Quilting and How to Select the
Essential Tools
Written by Rita Bode of
Quiltbox.com
When you've seen a beautiful wall hanging or quilt, have
you ever thought that is something you would like to be
able to create? If you already have a sewing machine, I
urge you to give quilting a try. If you haven't got a
sewing machine, see if you can borrow or rent one to find
out whether quilting is an activity you would enjoy. My
neighbor went straight from a desire to quilt to buying a
machine, and found that she wasn't really cut out to be a
quilter. Now, her sewing machine sits on a shelf gathering
dust. Unfortunately, she had invested in a top of the line
computerized machine for the exorbitant price of more than
$6,000! It can do anything from a straight stitch to
embroidery, but you don't need all the fancy functions of
the high end machines to sew a quilt or wall hanging.
A sewing machine that can sew an even straight stitch is
all you need. One machine that I have is thirty years old.
By doing regular maintenance, cleaning and oiling, and
taking it to a professional for occasional check ups, I've
kept it in good repair. I also have a newer machine that I
bought for around $400. When my husband wondered why I
needed two machines, I explained that sometimes even a good
tool will malfunction, and I appreciate having a backup
ready at hand.
By doing a little shopping around, you can find a good
machine for about $250. Available on the market are three
types. The mechanical variety uses manual knobs and dials,
and is usually the least expensive. Computerized models
such as the one my neighbor bought will do a wide variety
of functions, but you don't need all those capabilities for
quilting. Electronic sewing machines are excellent for
quilting. In addition to featuring a straight stitch, a
sewing machine for quilting should also have an adjustable
needle position. One more feature you'll be glad to have is
dual feed, where both the top and bottom move the fabric.
This helps you match patterns or sew fabrics of differing
weights.
I also bought a special pressure foot for quilting that
makes an exact 1/4 inch seam. This pressure foot was an
added expense, but making exact seams are well worth the
cost. I had always thought I was sewing a 1/4 inch seam
with the regular pressure foot. After I bought the special
quilting pressure foot, I found that my seams had really
not been the right width, and that was why some of my
blocks didn't end up the correct size that the pattern had
said they should be.
Once you've decided whether quilting is an endeavor you
would like to invest time and money to do, having good
tools makes a tremendous difference in how the finished
product looks. If you are going to do the work, you might
as well be rewarded with excellent results. When selecting
your sewing machine, start by researching on-line. Once you
know what's available and the range of prices, go to stores
that specialize in sewing machines. They are set up for you
to test their selection. Bring a few kinds of fabric with
you, or a quilt block in progress. Have fun choosing a
good tool to help you create lovely quilts and wall
hangings, either for your home or for beautiful and
treasured gifts.
Rita Bode is a contributing author to
Quilt News,
a favorite resource letter about quilts.
Visit
Quiltbox.com for additional articles by Rita E.
Bode
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