Quilts...

[RainSong]

Does anyone know how to make a handmade quilt? Literally... handmade. No sewing machine. I know I'll take forever, but I have time and ... no machine.

 

[mcharr36]

Basically, find a pattern you like and start stitching. I'd suggest starting with simple lines, such as squares.

I have a neat pattern I want to do someday that's made from kerchiefs. The big red or blue ones. Of course, they come in all colors now.

After you select your pattern, select your fabric. The lighter poplins are much easier to work with, but I've seen some beautiful quilts made with velvet. One of the most beautiful was made of diamonds. You started in the center with a small diamond and worked your way out.

Check out the craft stores. You can find all kinds of patterns and books.

The hardest part is the actual quilting. You have to lay it out on the floor and get your top, liner and backing all aligned. Then you can move to the quilting frame. You always start in the center of the quilt and work out.

Good luck and post a picture when you're done. I'd love to see the finished result.

 

[Miss_Fortune]

It would be done the same way as if you had a machine only you obviously wouldnt use a machine. You would sew the same places same way. It will take longer but it may turn out better. By hand you can pay more attention to detail as your stitching.

Remember you have to

Find a pattern

Cut the pieces

Sew the pieces

Get batting & backing

Baste all three parts together

Connect the three permanently which ever way you want

Bind the edges & your basically done

 

[dixie_belle]

I am a quilter who happens to think maching quilting ruins the quilt (don't slam me, i just really like the handmade look and feel). I have lots of quilt patterns, and tips if you are interested. I could mail some info to you, if you like. I do cheat, a tad, and am a firm believer in a rotary cutter. It saves incredible amounts of time and gives you a more even cut.

feel free to contact me directly, and i can make arrangements to mail you some info

shelley

 

[RainSong]

Thanks everyone!

I did see your reply, Barnbum, I just hadn't had the chance to reply yet ... lol Seems like life is soooo busy now.

It's hard to explain- I have plenty of time, but at the same time, I don't have the time to answer posts, post alot, or play online tons- because I either do that and ignore Nathan to some extent, or I "hang out" with Nathan and ... have nothing to do with my hands (which drives me batty- I have several bad habits due to that).

Hand sewing is easy enough to put down and pick up again (so long as you're not as bad as I am about "loosing" needles >.<)... even machine sewing can be pretty easily dropped if needed

Oooh, I love quilts so much. I'll have to see about picking up some supplies (and books?) around the 15th. I could cut some scraps up and practice before hand.

btw, PM coming your way, dixie_belle!

I do have two questions... what in the world does "baste" mean when it comes to quilting? And binding is just basically putting edging on, correct?

I found an interesting site last night that did have an odd method of binding. They took a block quilt and sewed all but a small section, turned it right side out. Then they handsewed the small section they used to turn it right side out and took a large needle and made stitches with yarn or ribbon about 4-5 inches apart on the blanket to bind it.

^.^ Ah, off I go to wash dishes and bottles, then to scrounge for scraps!

 

[Miss_Fortune]

Basteing is making big long stiches that hold the top bottom & batting together while you quilt. It keeps everything in the same place. When I do I go diagonally from corner to corner(like an X) & then I also do it from the middle of edge to edge(like a +).

 

[Buckskin gal]

No slams here because I too think the hand quilting is the most treasured of quilts. Just don't have the patience any more to do it. Wish I could learn all the secrets to perfect quilt making because they really are so special. Mary

I am a quilter who happens to think maching quilting ruins the quilt (don't slam me, i just really like the handmade look and feel).  I have lots of quilt patterns, and tips if you are interested.  I could mail some info to you, if you like.  I do cheat, a tad, and am a firm believer in a rotary cutter.  It saves incredible amounts of time and gives you a more even cut.
feel free to contact me directly, and i can make arrangements to mail you some info

shelley

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