Beginners Quilt Basics 101

PREREQUISITE: Sewing Machine Basics 101

This class will be addressing proper rotary cutting skills, color selection using a color wheel, contrast and value, fussy cutting, the importance of scale, Walking Foot or IDT, how to piece the quilt top ensuring a "scant 1/4" or 1/4" seam and the importance of pressing vs ironing during construction.

We will be practicing squaring up a quilt block and learn the technique to apply borders to create a uniform edge on a quilt.

Different methods of quilting the quilt, a step-by step sample of the application of a mitered-corner binding and other methods of binding.

At the end of the third day you should have a small sampler quilt top consisting of 13 various blocks that are either 6 1/2″ or 12 1/2″.

What to bring:

• Sewing machine (power plug and foot control)
• Sewing machine manual
• Sewing machine needles 80/12 universal or sharp
• ¼” foot with guide is preferred
• Scant 1/4" foot with guide or Seam gauge
• Stitch-in-the-ditch foot
• Walking foot that can change out feet (preferred but not required)
• 45mm Rotary cutter
• Self-healing rotary cutting mat (medium to large)
• Glass Head Pins or flat pins that are also iron-proof (won’t melt)
• 50/2 weight Cotton Thread (“Silk Finish” is preferred”; Mettler or Aurifil or Superior brands will work)
• Rotary cutting ruler (24" length)
• Seam ripper
• 6 1/2" and 12 1/2" square rulers with center crosshairs
• Rotary cutting Ruler (24" length) and mid-sized ruler
• Tape measure
• Shears
• Thread snips or smaller cutting scissors
• Frixion pens (all colors are preferred) or Blue Wash Away fabric marker or Clover Chalk-O-Liner
• Fabric will be discussed but bring what you have
• Alex Anderson's Book-Start Quilting with Alex Anderson (3rd Edition) as there will be reading material for this class.

• Ruler Finger Guard (difficult to find but will be demonstrated)
• Mini Iron (non-steam)
• Mini ironing board or medium sized wool mat
• Starch or sizing or ironing spray