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Did You Know...
Cleaning Your Machines:
If you don't know how to remove your bobbin case and clean the area underneath or behind it, please ask your dealer to show you how to do it. Not cleaning this area regularly can lead to several problems and unnecessary service charges. Make sure you change your needles frequently. Many people are still under the misconception that you only need to change your needle if it breaks. Needles do wear out, get damaged, or may be defective. For optimum sewing, change them frequently!
Thread for Applique on Bobbin Spools:
Don't want to drag a lot of spools around for applique? Take a little time and fill some bobbins on your sewing machine and keep them in the bobbin keeper. Purchase the plastic bobbins (one ones with flat sides) and put your silk thread on them. The bobbin buddies that are available hold the thread so it won't unwind. Write the color number of the thread on the sides with a permanent marker. That way you'll know which color your were using and can refill it again with the same thread.
Threading the Needle:
Needles are made by a stamping process. This causes the eye to be a bit "larger" on one side, so turn that needle around and thread will go through easier.
Borders:
When applying borders, measuring and pinning is essential. Do not just use a long piece and cut it off after sewing. Measure the length you need (in the center of the quilt) and then cut the exact length. Pin all the way to the end for sewing. This will result in less seam and fabric distortion.
Acid-Free Storage:
The safest technique for storing a quilt that is not being displayed is to wrap the quilt in acid-free tissue and place it into an archival storage box. Support any folded areas with rolls of tissue to prevent creases. Remove from the box every few months and refold so the creases aren't always in the same areas of the quilt.
The Fudge Factor:
Are you trying to machine piece two quilt pieces that don't quite match up? As long as the difference is not more than 1/8", try this technique: Place a pin at each end of the seam and stitch with the larger piece facing the feed dogs of the sewing machine. This will "ease" the extra bit of fabric. Practice first on a scrap fabric to get a feel for the technique.
Keep Those Pins Short & Fine:
If you prefer to pin baste your applique pieces, be sure to get some fine, short pins. The fine pins will also leave holes in the fabric that are much less noticeable.
Use Your Rotary Cutter While Standing:
The safest way to use a rotary blade is standing up at your cutting table. You need to be able to look straight down to ensure that your blade is firmly placed against the ruler. Leaning forward from a sitting position is not as steady and could lead to uneven cuts or a slice into your hand holding your ruler steady.
Fabric Backing:
Standard Mattress Dimensions:
Knowing standard mattress sizes will help you design and make a quilt that fits a bed just right. The dimensions below are the actual mattress dimensions, not the quilt size;
Standard Mattress Sizes
Mattress Type Dimension in Inches
Crib 28" x 52"
Twin/Single 39" x 75"
Full/Double 54" x 75"
Long Twin 39" x 80"
Queen 60" x 80"
King 76" x 80"
California King 72" x 84"
Mattress Depths
There are no standard mattress depths. Some mattresses are 9-10 inches deep, but many pillow top mattresses measure 15-16 inches in depth or more. Box springs, pedistals, and other bed components can make the mattress even higher.
If you're making a quilt for yourself, make sure to include the mattress size and add for the length (top of the mattress to the floor) according to how long you want the quilt to be from the floor.
Quilt Size and Backing Yardage Chart:
Note: Most machine quilters require the backing fabric to be at least 3-4" all around larger than the quilt top.
Quilt Size |
Dimensions |
Backing |
2 1/2"
Binding |
Assembly Diagram |
TWIN |
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DOUBLE |
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QUEEN |
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