Anyone can use a sewing machine if they have been taught how. Ask someone to teach you, then you can make a quilt yourself.

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Question

Why is the batting and backing so much bigger than the top?

Community Answer

It's not, they layered the top lower than the batting and the batting a little lower than the back, so you could see how they would go together. it's not to be sewn that way.

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Question

How do I add clothes to them?

Community Answer

Clothes in good condition may be cut into different patterns or appliqued onto the front of your quilt.

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Question

Do I have to bind the seams?

Community Answer

Only if they will be exposed. You do not have to bind seams that are going inside the quilt.

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Question

When do I add decorative stitches?

Community Answer

Add on the quilt top or back before the quilt sandwich is put together.

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Question

To make a "summer weight" quilt and save some money, could I use an old sheet as my batting instead of actual batting?

Community Answer

Old sheets already have some wear. You certainly can use old sheets in good condition and without worn spots. If your quilt top is cotton, make sure the backing sheet is cotton.

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Question

What do I stuff a quilt with?

Community Answer

Batting. It comes in many thicknesses and different materials, some are natural cotton, others are synthetic.

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Question

How do I sew letters onto my quilt?

Community Answer

You can use hand embroidery or sewing machine preset letters. You can also purchase precut letters and sew/iron them onto the quilt.

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Question

I have quilted my quilt and want to add pictures. How do I do this?

Community Answer

Typically you would sew the pictures into the quilt by printing on fabric sheets, but if you are finished, you can use transfer paper and then iron the pictures onto the quilt

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Question

Is the batting a single piece like the back? Or is it cut like the individual pieces?

Community Answer

The only time you would cut the batting into individual pieces would be when you are using the "on the go" method of quilt making.

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Question

How do I make a quilt with one large piece of material?

Community Answer

You cut the material into two pieces and then quilt them together. If you want to keep it simple, then you can make one side just one solid piece of fabric.

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Question

What size should a standard quilt be for a twin-size bed?

Community Answer

It depends on your mattress size. Typically, you want to calculate a "drop" into your work: the height of your mattress plus two inches. Multiply this by two, then add it to the length and width of your mattress to get your quilt length and width measurements. If you do not intend to have the quilt hanging (like a comforter would), you can calculate less of a drop.

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Question

Is it better to use big squares of material or to have the material repeat in smaller squares?

Community Answer

Big squares are easier to sew and work with, but it's up to you and what look you're going for!

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Question

How many hours does it take to sew a quilt for a twin bed?

Community Answer

That depends entirely on the complexity of the quilt pattern and your skill level and experience. From cutting to binding your edges for a simple block pattern, it can take anywhere from 14 to 30 hours.

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Question

Once I sew a section how do I keep it from coming apart? Do I knot my thread?

Community Answer

At the start and end of every section you sew you need to back stitch (reverse -- every sewing machine has the ability to back stitch) and then go forward again in the direction you are sewing. When starting your seam, sew about an inch forward, then back stitch about an inch or less, and then sew forward again until you reach the end of the section you are sewing, and repeat the back stitch in the same way -- forward, back, forward. By doing this, the stitching will secure itself and the section will not come apart.

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Question

I have scraps of material from items I have made. Can I use them to make a quilt?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Scraps can be made in varying sizes. You will need to lay them in place first, pin them, and then sew the quilt according to your chosen quilt pattern.

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Question

Steps 6 and 7 do not make sense to me with the pictures provided, can you explain a little more?

Community Answer

It is about adding a border to the quilt. You must follow this strip of cloth and have the ends of the quilt, go inside it and then you sew it. The end result is the quilt with the borders in white.

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