Judging the Quality of an Amish Quilt
The description “handmade” does not mean that an Amish quilt is high quality. Unfortunately many Amish quilts on the market today are mediocre. And buyer beware: some “Amish quilts” are not even made by the Amish, but are counterfeited in China and other Asian countries.
You should keep in mind that you cannot tell if a quilt is made by an Amish person just be looking at it, but you can tell if it is a quality quilt. The best way to ensure that you are buying an authentic Amish quilt is to buy your quilt directly from a reputable Amish shop or farm in places like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where the Amish have settled, or through a reputable online distributer. Here are some surefire ways to identify a high quality quilt.
Designing a high quality quilt is not an easy task. There are many choices, such as patterns, fabrics, and proportions, and each has to be made with consideration for the other. Most quilters are actually better at sewing than they are at design. Look to see how well the fabrics of quilt work in combination. Stand about ten yards away from the quilt and see if the quilt looks consistent in color scheme, dimensions and pattern. From this vantage point, you will be able to notice if something in the quilt does not look right.
If you are evaluating a traditional patchwork quilt, look to see how well the piecing is aligned. Make sure that the corners of the blocks touch each other and are not off by more than an 1/8 of an inch. When misalignments occur, quilts can get puckers and wrinkles. Look for bulky areas from sloppy seam allowances.
The more quilting there is in a quilt, the better. The purpose of the quilting stitches is to hold the quilt sandwich together—the two outer layers and the middle batting. On average, in each square foot of a good quilt, there should be at least 90 linear inches of quilt stitching. Where one quilting pattern stops and another starts, the designer sometimes leaves small areas without any quilt stitching. Look to see if there are gaps in the quilting larger than a fist.
The quilting stitches in a high quality quilt will be the same size and evenly spaced. Look for about 6-8 stitches per inch. A high quality queen size quilt will have over 50,000 stitches. Uneven stitching is the mark of an inexperienced or sloppy quilter. The quality of the stitching is usually best seen on the back of the quilt.
This is the edge of the quilt and the first place where a quilt will wear out. The binding should be neat and straight with the corners neatly stitched together. Beware of quilts that have curved edges. This indicates that the proportions of the quilt are not even.
How to Make a Quilt From Old T-Shirts
Using old T-shirts to make a unique quilt is a great recycling project. Everyone will want to contribute to such a project and when it is complete, they will be able to point out T-shirts that once belonged to them and perhaps relate a story associated with each one. Collecting T-shirts from family members and having each one sign his/her name is a wonderful way of creating a family quilt that can be displayed with pride and passed down through the generations.
Cotton T-shirts are best for use in making quilts. This is because this material is long-lasting and has been worn for a long time. The reason for discarding such T-shirts is usually because they have become too small or have stains that cannot be washed out. There may be tears that can be sewn or patched or even ones that make the clothing unwearable but cannot be seen when used in a quilt.
To start making a quilt from old T-shirts, choose the ones you want to use based on color or theme. You will need about twenty t-shirts to make an average size quilt. Cut out squares from the T-shirts and stabilize the material so that it will not stretch when you sew the pieces together. You can cut the T-shirts into different size shapes to make a crazy quilt by sewing them together haphazardly.
Once you sew all the pieces of the T-shirts together to make the top of the quilt you need a piece of material that matches the full size of the quilt. Generally you need 2.5 yards of material for the back of the quilt, which you will need to sew together in panels to fit the size you need. You can also continue to use the T-shirts for the other side of the quilt and in this way you can have one that is reversible.
Batting in between the layers gives the quilt a sense of fullness, but you can also use a cotton sheet or a blanket for warmth. Lay the layers together with the right sides facing and place the material you choose for the center on top of the layer facing you with the wrong side out. Mark lines from the top to the bottom and use these lines as your guide for pinning the material together. You will need a large space for this, such as on the floor of the living room. You should also have an iron handy to iron out the material to keep it from bunching as you insert the pins.
Once you have all the pins in place, start sewing along the lines on which you placed the pins. It would be a good idea to turn the quilt right side out and sew in the seams of the squares or patches so that you won’t have extra seams in the finished product.
To finish off the quilt made from old T-shirts you can make a border of plain colored fabric or uses remaining T-shirt pieces to sew together a border of about two inches in width. You can then sew this to the sides of the quilt and turn in the edges. You will be able to sew both edges with a sewing machine, but for a neater look it is best to sew the second edge by hand.
Related Quilting Articles
Quilt Shops – Place for Budget Friendly Bedding Quilts
If you visit any boutique or exhibition, you will definitely watch different types of handmade bed quilts, comforters, and blankets. These home décor accessories are meant for the interior decoration of rooms. Handmade bedding quilts are marvelous in shape. Basically, artists prefer to paint or draw pictures for designing quilts. The theme of such painted pictures is usually collected from story books, mythological figures, and old portraiture’s. Online quilt shops are both advantageous and profitable to collect handmade quilts. Quilters make lightweight quilts which are stitched using criss-cross woofs and threads. Battens, needles, linen pad, loose fabric sheets, down, and other raw materials are utilized to design quilts which are handmade. The seam line area of handmade quilt should be clipped and stitched in more systematic way. Double platted borderline of the homemade quilts is attractive and glossy. In this regard, you can probe widely and perfectly to shortlist King Size quilts are big in shape and you can decorate your standard bedsteads with these enlarged handmade comforters.
You should remember few facts while choosing your quilts. First of all, you will have to know that quilts can get discolored if proper care is not taken. Repeated washing of fabric quilts and comforters can snowball into the discoloration of these home décor accessories. You must use quilt casing for keeping it in safe. After using your comforter, you must wrap it in a casing and keep it in your divan, or wardrobe unit.
If you are in your teens, you must seek bright and dazzling colored blanket plus quilts which seem to be your favorite home décor items. In this connection, you must search in online mart to see different colorful quilts which are made of high quality quilt feather, down, and other materials. There are many persons who prefer quilt points instead of quilt shafts for filling up the comforters. You must be a good decision maker to choose the right Queen Size quilts which provide maximum comfort and smoothness. On the other hand, you can spread your quilts on floors of the rooms in living room, lounge, and in bedroom as well. Entertain your guests and your friends by allowing them to sit on the soft quilts. Web based quilt shops are beneficial to search antique handmade quilts which have been made by artists and competent quilt designers. These beautifully painted comforters can bring simile back to the face of your sweetheart.
Search online quilt shops to get vintage handmade quilts bearing a special appeal. These antique quilts are also valuable assets which you can preserve in your room for home décor purposes. Modern quilters apply different types of sophisticated methods to increase the luster of handmade quilts and duvets. Instead of using top sheets or bed spreads, you can redefine interior design of bed chamber by installing absolutely eco-friendly and ultra-light quilts for covering floors/bedsteads. Original quilt points, down flowers, and silk originating from cocoons are also used to make handmade duvets which provide satisfaction and comfort to you. Price range varies based on the quality, sizes, and durability of handmade quilts.
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Rag Quilt Patterns
Article by Penny Halgren
If you are a beginner quilter looking for near-immediate gratification or an old pro who wants to create a different look, why not try making a rag quilt?
Frayed seams are a characteristic of rag quilts. Fraying the edges give a rag quilt a soft, vintage look simply by clipping the seams and washing and drying the quilt. Rag quilt patterns can be adaptations of traditional quilt patterns or, totally new designs that will be accented by the frayed edges.
Rag quilt patterns do not need to be expensive. As a matter of fact, many rag quilt patterns are available for free on the Internet. Use your favorite search engine to find “rag quilt patterns.”
If you’ve already been exploring the Internet, chances are your favorite quilt sites also have rag quilt patterns available, or links to some. The best “how-to-quilt” websites offer rag quilt information as well as patterns.
Variations of the Nine Patch are popular rag quilt patterns. Strips are another popular rag quilt pattern. Keep in mind that while intricate designs could be converted into a rag quilt pattern, the fraying might distract from the quilt pattern.
It’s possible to complete a rag quilt in a weekend! The biggest challenge is getting accustomed to sewing “backwards.” In traditional quilting, we generally stitch the right sides together then turn them so the seams will be hidden on the underneath side.
With rag quilt patterns, the seams are sewn to the top so they can be clipped and frayed.
When assembling your rag quilt, you will make a fabric sandwich: place the first piece right side down on your table. The middle layer will be a piece of flannel or batting, and the top piece will be your fabric, right side up.
Once you have all your fabric sandwiches ready, you will sew the block together, again keeping the right sides up. So, instead of sewing with the right sides together, your rag quilt pattern will be sewn with the wrong sides together.This will keep your seams on top of the quilt.
Unlike traditional quilting, having uneven seams won’t matter too much once your rag quilt pattern is complete. So, even if you can’t sew a straight line with your sewing machine, you can make a gorgeous rag quilt!
That’s another reason rag quilt patterns are so popular. They can be sewn together rather quickly using your sewing machine. The machine stitches will lock in and add stability to the quilt.
Since the blocks are sewn with the seams on top, there is no need for additional quilting of your rag quilt pattern. That makes rag quilt pattern projects move along at a nice speed!
Completing your rag quilt will take a little patience once all the sewing is complete. To “rag” your quilt pattern, you will need to clip the seams.
Clip straight down the seam (perpendicular to the stitches). You will need to make these cuts about every quarter of an inch. Your hand will get tired! To avoid hand cramps and blisters on your cutting fingers, you might like to use a pair of spring loaded scissors as you complete your rag quilt patterns. Spring loaded scissors automatically pop open after each snip has been made. They also usually are made so they are held on the outside, rather than putting your fingers inside scissor holes. If you don’t already have a pair, expect to pay or more. If you plan to do much rag quilting in the future, it might be a good investment!
Once you seams are snipped all around your rag quilt pattern, throw it in the washer on a delicate cycle. It’s not necessary to add soap, but it’s okay if you do choose to do so. After the wash cycle, give your rag quilt a double check to make sure you’ve snipped everywhere. If you find a place you’ve missed, this is the time to add snips. Once you are satisfied with the snipping, toss the quilt into your drier. Once it’s dried, your rag quilt will be complete!
Online Quilt Shops for Budget Friendly Quilts
Article by Merlina Naldo
Handmade Quilts are beautiful, durable, and cost-effective. Besides, handmade quilts are made of high quality down, soft fabric, and quill points. Handcrafted quilts were very popular centuries back when people loved to decorate their bedrooms using bed quilts which were sewn and designed by professional weavers. They showcased their special expertise in designing different sorts of quilts, bedding quilts, and duvets. The colorful painting and floral design on soft linen/fabric texture of quilt attracted people who loved fashionable artifacts which are also available in traditional quilt shops.
However, modern quilt manufactures use sophisticated technology to bring perfection to the quilt design which looks bright and elegant. If your king size quilts are not fitted to bedroom, the overall aesthete of room can be spoiled. For this reason, before selection of your quilts and quilts, try to launch an extensive online survey to find out the best handcrafted quilt which is made more elegant and beautiful in design. If you are unable to choose your favorite home décor item, you need to ask for backup from any professional interior decorator.
How will you be able to buy a well fitted and fantastic queen size quilts for decorating your bedstead? The fact is that there are many quilt shops and storefronts in the open market. You can visit shopping boutiques and malls for doing a window shopping. You will come across numerous quilts which are dazzling and represent mind blowing hues. The attractive designs of the quilts will certainly soothe your eyes. However, first you will have to take decision how to select that specific comforter which is up to mark and high in standard. You must keep in mind that a quilt must be chosen properly.
Otherwise, you will have to suffer from physical discomfort. At the same time, your bed room will fast lose luster and elegance. There are different types of quilts, and duvets. Your objective should be more result oriented, and you need to search more extensively how to fulfill your long lasting dream for decorating your bedroom by selecting a gorgeous and properly adjusted comforter which has been made by a specialist. It has been found that in comparison to machine made quilts, Handmade Quilts are more natural, elegant, durable, and attractive. Specialists put their 100 percent personal effort and skill to sew the texture of this handmade comforter.
A professional quilter uses a number of tools which are essential for making handmade quilts. He designs quilts, quilts, duvets using down, feather and high quality fabric. You must decide whether you want to decorate your bed chamber with a synthetic quilt, or you have a plan to buy handmade quilts which are stuffed with soft refined down which is ultra-light. You must talk to experts how to choose quilts which must meet your basic requirements.
A professional quilters are competent to make Handmade Quilts/quilts, and pillows. The fabric or linen envelop of the quilt is filled with loose down and feather type materials. Homemade quilters are long lasting because artists and quilters prefer using qualitative materials to make a fantastic quilt. On the other hand, you should check catalogues given by quilters for choosing attractive quilt designs.
Remember the beauty of your bedroom depends on your tastes and selection process. At the time of buying duvets from quilt shops, you should decide whether you are willing to buy baby quilts or standard quilts, and blankets which must cover the entire bed in your private room.
How to Make That Unique Handmade Baby Quilt for a Shower Gift
How to Make That Unique Handmade Baby Quilt for a Shower Gift
Such an exciting time! A new baby is on the way. Yet how do you find just the right unique gift? One that will not be opened and tossed in the pile at the shower and be forgotten, or one the little one will grow out of in just a few weeks and maybe get to wear one or twice. Your hard earned dollars or your time needs to be well spent on a gift of a life time. That gift is a unique handmade baby quilt.
Many handmade quilts are sewn simply using the patchwork process. This involves assembling a number of different sizes pieces of different materials, and then stitching them together to create the finished quilt. This technique, called patchwork quilting, can be completed either by hand quilting or some prefer using the sewing machine.
Quilt designs range from the basic beginner to the advanced. If you unsure of what design you might prefer, either take a trip to your local fabric store or go on line to the one of the many retail dealers for their collections of ideas and baby quilt patterns. If this is your first attempt at the art of quilting, it is best to keep your pattern simple. Choose colors that are appropriate for the baby’s gender, unless you do not know that, than yellow or white is a safe choice.
Choose approximately 1 ¼ yd. coordinating fabrics for the back of your quilt or any amount given for the pattern you have chosen. Also purchase batting, thread that matches your fabric. Wash the fabric before starting to sew.
At this point you are ready to quilt. Place the backing fabric right side down on the floor. Put the batting down next. Place the pieced fabric on top of the batting right side up. Pin the fabrics and batting together starting from the center and working out. I recommend that you stretch all three layers before pinning. Using an old table and some large butterfly clamps, stretch your blanket securely in place to the table before you pin the layers together. Also there are curved quilting pins available at the quilt shops that will make the pinning task easier to complete, due to the shape of the pin. They are rounded at the bottom and perfect for the task.
Next, using a quilter’s pencil, you are ready to draw your quilting lines or design. Draw diagonal lines across a square or simply following the perimeter of the shape will give you a design and hold your blocks in place. Make your stitches even and sew through all layers.
There are many ways to create a binding for the quilt, but if you are just beginning simply trim the bottom fabric to ½” longer on all sides than that of the top fabric and the batting. Fold the bottom fabric over the top, folding twice, making a ¼” fold. Sew on the fold the whole way around.
When it comes to giving that special shower gift for the new mother-to-be, the time and effort that you invest now on sewing and quilting a unique handmade baby quilt will become a cherished keepsake for years to come.
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A Homemade Baby Quilt ? The Perfect Baby Shower Gift
A Homemade Baby Quilt – The Perfect Baby Shower Gift
The excited mother-to-be carefully unwraps each present, thanks the giver of each, and receives and expresses a kind sentiment of how the new baby may look or feel about the newest unwrapped baby shower gift. The box next in the pile of presents to be unwrapped, not only draws special attention of the new mother-to-be, but the handmade baby quilt inside is passed around for all in the room to get a closer look and feel the soft baby flannel, comment on the unique handmade baby shower gift and the time and care that must have gone into creating such a beautiful and unique handmade baby quilt. As you see the faces of those admiring your handiwork, you realize that the time you have invested sewing and quilting this unique handmade baby quilt, just for the new mother-to-be and her new baby, was worth every minute of the time you spent.
Time – what an interesting term to a quilter. From the moment you draw your design idea, choose just the right fabrics, cut them apart and begin to sew those pieces back again into one special handmade baby quilt, it all takes time. Many hours are spent in solitude, with just the hum of the sewing machine as your companion. As the unique baby quilt takes shape, your time is spent cutting and sewing, and a bit of ripping, once in awhile. When your sewing machine finally needs a rest, you’re ready to quilt. The needles and thread are prepared, the quilt is stretched on the frame, and your hands mimic the machine as they go through the motions of hand quilting. This procedure is done by sewing the layers, (quilt top, batting, backing) together to produce the finished handmade baby quilt. Finishing touches are completed with a binding that borders the perimeter of the quilt. As your unique, handmade baby quilt has come to life, the quilter will lovingly attach a name to the creation. Your time and talents have given birth to a new creation made of cloth and your hard work, and destined to spend its life, forever, with the baby, covered in its warmth.
Remember that shower gift that was given to the mother-to-be? That little baby grew up? Years later, of all of the wonderful and beautiful gifts that the new mother was given at the baby shower, which one would you still see in the nursery today? The child may still be sleeping with that handmade baby quilt or it may be neatly folded at the foot of the bed. Can you see that quilt being dragged around as you visualize the “little one” with his/ her thumb in his/her mouth. Yes, the handmade baby quilt may be well worn, well loved, but a lasting keepsake. This was one gift from that baby shower that was not outgrown or placed somewhere in the closest or drawer, with no unusable purpose. Every minute you’ve spent stitching with love on that handmade baby quilt, added to the lasting keepsake for that special “little one.”
Take time to quilt.