Quilting as a hobby not only relieves people of stress, it also induces relaxing thoughts and a calm mind. For some, it is even a source of income. However, not everyone has the knack to pursue quilting, but for those who do so, here are some quilting techniques that will make a difference in a quilter’s life.
Applique Quilting Technique
By definition, applique is the decoration placed on top of a quilt. It can be flat or embossed with the shapes forming the quilt sewn to the background. The shapes are usually lighter in color to highlight the applique, but there are already quilt makers who use bolder colors and printed fabrics. This technique allows the quilt maker to be audacious because they are not restricted to any pattern and fabric piece. More often than not, this technique is used in parallel with the other quilting techniques to create wonderful quilt designs.
Art Quilting Technique
Experts usually employ the art quilting technique because with this technique, the quilt pieces are transformed into works of art. Some quilts sewn using this technique are even framed, while others are used as bed sheets that serve as a memorabilia of a place or a sofa rug that tell a story. There is no specific process involved in this technique. Creating a quilt using the art quilt method is purely dependent on the quilter’s hands. This technique can even be incorporated with other quilting techniques such as the paper piece quilting technique.
The Amish quilting technique is another version of the art quilting method. This version generates a more abstract form of art through the use of solid colors. Although originally meant as a way to salvage excess pieces of fabric, this method is already being more popular for quilting beginners.
Cathedral Window Quilting Technique
As its name implies, the cathedral window quilting technique is based from the geometric patterns and shapes typically seen in the windows of churches and cathedrals. This technique is normally done by hand wherein muslin or cheesecloth fabric is used for a translucent effect, mimicking the window pane. Heavier fabrics with bold and plain colors like cotton, frame this window pane from muslin or cheesecloth, imitating a stained glass window.
Memory & Photo Memory Quilting Technique
The memory and photo memory quilt making technique is also another popular technique for beginners in quilt making. Used clothes such as jeans, shirts, and handkerchiefs are sewn together to create a quilt. This technique is a great way to remember someone who passed away, or to mark different milestones and celebrations in one’s life. There are even instances wherein shirts from different travel destinations or different concerts attended, are sewn together to form a quilt. Memory quilts are typically given as gifts, with some even having a photo transferred to fabrics, embedded in the quilt.
Paper Pieced Quilting Technique
This technique is often referred to as the Foundation Paper Piecing or FPP technique. More dramatic design can be achieved with this quilting technique because the edges are trimmed in sharp edges. Additionally, paper patterns that come in different shapes and geometric patterns are used in this style, with fabric sewn into it. The paper patterns have corresponding guides that can be followed to create the quilt, making the quilt making process more effortless for the quilter. There are patterns intended for beginners and there are also patterns for more advanced quilters. Experts even make their own paper patterns for a unique touch. Nonetheless, quilters are sometimes surprised by the beautiful outcome they generate after following the lines and numbers in the paper.
A version of this technique is the English Paper Piecing or EPP, which is typically used to create geometric shapes and patterns with a significant number of sides. Paper templates are still used to generate the exact shape and size of the pattern with fabric wrapped around the template. The paper inside holds the fabric cloth in shape.
Patchwork Quilting Technique
This technique is the most common type of method used to design a quilt, and perhaps the easiest too, because patches of fabric are typically sewn together. According to the experts from Quilter’s Review, quilting beginners tend to follow this technique because they can never go wrong in making art pieces from sewing pieces of fabric with different shapes to form a pattern. A quilter can opt to follow a certain theme or a color code with the fabric print and shape sizes.
The highlight in this technique is patterns created from blocks and patches of squares and triangles used to make a quilt. For this reason, this technique is sometimes referred to as the block quilt technique. Nowadays, even strips and other shapes can be sewn together to create blocks that form the patterns for the quilt.
Rag Quilting Technique
This quilting technique is gaining popularity with today’s modern fashion trends. Since the rag quilting technique is relatively easy to employ, even beginners in quilt making can do this technique. Fabrics such as denim and fleece can be used in the design and the patterns used in the patchwork quilting technique can also be used. The fabrics used with this method are what sets this technique apart from the other quilting techniques.
Trapunto Quilting Technique
Trapunto is derived from the Italian phrase “to quilt”. In this technique, two pieces of fabric are sewn together, with a top and bottom layer. The pocket created by sewing these pieces together is stuffed with cotton or padding. This creates a wonderful dimension that adds a visual texture to the quilt. The thickness or thinness of the pads depends on the overall design intended to be created. Sometimes, this technique is used in conjunction with the applique quilting technique.
In conclusion, quilting is a fun way to divert one’s attention from stressful situations to a calm mind. It is a fun way to relax and destress while creating beautiful art pieces. With these quilting techniques that can be used by beginners, advanced quilters, and experts, unique and beautiful quilt pieces can be produced. Having your own sewing machine for quilting will also be a great investment. You can find out more details here.