Keri Weichert, Author at Quiltdom

As a new quilter, you will find a large assortment of tools that must be purchased to complete your first quilt project.

One of the tools most often used, besides the sewing machine, is the rotary cutter.

Originally invented for the garment industry, this handy tool became a staple at every quilters cutting table during the 1980s.

Before the rotary cutter, quilters spent hours cutting out pieces by hand with sharp scissors. Each piece of fabric, as well as each completed block, required precision in trimming.

With the rotary cutter, that accuracy became instant and fast.

Quilters could move quickly through their projects, which added excitement. They could accomplish more in less time.

No longer did it require weeks of tedious cutting to finish a quilt.

The quilting industry changed instantly overnight.

What Are Barn Quilts? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

by Keri Weichert

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

Have you ever been on a road trip in rural America and glance up at an old, dilapidated barn that has a brightly painted quilt block on the front of it?

Why would someone take the time to put something like that upon a barn that looks like it’s about to fall over, right?

This post will go over the significance of these beautiful art pieces hung up on unique canvas and why rural Americans love to display them on their barns.

7 Best Portable Sewing Machines For Quilters

by Keri Weichert

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

Most of you treasure every chance you get to settle into your craft room and lovingly create new quilts.

Although we value that feeling of being in our happy place, sometimes you may want to take your sewing hobby on the road.

When you and your friends organize a quilting bee, a lightweight sewing machine you can move around easily is essential.

The good news here is that you don't have to worry about sacrificing function for portability.

23 Stunning Quilt Border Ideas To Inspire You

by Keri Weichert

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

Your eye is naturally drawn to the beautiful design in the center of your quilt.

But that doesn't mean your quilt borders should be boring.

In fact, the borders can enhance a quilt with a finishing touch that compliments the overall design.

The border of your quilt:

Frames the center of your design and gives it a finished look.

Offers a visual stopping point before you bind off the quilt.

Helps you create the finished size of your quilt by adding a few inches.

Drapes over your bed and will be the first part of your quilt seen.

Rather than just adding a simple, straight border (nothing wrong with these, of course), why not think outside of the box?

To help you do that, we've provided some inspiration with 25 stunning quilt border ideas you can drool over — and perhaps borrow for your next quilt project.

11 Best Quilt Wall Hangers To Display Your Quilt

by Keri Weichert

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

You deserve recognition for the hours of work that you put into crafting beautiful quilts.

Quilt hangers are the appropriate hardware for proudly displaying your finest projects. They are designed to grip and hold fabric without causing damage.

Once you've hung your quilted creations on your walls, you'll enliven your home decor and generate conversation.

Your display might even inspire someone to learn the quilting hobby.

Let's explore the best products on the market for showing off your fabric art.

9 Of The Best Self-healing Cutting Mats for Quilters

by Keri Weichert

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

One of the most utilized tools in the quilters workspace aside from the rotary cutter is the cutting mat.

A quality cutting mat will not only provide a sturdy cutting surface but also self-heal in the process. The composition of the mat should not dull your rotary blade.

Although mats come in a variety of sizes, a new quilter will want to purchase an 18″x 24″ mat to get them started. This size is easily portable for classes and retreats.

Quilt fabric is folded between 21″-22″ wide. Most of the cutting occurs along this fold, and therefore the mat needs to accommodate the width.

Anything smaller and cutting involves sliding the fabric along the mat to complete the cut.

Cutting mats should be “rotary cutter” friendly. A rotary blade is different than an X-Acto knife. Avoid mats that have a rough or gritty surface. This type of surface will dull the rotary blade.

When cutting into the mat try to avoid deep cuts. The mat will not heal from a deep cut.

The best cut is a shallow cut. Over time repeated shallow cuts would become deep cuts. Once that occurs, the mat will no longer self-heal. Deep cuts will create a rough surface and may cause snags in the fabric.

The length of time a mat will last depends on its use. Typically mats will last three years. That may vary depending on cuts, the care of the mat, and the frequency of use.