The Generations Quilt Patterns
Quilting Forum

Black template pencil has smeared on my quilt 
A reader writes... I used a black template pencil to stencil a pattern on a quilt top. To my dismay the pencil will leave marks on the top. I …

Cut strip set blocks for my Rail Fence quilt the wrong size 
Rhea writes to ask... Hi! I am making a Rail Fence quilt and my strip set blocks should be 6-1/2" x 6-1/2". The strip sets turned out approximately 6-1/2" …

How to teach young people to quilt? 
I have volunteered to teach 7-10 year olds to quilt. This is in a low-economic area community center and is strictly run as an after school program and …

Free motion quilting a t-shirt quilt 
Sierra writes... I've sewn together a t-shirt quilt that is completely knit fabric on the front, except for the border. There is no sashing between the …

Where do quilt blocks get their names? 
Ann writes... A friend of mine and I will be teaching a quilting class at church and I thought it would be nice to tell the ladies why a block has the …

Do quilt borders need to be the same size? 
A reader inquires... Most quilt tops seem to be very symmetrical. Is it acceptable to have top and bottom borders wider than the side borders? …

Pre-washing the fabric in quilt kits 
Verne asks... Should I pre-wash my quilt kits that I have purchased. Julie replies... This is a tricky question, Verne! :) The general rule on …

Dark quilt backing with a white quilt top 
A reader writes... I'm quilting a quilt that has a very dark backing, but has some white areas on the quilt top. I'm not doing an all over design, but …

Problems quilting with decorative stitches and my walking foot 
Linda writes... When I practice using scraps with the designs from my machine everything comes out perfect. When I place the actual quilt on machine …

Beginner machine quilting headaches 
Elzsbeth writes... I'm a beginning quilter (although more advanced in piecing) and am making a crib quilt and have a lot of trouble controlling my quilt …

Can I enlarge a quilt block to be a whole quilt? 
Brittany wrote to ask... I bought an adorable horse block. It's a paper pieced pattern that is 8" x 10". Ideally I would love to enlarge the block …

Which quilt batting should I use for a tablecloth? 
Theresa writes... I don't want batting under my table cloth. I think it would make it too thick. Do you have any suggestions? Julie replies... …

The stitching on the back of my quilt is wonky 
Faye writes... My stitches appear loose. My batting peeks through not consistently, sometime little loops form. I have worked with adjusting top tension …

Not enough quilt backing fabric... 
A reader writes... I have a quilt top that is 80" wide and 94" long. I have 8 yards of fabric (42" wide). How can I do the back? Julie replies... …

Glide thread 
Mim writes... Can you use Glide quilting thread on a domestic machine? I have a Janome 6600 sewing machine and currently use Isacord thread for free …

Log cabin log sizes in centimeters 
Kathy writes... Please can you help with the sizing of logs for a 30cm log cabin square. I am looking for a design like you did for the 9-inch square, …

How do I tame puckering in fabric that I want to quilt? 
Heather writes... I started my daughter's quilt in 2008 but have only just made time to quilt it. The last block is 15 ½” x 12” but I should have put …

Can you cut a strip LOF--not WOF? 
Christina writes... The instructions on my quilt pattern indicate to cut my strips WOF. Can it be cut LOF? Julie replies... Good Morning, Christina! …

Design a Log Cabin quilt pattern that starts with a picture 
Joy writes... Hi Julie, My name is Joy Baird and I am trying to make a memory quilt with pictures of my granddaughter from ages 1 month to 12 months. …

After basting by a longarm quilter... 
Pat writes... After completing my first large quilt top (Swoon 80x80), I am having it basted by a longarm quilter who will do long stitches every 2 to …

What to do with leftover starched quilt fabric? 
Valerie writes... I like to starch my fabric before cutting the pieces, but I often have left-over fabric. I don't like starched fabric lying around …

On-point rotary cut squares? 
Christine wrote... I have a pattern that has asked me to cut a strip 5 inches x WOF, then it has asked me to subcut 3 1/2 inch squares, cut on point. …

How do I make a colorway Irish Chain quilt 
Barbara writes... I noticed the above quilt in a quilt store in Myrtle Beach and was directed to your website for directions. I am a beginner quilter …

Repairing seams in a finished quilt 
Melanie writes... I just finished my first full sized quilt. It's so pretty! But I put it in the washer and when I pulled it out, several of …

Can you use a walking foot for more than just straight stitching? 
A reader asks... I just got my Janome convertible even feed foot set to use on my Janome HD3000. Anywhere I find information on a walking foot only …

Can you thread baste a quilt for machine quilting? 
Shelley writes... I find the safety pin basting my quilts is much more time consuming and annoying than traditional thread basting. Can you machine …

Interpreting recommended quilting distances 
A reader asks... Hi. I have just finished ditch stitching a Log Cabin Quilt, using Hobbs Heirloom 80/20% (cotton/poly) for the batting. Hobbs lists …

Economy Quilt Block - 10" finished paper piecing pattern 
Pamela writes... I am looking for a square in a square in a square that is paper pieced and is 10.5" unfinished. Any chance you have one or would …

What is a yo-yo quilt? 
Mary writes... I remember my mother-in-law many years ago making some kind of quilt or coverlet. She cut out round pieces of fabric, she would then …

Hand Quilting with Invisible Thread 
A reader asks... Is it possible to hand quilt using invisible thread? I have a baby panel which has many animals and is really a cute scene. I do …

Which binding--bias or straight grain--is best for a quilt? 
Sally writes... Which way to cut binding is easier for a first timer - straight or bias? I'm hoping to machine apply to the back first and after rolling …

Broken quilting stitches after the quilt is finished 
Ann writes... Do you have any advice on what to do if quilt stitches break (after the quilt is finished and in use)? The stitching on my completed …

Adding stabilizer to the entire back of a quilt 
Nicole writes... I have a quilt that is a window pane pattern. The panes and windows run on a 45 angle. Because the windows I started cutting the …

What is the name of this floral applique pattern? 
Does anyone know what this quilt pattern is? I would describe it as a circle with flowers (sunflowers, maybe?) at the "corners". At north, south, east …

Beginning quilter needs advice for stippling large quilts 
Novice Quilter writes... I have a White 2037 sewing machine and just got a darning foot for it so I could attempt to quilt the many tops I have completed. …

Quilt backing fabric shadows through to top 
Kay asks... What can I use so a print backing will not show through the white background of the quilt top? The batting I have does not block out the …

How do I line up the edges of diagonal strips 
A reader asks... I am making the White Birches tree quilt that has branches off the tree at a 45 degree angle. Is there an easy way to line up the …

My rotary cutter chops my fabric like a lawnmower 
Wandie writes... Lately when I use my rotary cutter the cut does not come out smooth and straight. The strip is not uneven but the edges look like …

Repairing a quilt when the ties come untied 
Cindy asks... How do I repair a quilt that has become untied from too many washings and now the batting is crumpled in between the 2 layers—the …

Machine quilting picture fabric panels 
Jasmine writes... Hello, I'm wanting to make a Thomas Kinkade quilt. I have found a panel with two pictures. I plan on cutting them out and adding …

A Testimonial about the 1/4" Seam Allowance 
I am working on a patchwork quilt that I designed on EQ7. I also recently just got a new non-mechanical sewing machine--that was a HUGE adjustment for …

Should I use a walking foot or a zipper foot to stitch in the ditch around piping? 
Diana writes... I am teaching myself how to machine quilt for the very first time. It is suggested using a walking foot to stitch in the ditch, …

What paper should I use for paperpiecing? 
Carrie Anne asks... Can you use ordinary copy stock paper to print out patterns for piecing on sewing machine? Julie replies... Hi Carrie Anne! …

What to do with and where to donate Grandmother's quilting supplies and unfinished quilts... 
Sandy writes... I'm almost 70 yrs.old, my hands are not much use any more to do any handwork (sob). Have been cleaning out 'the storage shed' and …

Choosing fabrics and colors for quilts 
Victoria writes... I'm new to quilting and would love some help on fabric choices please! I've got two vintage\retro fabrics that I really want to …

Do I need to buy a machine quilting frame for my Elna 740? 
Sheila writes... I have an Elna 740 sewing machine. I started quilting 18 months ago and so far have made 9 quilts (all from kits) and one sampler quilt …

Using batting as a stabilizer under machine embroidered squares for quilt 
Lori writes... I am new to machine embroidery and quilting. I want to do a quilt that alternates blocks with a machine embroidered design on them …

Finishing an embroidered quilt wall hanging 
Marilyn asks... I have a 36" square embroidered quilt top, all one piece of cotton fabric. I didn't want to quilt over the embroidery, as I thought …

Lining up sashing strips in a window pane quilt design 
CJ asks... I am working on my first ever 'window pane' quilt and I can't seem to get my frames to line up. I have checked my spacing and it is okay …

How to resize a quilt block, i.e., make a 6" block into a 12" finished block 
Anne writes... How would I change the cutting requirements listed for a 6" block pattern to make it a 12" block? I thought I could double the measurements, …

Making flying geese with one seam 
Glenda asks... I need to make my Flying Geese to finish 6 1/2 by 9 1/2. I wanted to use Ricky Tims one seam version to make several geese with the …

Looking for quit pattern for Hannah's Summer Wedding Quilt 
Pam writes... I am trying to locate the Hannah's Summer Wedding Quilt Pattern. I loss my directions and am now retired and would like to finish it. …

White marking pencil is hard to remove 
Cari asks... I have marked a quilt top with a white pencil and can't seem to get it off with a spray bottle of water and wash cloth. Any suggestions? …

When was my quilt made and what is it worth... 
Bonnie writes... I was given 11 quilts from my grandmother-in-law. I was wondering how I can find out when they were made and what they are worth. …

Quilting from the back of my quilt 
Miss Geneva Hill writes... I was just wondering if it was alright to quilt on the back using my machine. I am making a double wedding ring quilt as you …

Quilt binding on an old quilt 
Keali writes... Hi, My husband has a old quilt that his grandmother made him when he was a child. Most of the quilt is in great condition, but …

Problems quilting on my home machine 
Bonnie asks... I quilt using my Bernina 440 with a walking foot. I have been having issues with puckering, stitch length, and the quilt seems to …

Feed dogs aren't working on my Husqvarna sewing machine 
Isabel inquires... My machine doesn't feed material through, just bought it on ebay and don't know if it does that or do you have to ease along as I have …

Sewing together quilt blocks made from stretchy fabrics like jersey knits 
A reader inquires... When I sew together quilt blocks made of jersey knits, how can I stop them from stretching? All my blocks have been stabilized, …

Joining two different quilt blocks together - do I need to pin 
Lisa asks... I have a quilt pattern where you make 3 (4)patch of one solid color and 3 (4)patch of a patterned material. In between the diamond shaped …

Need help identifying an untitled quilt pattern with no directions 
Susan writes... I bought a folder of quilt patterns at an estate sale and included was a beautiful swag of tulips and various greenery and I assume partial …

Your sewing machine needle keeps breaking... 
...what to do??? There's nothing more frustrating than when your sewing machine needle keeps breaking. Many times you've already been practicing and …

How to fix broken stitches in straight line quilting, after binding has been applied. 
Anna writes... On my first quilt I have sewn on the binding to the front and not finished hand sewing on the back. I realized that in a line of my straight …

Washing a quilt made with cotton and flannels fabrics 
Lorraine asks... I have a quilt top that is all cotton and the back is flannel. Am I going to have a problem when it is washed? Neither have been pre-washed. …

Need suggestions for quilting on a Ken Lund machine quilting frame 
Lorraine writes... I have a quilt that I sandwiched several weeks ago where I stitched in the ditch for each block, the blocks are large. I then …

Thread tension for free motion quilting is totally wonky 
Kelly writes... Hi! First off, just want to say how helpful your site has been for me =0) This is kind of a multiple part question. I have …

Repair a damaged quilt 
Mary Anne writes... I need to repair a damaged quilt. While my quilt was being quilted on a longarm machine the needle broke and the broken needle …

Rumpled quilt backing 
Debbie asks... As I'm stitching in the ditch on my forest jellyroll quilt, the backing is shifting even though I have pinned the three layers together. …

To stitch in the ditch or all over quilt design 
My quilt top is made up of twenty 12" blocks; each block is outlined with 1/2" red border. There is a 4" floral print in the center and yellow and periwinkle …

To use the automatic thread cutter for quilting...or not? 
Jocelyne asks: After using the automatic thread cutter, a tangle forms at the beginning of the next seam. How can this be avoided when the bobbin …

Free Motion Quilting: Hard to move the quilt sandwich 
When trying to move my flannel quilt under the presser foot it does not move easily like regular cotton fabric. What can I do to make it easier …

Thick flannel quilt is hard to get under the presser foot 
I'm quilting a baby quilt and my flannel fabric is really thick. I've broken two needles already. Even when I have the presser foot raised to it's …

Quilt Embellishment! When do I apply it? 
At which stage do we apply machine embroidery to a quilt? Before we sandwich it together, or after? Reply I can answer this as an occasional machine …

Quilting machine--what should I purchase? 
I would very much appreciate some help here. I am about to purchase a machine for quilting and am overwhelmed with the choices out there. I like the …

Coats & Clark thread vs quilting thread 
Janet writes... With threads sold in quilt stores being expensive, what is the benefit of those over good old Coats and Clark? Haven't those threads been …

Applique tutorial 
Hi everyone! I'm a pretty new quilter, only about a year or so, and need some help please! I'm attempting my first applique quilt and need some …

Quilting a comforter 
Bought a plain comforter (with no stiching) and want to do a basic "squares" pattern to give it a simple stitching look and especially to secure the inside …

Bobbin thread choice 
If I use Aurifil 28wt, for the needle thread, what should I use for the bobbin head? Reply I would use a matching color in the Aurifil 50 wt—on …

Quilting on a new sewing machine for the first time - help! 
I am sewing with a recently purchased Bernina 550QE and although I have not yet mastered the free motion (which I really hope to one of these days!!) I …

Pressing seams open or to one side 
I've always pressed my seams to one side but now I think it might be better to press them open. Is there a better way? Reply Hi Noreen! The best …

Need to find a hand quilter 
Is there someone in northern New Jersey who does hand quilting. I have to quilt tops that need to be quilted and I would like them to be hand done. …

Which quilting machine should I purchase? 
I want to add a new machine that is a good quilting machine, not a long arm. I need space to free motion quilt large quilts. I am looking at a …

Walking Foot 
I want to get a walking foot to use with my Viking 5710. I called Viking/Husqvarna and they have no information on what could be used with this older …

Curved seams in my strip sets 
My strips do not have curves and my machine has a great 1/4" foot that makes perfect seams. My eight 14 1/2" strips look great sewn together before I …

Quilting T-shirt material 
Quilting machine works great but ran into problems when quilting T-Shirt material for a T-shirt quilt (breaking thread). Any recommendations on adjustments …

Fabric grain for baby quilt panels 
I have some baby quilt panels cut with selvedges at top and bottom and my backing goes in the opposite direction. The selvedges are at the sides. …

Machine quilting out from the center or from side to side. Which is it? 
Ming writes... (I am sorry that I can't find what your name is.) I was reading your Beginning Machine Quilting 101 . There was a note in the walking …

Square in a Square quilt block problems 
When making a square in a square quilt block you cut a 4 1/2" square and four 2-1/2" squares and put the squares onto all 4 corners of the 4 /1/2 block. …

Stiff Quilt - how do I soften it? 
The pattern of machine quilting that I chose made my quilt stiff. How can I fix this? Reply My suggestions for softening the quilt are: Wash …

Looking for a Mariner's Compass pattern 
Does anyone know where I can find the pattern to this quilt? Thanks, abr Reply Hi Annabelle, I thought that, perhaps, this was a Judy …

Buttonhole thread 
Can you use a number 18 needle and buttonhole thread together to topstitch a quilt? Reply Pretty much if you can get a thread through the eye of the …

Safety pin basting - when to remove the pins 
Can the safety pins be removed after sections of the quilt have been stitched? Reply Absolutely! Positively! As an area of your quilt is stitched …

Is it possible to use "Top Stitch" thread successfully in a long arm machine 
Is it possible to successfully use "Top Stitch" thread in a long arm machine? Reply Though I am a domestic or home sewing machine quilter only, I would …

Choosing a quilt backing fabric 
Ellen writes... I am an experienced "sewer" and have always wanted to quilt. I plan on buying a sewing pattern to make my first quilt by machine. …

Quilting a quilt with fabric paint on a Sweet Sixteen 
I have used fabric paint for decorating my princess quilt... ...what size needle would be the best to use when I machine quilt my creation... ...a …

Machine quilting speed 
Does sewing speed affect the quality of machine quilting? If you vary the speed does it change the stitching? Reply Good Question! It'll depend more …

Preparing the layers for quilting 
What is the best way to prepare fabric for quilting on my Sapphire machine? Pins, temporary adhesive, basting, etc? Reply I use safety pins to …

Securing monofilament thread tails 
What is the best way to tie off monofilament thread to keep it from unraveling? Reply As I think you've noticed it is virtually impossible to tie …

Fabric bunches up when sewing corner to corner 
I'm trying to sew corner to corner diagonally through a square. My problem is the material bunches up and the material won't move evenly under the …

Quilt markings with chalk rub off 
How do I keep chalk from rubbing off while quilting? Reply Chalk's greatest weakness—that it rubs off easily—is also its greatest strength. …

Problems with joining Storm at Sea blocks into rows 
I am making a Storm at Sea quilt. I have made the lower left block two times, and have had the same issue twice. I have mylar patterns which include …

Thread color when appliquéing 
How do you know what color thread to use when you are appliqueing something on your quilt? I'm making a table runner that has a white background and …

Problem installing a Janome even-feed presser foot 
I bought a low shank even feed presser foot for my Janome. The lever which rests on top of my needle clamp doesn't go up and down with the clamp …

Removing basting safety pins 
Should I remove all the safety pins before attaching the binding? Reply I always do. In fact I remove my pins as I quilt. Every pin is an opportunity …

Standard stitch length for machine quilting 
Is there a "norm" for machine quilting? Reply In every quilting class I've ever taken and every quilting book I've ever read the recommendation is …

Machine applique stabilizer doesn't wash out 
I used this method for my applique which worked great. I used tearaway water soluble stabilizer, but now it doesn't want to wash out. Any ideas? …

Quilting in general - lots of questions 
I have been quilting for about 3 years - obsessively. More than 40 quilts now under my belt and not a single class taken....Internet is a wonderful …

Looking for a machine quilting class 
Are there any classes offered in Columbia, South Carolina for machine quilting? Reply Hi Tammie! Unfortunately, I don't maintain a listing of quilting …

Cutting squares from strip sets 
I have 10 strips made up of four 2-1/2" strips. 7 of them measure 8-3/8" tall and 3 measure 8-1/2" tall. I need to cut squares out of them but I'm …

How to make a pressing board 
I want to cover plywood with cotton batting and muslin to make a large pressing board that I can use a very hot iron on. What type of cotton batting …

Thread color for quilting modern quilts 
I am going to make a quilt with large pieces in a dark blue and aqua, but the background will be mostly white. I have not decided on a backing. The quilting …

Quilt Binding Problem? 
Here our readers share their quilting binding problems and ask and receive help. If your question hasn't already been answered, please submit it here …

Pieced backings in longarm quilting 
Chris writes... I have been quilting on my longarm for others for around 6 years. I have a customer that really loves to piece her backings. Not just …

Batik fabrics in my quilt are bleeding 
Disaster has struck me! The first lesson which I did not do. Wash my batiks..... of course, I did not@!!! When I was pressing my finished top, …

Using starch with fusible web 
I am beginning a Baltimore Album Quilt. I am going to do the quilt with fusible web and machine applique the pieces. My question is on the use of starch …

Designing a Scottish themed quilt 
I have some banners (I think they are called) from my Grandmother and her sister when they were traveling Europe. I want to make a quilt with them …

Painting with thread and my sewing machine 
What is the purpose of the darning foot? Can you thread paint without one? Thank you. Reply Yes, you'll need to use a darning foot for thread painting. …

Walking foot fork slips 
My walking foot forks won't stay on the needle clamp when machine starts to stitch. Please help. Thanks! Reply Double check your sewing machine …

Do I really need both a walking foot and a darning foot? 
Bernarda asks: Is it better to use a walking foot for a beginning quilter instead of the darning foot? I'm a very, very beginner and I've been practicing …

Quilting in the hoop, has anyone tried it? 
Has anyone used embroidery software designed specifically for quilting to do a quilt? Not being very gifted in free motion quilting, the thought appealed …

Piecing a New York Beauty quilt pattern 
I have made a New York Beauty quilt and a paper-pieced border in a similar vein. Should I attach the border pieces to the individual squares and then …

Machine embroidery through a quilt sandwich? 
Do I need stabilizer when embroidering a sandwiched quilt top? Reply I have never embroidered through a quilt sandwich so this is only my guess... …

How many blocks in a queen size quilt? 
How many 6" quilt blocks will it take for me to make a queen size quilt? Reply A standard queen size mattress is 60" by 80" on the top. A quilt measuring …

Tipping a long arm quilter 
A reader writes... Do you tip to have your quilt quilted? Julie replies... I wish I could answer this, but I quilt all my own quilts. Readers, …

Using quilting paper with the feed dogs up 
Can I use quilting paper with my feed dogs raised? Reply Hi Margaret! I'm assuming you're talking about a quilting paper like that made by Golden …

Looking for a quilt pattern called 'One Sophisticated Evening' 
Do you know were I can find a pattern for 'ONE SOPHISTICATED EVENING' ? Reply Hi Sheila. I've searched high and low through all sorts of iterations …

Finished vs. unfinished quilt block sizes 
Question: When a finished block is indicated as 6.5" is that the size prior to putting the quilt together or after it is put in the quilt. Like should …

Moving a 10' Next Generation Quilt Rack 
I have sold my quilt rack and now have to move it. Has anyone had any experience with this?

How to care for a quilt that needs repair 
A reader writes... I have a quilt that might be at least 100 years old that needs love and care. What do I do? Julie replies... For a quilt of this …

Q: What is this quilt block's name?... A: Glorified Nine Patch 
I have a quilt top that my Grandmother pieced about 30 years ago. It is beautiful, but I can't find the name of it anywhere. I have looked in books, …

Does bobbin placement matter? 
Does it make a difference in which way you place the bobbin in the bobbin case, clockwise or counter clockwise? My underside of quilt will have the railroad …

Bobbin thread 
I have thread that is directed to be used only in the bobbin. Could you tell me why? Is it thinner than regular thread? Reply When I purchased …

Machine quilting thread vs. regular thread 
I have machine quilting thread. Do I use that in both the top and bobbin or regular thread in the bobbin? Thanks. Reply Thread marked as 'machine …

Problems installing my walking foot 
I have installed the walking foot according to the instructions and have the "fork" around my needle screw, but when I start sewing it works the needle …

Quilting with my walking foot questions 
What should I set my stitch length to when I'm using my walking foot? And how do I secure my thread using this attachment on my sewing machine? Thank …

Quilting around embroidered quilt blocks 
Does every quilt block need to be quilted? I embroidered several blocks and didn't want to stitch around them. Thank you. Reply The right …

Machine quilting: stitch length keeps changing 
Question I am straight stitching (in the ditch) and am following your instructions for beginning with the microstitch and then switching to a longer stitch, …

Stitch quality on a long arm quilting machine 
What causes a long stitch on a longarm and how do I correct it? Reply Hi Jenny! I do not quilt on a long arm machine, so I don't have direct experience. …

Tension setting for a 70 weight thread 
What tension should I be using on a Juki 98Q with 70 weight thread? Reply I wish I could tell you the exact tension setting, but you will need to create …

Quilting the layers of a t-shirt quilt 
I am making a t-shirt quilt for my niece and she asked that the front be made of the shirt fronts and the back of the shirt backs. But the seams don't …

Feather quilting on a frame is bunching up 
I have had this problem before and I don't know how to fix it. A feather design I am using bunches or puckers as I quilt. I have adjusted upper …

Quilting thread for a Bernina 830LE 
What type (Aurifil, Superior, Isacord, etc.) thread should I be using to quilt with, what weight, and should the same thread be in the bobbin. I am …

Who makes quilts for public to buy 
Hi. I have two boys that are growing fast. My wife said to me the other day she'd would like to take a couple pieces of their clothing and have a quilt …

Seams in quilt borders 
Where do you place the seam if you need to piece a border? The quilt store doesn't have enough material to make the border in one piece. Reply …

Calculating yardage for quilt back 
Cindy asks... How much backing is needed, if my quilt measures 63 inches by 78 inches? Julie replies... At a minimum 4-7/8 yards plus a bit extra …

How to calculate quilt borders 
My quilt measures 56x61 inches and the fabric I want to use as a border measures 44x37 inches. How wide do I make the border strips? And how do …

Selling quilt tops 
Lynn asks... How should I sell quilt tops? And for how much? I have a bunch that my grandmother made but only want to keep a few. Garage sale? …

Looking for 'Minnesota Dream' (??) quilt pattern 
Several years ago I bought a quilt pattern which I think was called "Minnesota Dream". I made it for our 40th anniversary quilt and loved it. But I …

Which type of quilting is best? 
Which is best, machine or hand quilting? Reply The answer completely depends on YOU, as I don't believe that one is generally better than the other. …

Icon on your website - may we use it? 
We are starting a Quilting Guild called the "East Lake Simcoe Quilters" in Beaverton, Ontario, Canada with 20 women, and would like to use the beautiful …

Walking foot - U shape clamp to needle clamp problem 
My U shape clamp on my walking foot is barely reaching the needle clamp and then when the needle is in motion, it is scraping the foot (scraping at the …

Monofilament thread is breaking 
I'm a novice quilter and am making a T-shirt quilt. I'm using a Janome 344 sewing maching and Sulky 100% polyester thread. The clear thread keeps breaking. …

Machine settings for free motion quilting 
What setting do you set your machine to? Reply The first thing you need to do is grab your sewing machine's Instruction Manual. Keep it by your machine …

Need a professional quilter near Oak Park, IL 
I need to have 2 quilts quilted. I live in Oak Park, IL. Reply Hi Linda. My suggestion is to contact the local quilt shops in your area ...(I live …

Echo quilting is creating pleats 
When I'm echo quilting, I am getting pleating in the center. How do I avoid this? Reply I have two suggestions. The first is for this quilt; the second …

Log Cabin Quilt Block - need cutting instructions for a 9" finished block 
A reader asks: I want to make a 9" finished size log cabin block and am having a bit of a problem. What size should the center be and what size should …

Thread breakage while quilting 
I have a new quilter and have managed to quilt one quilt with lots of thread breaking. I put another quilt on my frame and the thread breaks about …

Quilting over Embroidery 
I purchased some quilt blocks which are to be embroidered with mostly cross-stitching. The design is rather large (a sunflower girl). When I put …

Help with Quilt Frames 
I am looking for a quilt frame to use with my Sapphire 875Q. It seems like most of them are compatable with certain machines and that one is never listed. …

Machine quilting a rail fence quilt pattern 
Does anyone have some different ideas about machine quilting a rail fence quilt pattern (on a domestic machine)? Reply Your timing is amazing! I had …

How much fabric do I need to buy for a king size quilt 
How do you determine how much fabric to buy for king size quilt project? Reply The amount of fabric needed to make a king sized quilt will depend upon …

Quilt design question on larger quilts 
On a queen size quilt, using a domestic home sewing machine, which is easier--an over all quilt design or doing different stitches in each block? Reply …

Doll Quilt Patterns 
Does anyone know where I might find some doll quilt patterns, not miniature quilts or small quilts, but doll quilts??? Thanks, Evelyn Reply …

Free motion quilting for the beginner quilter 
I have attempted to free motion quilt but with little success. Is there an easy pattern to start with? Reply The sad thing is that so many beginning …

Quilting with knit fabrics 
I'm quilting together squares of knit fabric for a relative. (These were pajamas of a loved one that has passed away). Due to the stretch of the fabric, …

Stabilizing your quilt with ditch quilting 
Do you need to do just one vertical and one horizontal stitch-in-the-ditch line to stabilize the quilt prior to free motion quilting the rest of the quilt …

Do I need to use templates for quilting? 
What if you find a pattern you like but the instructions are based on using templates for quilting but you don't want to use them? Some have said something …

Quilt over embroidery for a baby quilt? 
I have made a baby quilt out of 12 squares (8x8) of little "girls in bonnets", and I don't know whether to quilt across the whole quilt, including the …

Seam allowances in quilt patterns 
I'm using a pattern I found in a quilting magazine and am not sure whether the seam allowance is included in the measurements? Can some one help? So …

Quilting feet for a beginning quilter 
My Singer sewing machine manual has a list of feet that are available, including a "quilting foot" and a "walking foot". The Singer website says the …

How do I quilt a Maltese Cross quilt? 
I made a Maltese Cross design with blank squares between. Any suggestions as to the machine quilting? I have made many hand quilted items but new, …

Stitch tension 
On the back of the quilt my stitches often are loopy especially when I am doing curved lines. I suspect it is a tension problem but none of the adjustments …

Setting Pfaff Hobbymatic 955 machine tension 
Going to try machine quilting. Any suggestions other than above ones on computer? Reply Hi Wynne! I'm assuming you're asking if there's any other …

Vintage quilt top - 70"x70" - needs to be quilted 
Hi, do you know how I could get a bottom put onto a vintage topper? I do not sew? Thank you, Anita Reply Hi Anita! I suggest you …

Quilting as you go 
I have no idea the technical name of the method. I heard that you can put your quilt piece, batting and backing together, then join it to another piece. …

Is this enough machine quilting? 
When it says to quilt up to 12" apart, can it be in a column or does it have to be a 12" square. Reply Good Question! One that you think batting manufacturers …

Quilting teachers in SC 
How do I find teachers who will give presentations to Quilt Guilds in SC? Reply When I was the Program Chair for Pride of the Prairie Quilters here …

Flannel quilt fabric is bunching 
I am having a problem of getting my flannel baby quilt to not have bunching when I lay it out. What can I do to to get rid of this issue? Reply I'm …

Joining the quilt layers 
How do I find an easy way to join the layers for a queen size quilt? Reply I'm assuming that you're talking about basting the layers of the quilt together …

Log Cabin quilt repair 
My log cabin quilt has come apart at a seam; how do I repair it? Reply How it came apart has a lot to do with the way I'd go about repairing this …

Breaking my free motion quilting foot 
My machine is a Sapphire 835 viking Husqvarna. I have now broken two of the spring action free motion quilting feet. Why is this happening? They …

Puckering on the backing with my walking foot 
I just bought a new Janome machine, mainly for quilting but the back of my quilting sandwich puckers badly. My dealer has been very helpful-tried everything …

How big a quilt can a long arm quilting machine handle? 
What is the maximum width and length my quilt can be to be quilted on a longarm quilting machine? Reply The size of the frame the machine rides on …

Skipped stitches driving you nuts? 
You're not alone. Browse our FAQs and learn how our readers crack their skipped stitches problems. Or try these simple fixes to the skipped stitch …

Marking quilting lines with masking tape 
I am about to quilt a very pastel one (lots of white fabric) and don't want to use a powder marker. Anyone had any experience with marking the lines …

How do I bring the bobbin thread to the top of the quilt sandwich 
What does it mean to pull bobbin thread to the top of the quilt and why is this done? Reply Let's start with the why... Bring the bobbin thread …

Can I use my walking foot to ditch quilt inside the blocks? 
This is my second quilt that I have made. The first one I sent out to a quilter to do the quilting for me. This one I wanted to try to quilt myself. …

Fabric requirements for an Irish Chain quilt 
What are the fabric requirements for the single and double Irish chain quilt patterns? Reply Fabric requirements for a quilt are based on the finished …

Adding embellishment stitches to a quilt 
I'm making a wall hanging that includes a scarecrow. The photo on the package shows hay sticking out his legs, collar, hat, and hands. I'd like to …

Cutting fabric with quilt templates 
If I have a template and it tells me to make sure I cut a 1/4 inch seam allowance, how do I do it? Reply Several techniques in quilting use templates. …

Quilt batting for a tablecloth 
I purchased some fat quarters on a holiday and thought about making a large tablecloth with a medallion in the centre. I would like to use Sharon Pederson's …

Singer walking foot 
My new walking foot is supposed to work on my Singer, but when I attach, as per the directions, it doesn't touch the fabric by 1/8" at least. I'm not totally …

T-Shirt Quilt - need a recommendation 
I want to hire someone to make a quilt(s) for me out of old T-shirts. Do you know of anyone that does this? Reply Unfortunately I don't have someone …

Polyester quilting thread is fraying 
Why does my polyester thread fray when trying to free motion quilt??? Reply Fraying thread is a sign that somewhere it's rubbing too much, the fibers …

Batting for hand quilting a baby quilt 
My best friend had a baby and I gave birth to the idea that I could make him a quilt. Now he is 2 months old and I have yet to find a machine to make his …

Quilting on photo transfer fabric 
Should you quilt on the photo or around it with a photo quilt? Reply This is where some pretesting will help you make the best decision for your quilt. …

Baby Lock mid arm quilting machine 
Does anyone have a Baby Lock Crown Jewel? Do you like it and would you recommend it? Reply I'm putting this out there in hopes that one of our readers …

Prewashing fabric for a quilt backing 
Kathy writes... I made a long twin quilt top featuring paper pieced sea life animals. I did NOT prewash any of the top material- I used a variety …

My thread is breaking 
Why is my top thread breaking all the time...my machine is on free motion quilting, all threaded correctly...and also the back side gets in a tangled mess...can …

Tipping machine quilters 
Do you tip professional machine quilters?

Seam allowance for quilting 
What is the seam allowance when sewing strips together? Reply The standard seam allowance in most quilting instructions is 1/4". If you are piecing …

Outline quilting 
My quilt is finished-now I want to outline stitch 1/4 inch from the seam and outline each block. Is there any easy way to do it? Reply I wish I …

White on white fabric and machine quilting 
Does machine quilting on white on white fabric requires special techniques? Reply Most of the time I would say 'no', it does not. White on white …

Squaring up my quilt top 
How do you square up a quilt before adding batting and backing? I am doing a Disappearing Nine Patch and it's not as easy as I expected. Reply …

Looking for a pattern for this 20 year old quilt 
Does anyone have the quilt pattern for this quilt. I made it 20 years ago but do not have the pattern. Thanks. Reply This is a version of …

Starting and stopping a line of quilting 
I am new to machine quilting and am working on my second quilt that I didn't send to the long arm quilter. I use a walking foot for straight lines …

Need sewing machine recommendations for a quilting frame 
I have a Next Generation frame and looking for recommendations for a sewing machine that is compatible. Reply Hi Libmousa, I personally have no …

Sewing machine tension issues on curves 
I've used a domestic sewing machine for years and understand the basics. My machine (both of them) does great for general sewing and straight stitch …

Bernina bobbin 
I bought a Bernina Artista 630 2 years ago and I am still having problems with the bobbin falling out every time I change it. I have followed all …

Thread weight 
The area I'm in is so rural there are no varieties of thread. The only kind I have available is Coats and Clark. In cotton thread they have machine quilting …

Quilt back with tucks  
How do I prevent tucks on the back of my quilt as I sew? I have carefully pinned it and smoothed it before sewing but still I get these tucks. …

Tidying up the back of the quilt 
A reader asks... I'm new to quilting and am using a domestic sewing machine. I used plain coloured fabric for the backing and to finish off a line …

Advice on invisible machine applique using a Bernina 830 
I have never done this and am wondering on what foot to use with the Bernina 820 to do invisible machine applique using a monafilament thread? Can …

Why use safety pins rather than straight pins? 
I just finished my first quilt top, and since no one in my family has ever made a quilt before, I don't really have anyone to bounce questions off of. …

Monofilament thread on the bobbin 
My monofilament thread will not wind evenly on the bobbin. What should do I do? Reply Monofilament thread does seem to have a mind of its own when …

Pennywinkle Quilting Frame - problems quilting circles and curves 
On a Pennywinkle frame with a Brother short arm machine, I can't seem to make a smooth curve. My best circle looks kind of like a square with rounded …

Thread is breaking 
I am having trouble this time with the thread that I am using. I bought all purpose thread from Walmart and it keeps breaking when trying to sew the border …

Spray basting for hand quilting 
I watched the video on spray basting and it was very informative. My question is: Can you spray baste if you are hand quilting? I have …

Need a recommendation for a low cost sewing machine for quilting 
As a boy I worked in "Grandma's quilting sweatshop"...LOL..I cut pieces out and hand stitched pieces together. Looking at some of those quilts again, …

Basting my quilt 
I am machine quilting all in the ditch in straight lines. I taped my layers to the table and safety pinned, but when I go to sew the top and back are …

Stabilizers for machine embroidered quilts 
I am doing an embroidery quilt with a lot of stitches. The tear away stabilizer is good, but I cannot get all of the stabilizer torn away and it seems …

Pieced backing for quilt 
Gloria writes... When you have to piece the back for a quilt, is it okay to just join in the middle or should it be done in thirds. Julie replies... …

I need a thinner, lighter quilt batting 
I love Warm and Natural batting; however, I have bi-lateral torn rotator cuffs and sometimes the Warm and Natural is too heavy for me to handle once the …

How to get even machine quilting stitches 
I have the Handiquilter with a Juki sewing machine, I have difficulty keeping my stitch length even. I keep practicing but still have some difficulty. …

Help! Free motion quilting stitch disaster!! 
The Situation I have read every post and thousands of others from other sites, plus my manual and I'm going no where!!! First off I started quilting …

Needle size for invisible thread 
What size sewing machine needle should I use with monofilament thread? Reply I suggest starting with an 80/12 in either a Topstitching or Microtex …

Should I wait to start the baby quilt? 
Julie writes to ask... I have a niece who's due in August and had an ultrasound saying the baby is possibly a boy but they're not completely sure. She …

Extra quilt backing fabric  
A reader writes... How many extra inches of backing fabric do I need if I am going to stitch in the ditch? Julie replies... The general answer if …

Log cabin quilt squares 
When Making a Log Cabin square how wide should the strips and centre square be? Reply You are in the driver's seat on this one. The size of your …

Stitch in the ditch problem 
I start in the middle and stitch in the ditch, but at some point I will have to have almost the whole quilt rolled up on the right inside to continue to …

Basting with a long arm on a scalloped edge 
I have a double wedding ring quilt with scalloped edges. The layers of material kept shifting while quilting. Do I need to baste all 3 layers together …

Using a walking foot with a Janome Magnolia 7330 
Fran asks... How can I get the bottom stitching to come out even? I am using a walking foot and cotton thread...the top stitches look great but the …

Echo quilting with a walking foot? 
Can I do the echo quilting "inside" the piece? I am working on a bow tie pattern, the background is black and I thought the bow tie would be more emphatic …

What weight of machine quilting thread should I use? 
A reader asks... What quilting thread weight should be used when long arm quilting? What weight should be used for piecing? Julie replies I am …

Quilting stitch density 
Is it ok to only quilt 5 inches apart as instructed on the quilt batting package? Reply I wouldn't recommend it. Personally, about the maximum distance …

Pricing quilts for sale 
I am a beginning quilter. I make homemade quilts using my sewing machine. How should I price a finished quilt? Reply This can be a tricky question …

Tucks on the back of my quilt 
I am working on quilting my first king size quilt having made several queen-size. I have never had problems with tucks on the back. But this time, …

What needle should I use for machine applique? 
A reader asks... What type and size of sewing machine needle should I use to do machine applique? Julie replies... For machine applique I like to …

Wrong material was quilted on the back. Can it be taken off? 
My daughter made a t-shirt quilt out of her favorite t-shirts from her years of growing up. She did all the sewing of the front putting the t-shirts together. …

Which sewing machine should I buy for free motion quilting? 
What sewing machine should I buy to do free motion quilting? I have a Viking Rose and have always sewn on Viking machines. Any recommendations? …

How much thread to purchase for quilting? 
Is there any way to determine approximately how much thread will be needed for quilting? I know that design and obviously size of project are variables …

Bobbin thread problems 
I cannot figure out why the bobbin thread cannot be picked up when I lower the needle. Any suggestions? Reply Take a look at the following video …

Mixing different types of quilt fabric together in the same quilt 
Can I use flannel and other cotton quilt fabrics together on a quilt top? Or should it be all flannel? Thanks, Teresa Reply Of course you …

Problems stitching in the ditch 
I have eight 13" squares, 4 down and 2 across (with Sunbonnet Sue & Sam in them). I stitched in the ditch and the material bunched up, and I used …

YLI quilting thread for piecing 
I purchased a YLI Quilting thread, glazed 40 wt, 1200 yds, 100% cotton. Your site recommends a 50 wt. Can I still use the 40 wt.?? I am truly a …

Which quilting foot? 
I have been told to use a walking foot by some and a free motion foot by others....HELP!! Thank you! Reply Glad to help! If you end up liking …

Machine quilting: wavy borders 
I have free motion quilted the inside of an appliqued wall hanging and then straight stitched in the ditch between the inside edge of the border and flange. …

Machine quilting diagonal lines 
I'm confused as to where to start quilting (on a home machine, with a walking foot) a series of single diagonal lines across a (pieced) quilt top, spaced …

Bobbin winding 
I have a Brother CS6000 which has ceased to wind bobbins. After completing the installation of the bobbin and pressing the foot pedal it just whirls and …

Vintage Carolina Lily Quilt Pattern 
I'm trying to locate an old quilt pattern. It is a circa 1930's Carolina Lily. I am unable to find the pattern I need, although I did locate a picture …

Setting the seam 
Why do we "set" seams when we are quilting? Reply The simple answer is that we get a better, more accurate seam. For those unfamiliar with the term, …

How to restore and to preserve an antique quilt 
Our church has a quilt that made in 1898 by the ladies of the church--our church is over 160 years old. It was white when it was made but has since …

What size sewing machine needle do I need? 
How do I know what size needle to use with what size thread. New to the game! Reply Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting! You are in for a …

Stitch in the ditch presser foot 
I recently got a stitch in the ditch foot and it works great except I think it is cutting my thread. I will be stitching along and I will notice that …

Machine quilting with Viking Emerald 118 
Once the feed dogs are down, must you use a walking presser foot, or can you just use an all-purpose foot? This beginning quilter wants to know! …

Lighting for quilting 
I am having trouble with shadows on my fabric when I am rotary cutting and sewing. Unless I'm cutting in full daylight, no matter where I position my …

Decorative stitches for quilting 
I have a new quilter machine. I just started doing decorative stitches, but my stitches look better on the bottom than they do the top....In other …

How much machine quilting do I need? 
Should 12" squares be quilted within each square? I have already stitched in the ditch, between each row of blocks. Reply Yes, I would definitely …

Can machine applique be used for quilting? 
Can you machine applique a quilt with the batting attached? Reply It will depend on your tastes, expectations, skill and size/bulkiness of your quilt …

Loose chalk for marking a quilt 
I am considering using loose chalk with a sponge brush to mark my quilt for machine quilting. Is this a good idea? Reply Test, test and test again …

How to machine quilt a king size quilt 
I made the top of my king size quilt a long time ago. I have not finished it because I was told it is too difficult and to send it out. I would not …

Free motion quilting: Darning foot doesn't work 
I just got a foot to do free arm quilting on my Janome sewing machine. I am having trouble getting it to work. I have set it on the darning setting …

How to adhere quilting paper to my quilt sandwich 
Grace asks... I'm finding that when I use regular tape or double sided tape to adhere my quilting motif to the my block that the tape doesn't stick very …

1/4 patchwork presser foot 
Miriam writes... I have a really hard time maintaining a 1/4 inch seam on my patchwork. I'm looking at special feet for my machine that will help …

Using soft quilt backing fabrics 
CotoCoti writes... I want to make a baby quilt for my niece and I want to piece the top with all cotton and then use a flannel or nice soft fabric for …

Thread Color for Piecing 
Say you are piecing together red and black fabric, or a maroon purple color to light pink. What color thread should you use in both instances? Reply …

Monofilament thread tension adjustments 
When using clear thread, do you use the same tension on the top and bottom tension wheels? Reply This question was asked in the 'Comments' section …

Beginner to quilting..frustration set in when sandwiching the quilt 
When the quilt top looked good, I started putting it together with the batting and back. It looked like after two attempts I had it smooth and taut. …

Quilting with silk thread 
What are some tips when using silk thread (100 weight)? My thread keeps breaking and the needle gets very hot. Reply One of my favorite threads …

Sewing Machine Tension: Small loops of thread 
Sometimes when I am quilting I get small loops on the back that resemble small seeds from the top thread. Cause and cure? Reply Check your sewing …

Thread for free motion quilting and embroidery 
I want to do free motion stitching/quilting that will really stand out and add a design element to the piece. I will not be stitching through batting. …

Walking foot for a Singer Curvy 8763 
Two years ago, I purchased a Singer Curvy 8763 sewing machine online. I don't even remember the vendor. I took a machine quilting class and am in …

Sewing machine needle for flannel quilt fabric 
Sherrie asks... What is the best needle for quilting flannel? Julie replies... My needle of choice, whether it be for piecing, invisible machine …

Quilt Batting: How much extra do I need? 
How do you determine how much batting you need for a square quilt, i.e. 88x88 inches? Reply I like to have an extra 3-4 inches around each outside …

Quilt design: I need inspiration! 
I need an idea for a quilt for my daughter's 25th wedding anniversary. She liked the one I made for her brother and I have included pictures (shown …

Professional Quilter and Bad Workmanship 
I gave my top to a professional quilter and paid $626 to have it quilted. I thought because she had done beautiful work before that she would do that on …

Machine quilting with monofilament thread 
Should I use invisible thread as both top thread and bobbin thread to machine quilt? Or should I only use it as the top thread? Reply It boils …

Favorite Quilt Marking Tools 
A reader asks... What's the best marking tool for marking the quilt top for quilting? GQP replies... The simple answer, as with so many things in …

Generic Walking Foot 
I have a Singer Rocketeer Model 500A. I also have a Kenmore Model 17850. Does anyone know if there is a walking foot and a hem roller foot available …

Buttonhole applique on a Bernina 
Which Bernina machines have the buttonhole stitch that can be used to machine applique? I know the Bernina 1130 has it, but not all machines do. I may …

Free Motion Quilting: My feed dogs don't drop 
My feed dogs do not drop. What can you do to do free motion quilting without dropping the feed dogs? Reply If there isn't a lever or button to …

Sewing machine needle for Americana Quilting Thread 
What size machine needle should I use for Americana quilting thread? Reply First, double check that you've got the machine quilting version of this …

Adjusting walking foot height? 
After attaching my walking foot to my machine, a White 1499, I find that there is not enough room beneath it to fit all three layers of my quilt. Is …

Quilt batting by the roll 
Where can I get the best price on batting by the roll? Reply When I need batting by the roll (and I always buy my favorite, Hobbs Heirloom 100% wool …

Walking foot stitches aren't consistent 
I am quilting using the walking foot (#50) on my Bernina 1260. The top thread is a clear nylon and the bobbin is a cotton thread. The stitch length …

Bobbin Thread Problems 
My bobbin thread gets tangled on the bottom, and then snaps. It is the first time I've used monofilament thread. What can I do to stop the bobbin thread …

Husqvarna Viking Designer I 
I am very new to quilting and would like to know what I need to buy for my machine to do machine quilting. I already have a walking foot, but that is …

Quilt Backing Fabric and Basting Spray 
Doris asks... I cannot believe that I forgot to tape my backing down... I have made other quilts before and this time was the first time I used a spray …

Husqvarna Long Arm Quilting Machine 
I wondered if anyone is finding that the longarm machine is difficult to operate? I have heard good and bad and wondered what a current user experiences …

Machine or Hand Quilt? 
I have made a quilt with a large panel in the middle which has a picture of running horses in a meadow. Could I hand quilt around each horse and maybe …

Sewing on naked batting 
I'm making a quilt that calls for me to sew top and bottom; right sides together and with the batting on top (to be turned right side out after sewing). …

Beginning and ending the quilting stitch 
Should I back stitch the beginning and end of the quilting stitch? Reply There are usually many ways to anything in quilting, and starting and stopping …

Meander Quilting Problems 
I'm ripping out meander stitching on my first quilt (twin size). I started at the center top and stitched to the right towards the inner border (which …

Quilt Marking: Removing Chalk 
Sewlady asks... Help! What is the best way to remove stubborn chalk from fabric? Julie replies... I wish there was one, dynamite, go-to removal …

Using an Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter: Left handed quilter 
Do you change the side that the blade is on for a left handed quilter who want to use an Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter? Reply Since I'm not left handed, …

Best thread for free motion quilting 
What is the best thread to use for free motion quilting? Reply A lot will depend on where you are in your free motion quilting journey and what's …

Quilt as You Go Technique 
I am very new to quilting, I have heard of a method called 'quilt as you go' which is to do with quilting each individual block as you do them and then …

Janome 9500  
I just purchased this machine used and would like to talk to someone that may own one of these machines. I have questions regarding importing designs …

Cutting fabric for quilt borders 
I have a pattern that instructs that I cut 12 strips of outer border fabric, each measuring 6 1/2" x WOF. I understand that WOF is Width of Fabric. I am …

Thread for Hand Quilting 
If I have regular thread the color I need. Can I use to hand quilt? Reply If it is a good quality thread, one that won't shred or break on you as you …

Which iron for quilting? 
What is the best iron recommended for piecing? I would like something heavy and that does not automatically turn off. And must it be a steam iron? …

Paper Piecing a Storm at Sea Quilt 
Now another question... My quilt is a Storm at Sea block with a monochromatic theme. I have been over 3 years gathering over 100 fabrics. Each block …

Accurate piecing without paper piecing 
I have trouble piecing nice points without paper piecing. I am working on a large quilt with small pieces and blocks so making many copies to paper …

Finding the best mid arm quilting machines 
I'm considering getting a mid arm machine. I'm wondering what you like and why. Reply Readers, I'm going to need your help on this one. I'm …

Quilting a Pineapple Quilt 
How should I quilt a miniature pineapple quilt? Reply It seems like great minds are thinking alike today! There've been a couple of questions come …

Batting showing under quilting stitches 
When quilting my piece with transparent thread the batting is being pulled through on the back side of the quilt (dark batik fabric) and so there are white …

Need help choosing between two sewing machines! 
Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of Brother vs. Janome sewing machines? I am looking to purchase a second machine for free motion quilting. …

Sewing Machine Tension Question 
Underneath the quilt, my stitches are looped, but on the top the stitches are perfect. I've adjusted the bobbin tension but nothing has worked. What do …

Stitch Length for Quilting with a Walking Foot 
What type of stitch and stitch length do I use with the walking foot? Reply The purpose of the walking foot (aka even feed foot, IDT on a Pfaff) on …

Free Motion Quilting - Bobbin Thread 
Why do you need to bring up the bobbin thread in free motion quilting? I just purchased a straight stitch high speed machine and wonder if the bobbin …

Appearance of quilting on the backing fabric  
Licia writes... I've completed two children's quilts. I'd like to stitch in the ditch around the large squares, stipple in the white background surrounding …

Prewashing Quilt Fabric 
Is it really necessary to prewash 100% cotton material? Thank you very much, Rosimar Reply In a word, no. Do I? Yes, always. Because my …

Cleaning an antique quilt 
I recently received 2 quilts that my great grandmother made and they have been folded up for years sitting in my Aunt's closest. They have yellow lines …

Vanish Water Soluble Thread 
Where in the UK can I buy water soluble thread - Superior Threads' "Vanish" or YLI's Wash-A-Way? Reply Barnyards has it listed on their website. …

Quilting an Irish Chain Quilt 
If I quilt the first few stabilizing stitches from either the center or the diagonal, I would be stitching through the white spaces that I plan to do a …

Fair price for quilting and applique 
I was wondering what is a fair price to Hand Applique pre-1920 Dresden plate circles onto 14-1/2 inch background. There will be 2 twin quilts. I would …

Hand Quilting Thimble Search 
Luci asks... I have an elderly friend who has lost her favorite thimble and would be SO happy if I could find her another one. It was less than 1/4" and …

Cotton batting is bunched up after washing 
I made the mistake of washing my new quilt and the cotton batting inside of it is bunched up and bulky in some places and there is no cotton at all in …

Stitch in the Ditch Problems 
Why does my quilt backing fabric keep gathering when I am trying to stitch in the ditch? Reply Since you mention only problems with the backing, it …

Customer wants payment for quilt  
A client brought me her table topper to top stitch. She knew I only had a Janome 1000. She picked out the stitching pattern. She stated she didn't care …

Embroidery Sewing Machines for Quilting in a Hoop 
What do you think is the most important feature that embroidery sewing machines MUST have. I only want the machine for quilting. Reply This is a …

Bad Machine Quilting 
I need advice... I sent two quilts to a long arm machine quilter who was recommended. I am heartbroken at the results - hard, stiff, threads pulling, …

Bernina Walking Foot #50: What's this extra piece? 
My Bernina walking foot #50 came with a 3 sided metal attachment with a screw in the middle. What do I do with it? Reply I'm not a Bernina user, …

Finding a star quilt block pattern 
Recently I sent in photos of a quilt block I was trying to identify and find a pattern. You were able to send me a wealth of information on the pattern …

Star Quilt Block Pattern 
I have a photo of a star quilt block that I would love to identify. I've tried searching for "Star" blocks, but nothing comes up that looks like my …

Outline quilting for machine applique 
I have machine appliqued a baby quilt (Noah's ark). I want to outline quilt around each animal. How far out from the applique stitch should I do the …

Sewing Machines with Plastic Parts - Will they last? 
I love my machine, a Brother C6000, but wonder how many years it will last. My old Singer, straight stitch from the 1950's is still running smooth …

Hand quilting thread: Can I use embroidery floss? 
Is it OK to use embroidery floss for hand quilting thread? It is easier to match thread to fabric.   Reply I have to admit that I've …

Machine Quilting Flannel Quilts 
I have made a flannel quilt and I am at the stage of quilting. What is the best way to quilt flannel? Free motion or ditch stitching? Reply Another …

Monofilament thread problem on a Bernina 820 
I cannot get the monofilament thread to work in my new Bernina 820. I am using the best thread and have tried setting the tension to looser settings. …

Choosing a thread color for quilting 
The front of my quilt is black and white with an accent of pink material. The back is bright pink. If I use white thread that would work fine for the front …

Looking for a quilt pattern - Native British Columbian theme 
I'm looking for a very specific type of quilt pattern. I want to make a quilt with pictures relating to the British Columbia natives with orcas, totems …

Quilt borders won't lay flat 
Somehow the wide borders on my quilt tops don't lay flat when I layer the top to the batting and backing. Am I stretching it somehow in handling it? …

Add a quilt backing to hide stitches? 
KT writes... On the front of the quilt I used several different shades of thread to quilt the various blocks; also using different techniques like stippling, …

Hand Quilting Thread Tangles 
I need some help, please. Is there anyway to keep the thread from twisting while hand quilting? I have to stop and let the thread dangle before I can …

How close do I need to machine quilt this baby quilt? 
Dede asks... I am making a baby quilt that has a star, moon and dog pattern on it. I sewed around the blocks of each dog which are probably 9 inches …

Can I use felt for quilt batting? 
Is it possible to use felt as quilt batting? Reply Simply put—yes...and no. Personally, I wouldn't use felt for batting. Most felts are man-made, …

Machine quilting stitches: Stopping, traveling, and starting 
I have seen demos where a quilter is quilting, say outline quilting. She/he will get to a point where she wants to stop and "hop" to the next area (like …

Quilting with machine embroidery stabilizers 
Do I need to cut out the excess backing once my design is complete or can I leave it all in place. Reply I'm assuming you're talking about the machine …

Free Motion Quilting Tension Problems 
How do I know which tension—needle or bobbin—is out of sync? I can see the top thread on the bottom of my quilt sandwich. A trace to loops …

Quilt marking for hand quilting with difficult fabric 
Maddie asks... What product would you recommend to mark hand quilting lines/patterns when you do not want to wash the quilt or iron it? I have a red …

Learning to Quilt - Beginning Quilting Lessons 
I am trying to teach myself how to quilt and I don't think I am being very successful at it. I have done needle and paper crafting practically my whole …

Scottish Name for 'Quilt' 
Is there a Scottish word for 'quilt' or 'quilter'? Reply Okay. You had me stumped for a bit there! (big smile!) So I asked my Brother, Mark, the …

Problems machine quilting with decorative stitches 
Since I was a teenager I have made many quilts on my first very basic machine. Using it I quilted along the seams of the top. Recently, I decided to …

Machine quilting causes tucks! 
I am quilting my very first quilt. It is a very simple block with some sashing. No matter how much I pin or baste, I still get a little tuck at the end …

What color quilting thread should I use for piecing? 
I have light and dark colors in my quilt blocks. What thread color do I use? Light or dark thread? Reply I choose lighter rather than darker quilting …

Which walking foot should I buy? 
I'm very new for quilting and sewing and I just bought a Brother BM2600. I want to buy some feet and learn more about quilting but I'm not sure which …

Tension problems, I've tried EVERYTHING! 
Ok, first of all, I have a very basic machine, it's just a sewing/mending machine, and has maybe 15 stitches, none of them decorative. The feed dogs do …

Walking feet for Bernina 
I have two walking feet that came with couple of my Bernina's. I don't think they fit either machine. Where can I find information on what machine …

When is a quilt overdue? 
I offered to make a relative a quilt for their wedding and asked that they specify colors at least eight months prior to the wedding since I work full-time …

Travel Irons for Quilting 
Karin writes... Hello! I am taking my first quilting class and would like to know what mini iron should I get for use in my class? Julie replies... …

How do I secure machine quilting stitches? 
I am using the internet as an information source to learn how to machine quilt. All instructions begin by saying, "Pull up the bobbin thread to knot". …

Quilt Sandwich Sticks to Machine 
What can I use to make the quilt move more evenly when free-motion quilting? Reply The best way to ensure even movement of the quilt when free-motion …

Piecing Quilt Borders 
Am ready to add my quilt borders and wondered if it is plausible to sew the three borders together first then add them as a set to the main body? Reply …

Keeping my quilting stitches even using my walking foot... 
I'm having trouble keeping my stitches the same size when I'm quilting using my walking foot. I'm quilting straight lines, but it's really hard to keep …

Seam allowance in my quilt blocks comes undone 
I have sewn my quilt blocks squares together and the squares are pulling apart because I didn't lock in my stitches. I tried to do a zigzag stitch …

Walking foot is off centre... 
Hi! I have assembled my walking foot and everything seems OK except for one annoying problem. My sewing needle is just off centre. Is there any way of …

Machine quilting threads keep breaking 
I have made several quilts, however, on this one the machine quilting threads keep breaking. This is very frustrating to me. What can I do? Reply …

Sewing machine needle problems 
I have some assorted sewing machine needles, some with colour on them. Is there any way to know if they are different sizes and for different types of …

Machine quilting tension problems 
I am a rather new quilter. I have been doing this for about 5 years but little at a time. Every time I machine quilt the bottom is messy. I tried moving …

Machine Quilting without a quilt backing 
Laurel writes... I wish to quilt the top side of my project before I attach the back. I will be doing a meandering stitch. It seems, however, that …

Use a certified quilt appraiser to determine Fair Market Value 
I have a beautiful 104" by 88" quilt I am interested in selling. I also have the antique bed dated back to 1880's that this quilt was made for. I know …

Beginning Free Motion Quilting 
I'm going to be machine quilting a 60 x 75 quilt, using the free motion - stippling technique. Your website has been so helpful! One question though: …

Which quilting machine...? 
Which long arm machine on a frame is the easiest to quilt with? Fortunately or unfortunately, there is no one size fits all for sewing machines, quilting …

Machine Quilting Thread Shreds, Then Breaks 
The top thread breaks. An inspection of the broken end of the thread shows that one of the thread strands have broken and bunched up while remaining strands …

Quilt backing has creases quilted into it 
I just finished quilting my friends quilt. The entire quilt was perfectly quilted on the front, but the back of the quilt had an area about 5 inch square …

Problem Removing Quilt Markings 
I marked the white parts of my quilt with blue chalk to use as quilting markings. The chalk will not come out. I have tried to rub it out, dry and with …

How do I control my quilt sandwich during quilting? 
A reader asks... How do I keep the layers of my quilt taut when I use my home sewing machine to quilt? Julie replies... Keeping your layers held …

Top and botton threads are not connecting correctly... 
When I quilt freestyle (or free motion) the two threads are not meeting correctly. The top thread is coming out through the bottom layer of the quilt. …

My appliqued wall hanging does not lie flat - it appears to be stretched 
Is there a way to straighten the edges of a stretched appliqued wall hanging? It is quite intricate and I'm afraid I worked the fabric "too enthusiastically" …

Quilt Backing Problems 
How do you keep your quilt backing fabric taut during the quilting process? Even though I pin and/or thread baste, and try to gently "stretch" the …

Quilting Techniques for Accurate Piecing 
How do you get log cabin blocks to come out nicely. I take care but mine are never square. Reply: I use several quilting techniques to get accurate …

Beginner Quilting Tips: Sewing Straight Stitches 
I have just started quilting and very much loving it. It is my new hobby. Just not liking sewing up the squares since my sewing machine won't sew a straight …

Is a walking foot necessary? 
Do you have to use a walking foot? I cannot find one that will fit my machine because it is so old. Reply I'll break your question into two parts, …

Open Toe Walking Foot 
What is an open toe walking foot? Reply Luckily, I have kept my older, closed toe walking foot and I can show you a picture of the difference between …

Sewing Machine Needle Stops Up 
I purchased a new sewing machine before I got into quilting. My question is I have been practicing free motion quilting but when I stop, my needle stays …

Which Machine Quilting Thread 
I am a new long arm quilter. I have just started my first quilt and the big mistake I made was not using the best thread. Luckily I noticed on the first …

Machine Quilting 
What is machine quilting used for? Reply Machine quilting produces the stitches that hold your quilt's layers together. A little history... Before …

Is There a Substitute for Wool Batting? 
I love how the quilting looks when using a wool batting. However, I'm allergic to wool (big time). Is there any batting out there that I could substitute …

Pyrotechnics Quilt Pattern 
My Mother was a avid quilter and she had a magazine called Quilting Today (1989) featuring a KY quilter, Donna Duncan, of Eminence, KY. She made a quilt …

Hand Quilting 
Can quilting paper be used for hand quilting? Reply First, I should qualify my answer. I have hand quilted only one wall hanging in my quilting …

Quilt Stencil Arrows 
What do the arrows on quilting stencils mean? Reply Arrows on quilt stencils generally refer to the direction of the quilting stitches. Sometimes direction …

Long Arm Quilting Services for a Beginning Quilt 
I have finished my front, purchased batting and backing; but am looking for someone to quilt it with their big long arm quilting machine. I need the …

Best Sewing Machine for Quilt Class 
What machine is a good machine to take to quilt classes? Reply It really depends upon the kind of quilting classes you are taking. Machine Quilting …

How to Quilt a Quilt Pattern 
I have completed a 'Steps to the Altar' quilt and don't know how to quilt it. Any ideas? Reply There is a quilt pattern known as "Steps to the Altar" …

Cutting Quilt Borders 
I am working on my first quilt. It is time to cut the strips of fabric to make the border. Is it necessary to cut the fabric selvedge to selvedge and …

Bernina Walking Foot Problem 
My needle won't stay in with my walking foot attachment. I have an older Bernina--is there something I am doing "wrong" in the set up? Reply Not knowing …

Remove Quilting Lines Left By Chalk Markers 
I tested the pink chalk on my border sample before beginning. I have now marked and quilted a king sized quilt. The border is a natural color and I …

Hand Written Quilting Pattern circa 1840 
I have an old hand written quilting pattern (circa 1840) and would like to find out more about it. Reply: You are so lucky! To have a piece of quilting …

Machine Quilting Circles 
I'm trying to quilt my "sandwich", and I want to make circles, but I don't know if I'm supposed to use the darning foot to do that, or just a walking foot. …

Free Motion Quilting Thread Problem 
I have a very basic sewing machine (Singer) and when I attempt to do free motion quilting the upper thread rips. I have a free motion foot, I set my …

Antique Singer Sewing Machine - Walking Foot 
I have a vintage/antique Singer sewing machine that I have dated from around 1948. Since I got it in 1969, I have sewed miles on it and would now like …

How to Remove Pencil Quilt Markings from Quilt Blocks 
I am doing the "quilt as you go" method and have all my blocks quilted. I used a No. 2 pencil to mark the quilt lines and used 80/20 batting. Can I …

Getting a Quilt PC DISK for a Viking Designer 1 
Know anyone or anywhere I can purchase a PC DISK for my Husqvarna Designer 1 - the one I would like is Quilt Embroidery 101? Reply: Obviously your …

Machine quilting with clear thread 
I am trying to quilt with clear thread but it continues to get tangled up. Is there a special type of monofilament thread or does this just happen? …

Bernina Walking Foot Problem 
I bought a used Bernina 153QE and it came with a #50 WALKING foot--one sole for quilts and another for plaid matching. I am not using it right or something. …

Combining Hand and Machine Quilting 
Is it okay to combine machine quilting and hand quilting on the same quilt? (i.e. stitch in the ditch along seam lines with the machine, then hand quilting …

Sewing Machine Tension Problems 
Argh!! Thread Nests!! How can I prevent the thread nests that form on the bottom of my quilt. They are formed with the upper thread not the bobbin …

Quilt is bunching up when I machine quilt 
I am currently machine quilting a baby quilt. I have used a cotton batting and have used a quilt gun to secure the three layers. My machine tension is …

Quilting Pattern for Circles? 
I have finished this top with circles and rounds. Now I am absolutely clueless about how to quilt. I do not want to stitch in the ditch. Is there …

Where to start free motion quilting? 
Where do you start when you free motion quilt. In the center? At a corner? Reply You would start in different places depending on the type of free …

Beginning Machine Quilting 
Can I quilt with a domestic sewing machine? Reply Yes, absolutely, positively, you can quilt on a domestic sewing machine! If the only information …

Machine Quilting: I get puckers 
I pinned my quilt top but it still puckered badly when I got to the bottom as I did my "stitch in the ditch" quilting. What was wrong? Reply Nothing …

Quality Cotton Quilting Fabric 
What, in your opinion, is the best quality white fabric...is there one manufacturer that is better than another? What would be the ideal weight? Is 220 …

Quilting Applique Quilt Patterns 
Once you have machine appliqued a design on a quilt do you quilt over the applique or just around it? Does it matter? Reply It matters if it matters …

Echo Quilting 
Eileen asks... If one is not to turn the quilt under the needle, how does one navigate around a large center motif? Julie replies Echo quilting is …

What is an open toe darning foot? 
What does the open toe darning foot do? Reply The darning or hopping foot is used for free motion quilting. The "open toe" version of this foot is …

Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat 
How can I heal my OLFA Mat? I understand there is a way by soaking it in a bathtub. What is the solution you need to add to the water? Reply …

Cloth Leaders 
How can I straighten stretched leaders easily? Reply Since I am not a long arm quilter and have no experience with quilting frames, I am putting …

Liberty Tana Lawn Cotton Quilting Fabric 
Do you have any suggestions on what thread, needle size, pins, you would use for Liberty Tana Lawn fabric? I have heard that because it is very fine …

Stitch in the Ditch with Water Soluble Thread 
I am in the planning stages of making a 9ft square wedding quilt for my son and his fiance. This is quite a feat for me as a newbie to machine quilting …

Sewing Machine Problems - Threading breaking 
I have a Juki TL-98 QE and a GMQ pro frame. When I first started on a simple solid quilt sandwich, the quilting was fine and smooth. I decided to quilt …

Tips for Cutting with Rotary Cutter Blades 
Do you have any tips for ACCURATE cutting? Is it better to cut all on the same day...I am assuming that if the pieces don't line up exactly the problem …

Machine Quilting a Beginner Quilting Project 
I am quilting a table runner and the first one I have made. I have gotten the appliques sewn on and I am now need to quilt the seams and I need to know …

Cutting Triangles from Rectangles 
I, too, am a new quilter and know that this should be easy to find...I just can't. When cutting triangles from a square, you add 7/8" to insure that …

Free Motion Machine Quilting Tools 
Christine asks... I tried to stipple a medium size quilt. I just couldn't get the quilt to glide over the machine bed, so the stitches were all different …

My Thread Keeps Breaking 
I have just finished my first quilt...a lap size Bento Box. I am trying to quilt it. I am using a walking foot, sewing straight diagonal lines. When …

Sewing Machine Tension Troubleshooting 
I'm having a terrible time with tension while trying to free motion quilt. The front of my work looks great, but the back is a mess. I get "eyelashes" …

Comparing Quilt Batting 
I am interested to know your opinion and how you feel about 100 % wool, 50% cotton/50% bamboo batting compared to 100% cotton from a feel and hand point …

Machine Quilting with Multiple Threads 
I want a heavier look to the machine quilting. Can you have 2 threads go through one needle? If not, what kind of thread will give a heavier look to …

Machine Quilting Over the Same Place Twice? 
I would like to machine quilt between the applique butterfly wings and it would be easier to go over a section more than once...I have been out of quilting …

Free Motion Quilting: Sewing Machine Setup 
I have some questions about setting up my sewing machine for free motion quilting. What about needle choice? And if you are free motion quilting, …

Problems installing my walking foot 
Please help me to figure out why I cannot get my walking foot to work on the Singer machine I have. I attached it but when I lower the lever on the …

Darning foot for echo quilting... 
Your site is great, and I'm wondering if you can help a desperate quilter! When sewing, there is always a spot on my presser foot that I can use as …

What else can I use my walking foot for besides ditch quilting? 
I have only been quilting for a short while and I only know how to "stitch in the ditch". What other types of stitching can I do on a machine to finish …

Bamboo Quilt Batting for Hand Quilting 
I recently have seen bamboo batting, it mentions machine quilting but not hand quilting, I do mainly hand quilting and would like to know if the bamboo …

Quilt Batting and Machine Quilting Distances 
When quilting your quilt, what is the maximum area of your quilt that you can leave untouched. For example can you leave 2" square not stitched or …

Starting or stopping a line of machine quilting stitches 
I'm about to start machine quilting my third quilt... How do I start and end a line of quilting stitches. I'd like to do a large amount of echo quilting …

Quilt block is too small... 
I'm a relatively new quilter. I've made a couple of table runners and wall hangings. This is my first real bed quilt. The pattern is fairly simple. …

Quilting Foot - Which one do I need? 
What is the best type of machine quilt presser foot to use for "stitch in the ditch"? I bought a "Big Foot" but couldn't figure out how to install it on …

Quilt Backing Fabric Has Puckers 
I have machine quilted my quilt. Some parts of the quilt backing fabric have puckered. I pinned it correctly, or so I thought. I used a walking foot. …