Quilting on a sewing machine: what is it and what can be sewn?

Quilting and quilting in needlework are often confused. We can say that these are related types of creativity, because both of them involve the preparation of a patchwork mosaic. A popular area of ​​quilting is considered a technique that can not do without a sewing machine.

Quilting on a sewing machine is usually called flashing a volumetric pattern (abstract, geometric).

Quilt is represented by three required layers:

• upper decorating layer;
• second made by volume-forming gasket - usually a synthetic winterizer;
• third layer - lower lining fabric.

Often such a structure is called a sandwich construction. The upper decorative part does not have to be shreds. Even in one color, it is attractive, because the whole pattern creates sewing - machine-sewn stitches.

The technique has several features.

• Due to the synthetic winterizer (or other filler), you can adjust the volume and texture of the picture. If the filler is quilted, the pattern will come out wavy, if not, the product will be smooth, but with a volume.
• The front layer in quilting on a sewing machine can be considered the main one. It depends on how the product will eventually look. Of course, a patchwork cloth with machine embroidery looks more spectacular than a plain one. But both options can be interesting and technologically advanced.

For beginners, this technique is suitable if you already have experience working with a sewing machine. No complicated patterns to choose right away: It is recommended to start with straight lines that perfectly line the typewriter on a typewriter.

A traditional quilting seam is considered to be a “forward needle” seam, but several other interesting options have been created for quilting with a sewing machine.

• Straight seams will form parallel or intersecting straight lines.
• Wavy seams more decorative. If they are used together with the patchwork, then mainly for the background organization.
• Twisty (fantasy) - in machine quilting, this is a free-running seam in which the stitch is multidirectional, which creates a unique free pattern.
• Quilted grate - The best option for the manufacture of bedspreads. For it to be correct, you need to pre-mark with one interval throughout the product.
• Curved seam creates rounded elements - in quilting on a sewing machine these are, for example, leaves and feathers.
• Contour seam positioned on the edges of the image. It looks great, made with ribbons, however, you can’t do without a hoop to complete this seam.

First you need to practice doing different stitches on a separate piece of fabric. And only after training, when the seams will be confidently obtained, you can proceed to decorate the product.

The two most striking trends in quilting are Japanese and Celtic. In Japanese technology, stitches connecting fabric layers and allowing interesting ornaments and patterns to be made on ready-made things are a distinctive feature. The motifs used here are mainly natural subjects. The product may additionally have an application. Fringes and brushes - often Japanese products adorn such decor.

Celtic quilting is not as complicated as Japanese, but it cannot be denied originality. In its construction, the principles of symmetry and mirror reflection of colorful curls reminiscent of plant stems are clearly observed. It has a lot of bright colors and geometry in the patterns.

There are several technological “tricks”.

1. It is easier to stitch the desired element if you first draw it with a pencil on the fabric (chalk can also be done).
2. To maintain the accuracy of the patterns, the canvas, which no longer fits under the foot, should be organized on the floor or on the table. But on your knees you should not keep the fabric - just twitching, you can stray in embroidery.
3. On large products, embroidery almost always starts from the center - it is easier and faster to arrange the elements of the pattern according to the pattern.
4. The machine line in the opposite direction helps delicately complete the work by masking the fastening of the threads.

In the needlework store, for sure, there is everything that the craftswoman lacks to make a quilting product. The main material, of course, is fabric.

It is very comfortable to work with 100% cotton, but mixed fabrics are also worth considering. The latter wrinkle less, do not wear out so quickly, and remain attractive longer.

Consider what else is needed.

• Roller knife. Much more convenient than scissors, speeds up the process. He is sharper and more precise than scissors.
• Cutting Mat. You can’t do without it if it is decided to seriously take up quilting. You can practice using a roller knife on it.
• Transparent squares and rulers, patterns - All this helps the needlewoman to make patterns on the fabric.
• Simple pencils (preferably soft) convenient in the manufacture of templates, can be useful in transferring the pattern to the fabric.
• Needles and pins. For quilting (even machine), a short and durable needle with a sharp end will not be superfluous.
• Thread. These should be high-quality threads that do not fade, do not change color during washing, and do not paint over the fabric.

If you already have one, you need to study its capabilities. And if the machine has yet to be bought, useful tips should not be ignored.

Machine quilting helps the product become flatter, and the line on them will be tight and more reliable. You can use a conventional machine, but for professional purposes it is worth looking at equipment with advanced functions and additional types of lines. For example, if the foot in the machine rises by 14 mm, this greatly simplifies the work of the needlewoman.

The most popular are two brands of cars.

• Quilters Companion (Janome). This is the most famous quilting equipment, in its configuration there is even a set of convenient paws. Computerized machines are also produced, which make 60 lines, and the width of the zigzag in them can reach 7 cm.
• Bernina. The Swiss model with a special foot organizes a constant stitch length, even if the speed of the fabric is changing. Some models of the brand have 180 variations of stitches and have almost 2 dozen lines specifically for quilting.

In cars where you can professionally engage in quilting, there is, for example, an enlarged platform - it is easier to quilt large things. Can be equipped with an auxiliary table. It will also be convenient for the skilled worker to set the sewing speed herself. If the machine has an automatic needle threader, this is very convenient - when quilting, you often have to change the threads.

The first thing that comes to mind for every needlewoman who wants to do machine quilting is the production of bedspreads, rugs, blankets, pillows. And bedding (if you can call it that) is, in fact, the main reference point for the craftsmen. From beautiful flaps of natural fabrics (almost always this way) a whole canvas with interesting patterns is obtained.

Scandinavian style, boho, rustic - everything will be an ideal basis for quilting products.

What else can I sew:

• light coats and vests;
• bags (it is very convenient to walk with a stroller with such textile bags);
• pillows in the car;
• wraps for the kitchen bench;
• various kitchen accessories (potholders, heating pads on the kettle, lunch mats);
• rugs (and wall mats too);
• interior toys.

You can realize yourself not only as a home decorator, but also become a craftsman. There is always a buyer at handmade, if you competently present such beautiful and cozy art as quilting.

In the next video you will learn how to choose the right sewing machine for quilting.