A quilt is a specific type of blanket that traditionally consists of three layers of fabric. Some historians believe the art of sewing these decorative bed coverings dates back to the ancient Egyptians. The activity was popular in the United States during the Colonial period but only the wealthy had enough leisure time to participate. Modern day quilters who use this sewing method to create colorful comforters, clothing, and wall hangings have a need for quilting supplies in Port Arthur TX.
Beginners may be overwhelmed with the various supplies and notions available. Many items are optional and can help experienced quilters improve their skills. Beginners should start with a basic kit and add other items as they learn more about the craft.
Among the required items in any quilter's kit are cutting tools. Most sewers recognize the importance of having separate scissors for use on paper and fabric. Using the fabric scissors for anything else will dull the blades and make it more difficult to achieve a clean cut. To distinguish between the two, purchase scissors with different colored handles or attach labels.
Most beginning quilters will find that a seam ripper is extremely handy. This convenient little tool features a forked head with a razor sharp blade that slices through thread quickly and easily. The initial learning process will often require the quilter to removed stitched seams to start over again.
Straight pins are essential to quilting and they must be kept sharp for the best results. Pin cushions keep pins in a central location but serve other purposes as well. These items are stuffed with wool roving, which eliminates the problem of rusty pins. Cushions have a small ball filled with an abrasive material attached to the top. Sticking the pins into this ball occasionally will clean debris off them and keep them sharp. Dull pins make large holes, which detract from the aesthetics of the final product.
Whether pin or spray basting, users will find that basting pins are best for keeping fabrics together. These special pins look like typical safety pins but are curved. The curve in the pin holds layers of fabric firmly in place and eliminates any shifting while stitching.
Marking tools come in a variety of styles and colors. They eliminate the need to eyeball how the pieces go together and improve neatness and accuracy. Water soluble markers are typically blue or white and the temporary ink washes away with water. Chalk is preferable for markings that do not need to last and can be washed or brushed off the fabric. Chalk transfer paper allows the user to transfer any design using a dull pencil or ballpoint pen. Air soluble markers use an ink that disappears over time.
An iron with a minimum of 1500 watts is necessary for pressing fabrics to remove wrinkles. Quilters should choose an appliance with a steam function and consider purchasing one with an automatic shut off function for safety reasons. Spraying the fabric with starch makes it easier for most quilters to cut and piece together fabric swatches.
An ironing or pressing board provides a safe place to iron fabrics. Standalone boards require some floor space in the sewing room. A table top board will sit on any flat surface. Regardless of skill level, anyone can learn to quilt with these basic tools.
Beginners may be overwhelmed with the various supplies and notions available. Many items are optional and can help experienced quilters improve their skills. Beginners should start with a basic kit and add other items as they learn more about the craft.
Among the required items in any quilter's kit are cutting tools. Most sewers recognize the importance of having separate scissors for use on paper and fabric. Using the fabric scissors for anything else will dull the blades and make it more difficult to achieve a clean cut. To distinguish between the two, purchase scissors with different colored handles or attach labels.
Most beginning quilters will find that a seam ripper is extremely handy. This convenient little tool features a forked head with a razor sharp blade that slices through thread quickly and easily. The initial learning process will often require the quilter to removed stitched seams to start over again.
Straight pins are essential to quilting and they must be kept sharp for the best results. Pin cushions keep pins in a central location but serve other purposes as well. These items are stuffed with wool roving, which eliminates the problem of rusty pins. Cushions have a small ball filled with an abrasive material attached to the top. Sticking the pins into this ball occasionally will clean debris off them and keep them sharp. Dull pins make large holes, which detract from the aesthetics of the final product.
Whether pin or spray basting, users will find that basting pins are best for keeping fabrics together. These special pins look like typical safety pins but are curved. The curve in the pin holds layers of fabric firmly in place and eliminates any shifting while stitching.
Marking tools come in a variety of styles and colors. They eliminate the need to eyeball how the pieces go together and improve neatness and accuracy. Water soluble markers are typically blue or white and the temporary ink washes away with water. Chalk is preferable for markings that do not need to last and can be washed or brushed off the fabric. Chalk transfer paper allows the user to transfer any design using a dull pencil or ballpoint pen. Air soluble markers use an ink that disappears over time.
An iron with a minimum of 1500 watts is necessary for pressing fabrics to remove wrinkles. Quilters should choose an appliance with a steam function and consider purchasing one with an automatic shut off function for safety reasons. Spraying the fabric with starch makes it easier for most quilters to cut and piece together fabric swatches.
An ironing or pressing board provides a safe place to iron fabrics. Standalone boards require some floor space in the sewing room. A table top board will sit on any flat surface. Regardless of skill level, anyone can learn to quilt with these basic tools.
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