Quiltdom

Every quilter knows that leftover pieces of fabric are inevitable.

While some people throw these scraps away, others are quite conscientious and look to make something from their scraps.

However, scrap quilting is not a new concept.

Looking back to the Victorian age, we find that the production of crazy quilts by upper-class women was a way for them to show off their wealth and knowledge of stitching.

The fabrics used were often brocades, silks, and chintz.

These scrap quilts were not made for utility but more for bragging rights as they were often draped across the chair in the front parlor for visitors to see.

Scrap quilting with cotton fabrics became popular during World War II when to waste something was unAmerican.

Out of necessity quilters recycled feed sackcloth and clothing to produce a scrap quilt.

These quilts were then donated to the American Red Cross or soldiers' homes.

7 Best Quilting Ironing Boards For 2024

by Keri Weichert

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

If you're a quilter, you're going to need a good quilting ironing board. And no, that skinny, wobbly board you've had for twenty years won't do the trick.

You'll need something that works for a large swath of fabric and a heavy finished quilt — something that doesn't tip over or cause you to trip over yards of material as you're trying to iron.

Fortunately, there are ironing boards made just for your quilting projects, so don't skimp on this important piece of equipment.

If you want a quality, beautiful finished product (and we know you do), invest in an ironing board that makes the job easier and safer.

9 Best Sewing Machines For Quilting [Updated 2024]

by Keri Weichert

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

When it comes to quilting sewing machines, you’ll find a different style for each sewing need.

From simple mending to making dresses, from embroidery to quilting – there’s a quilting machine for it!

When it comes to sewing machines for quilting, how do you decide which one is right for you?

First, decide what your quilting plans and projects will be. Are you only going to be piecing quilts, or do you want to do the top quilting as well?

If you’ll be doing free motion stitching, you’ll want something with a larger table area (also called the throat).

Then, decide what you are willing to spend. If you feel you need a top-of-the-line, computerized machine that does everything but the dishes, you can expect to spend thousands of dollars. (The Janome Horizon Quilt Maker Memory Craft 12000 can set you back over $5,000.)

Once you have a good idea of what you need and what you can spend, it’s time to talk to other quilters.

What sewing machine do they use? What machine would they like to have for quilting?

Serious quilters are going to invest in a heavy-duty machine, such as the Bernina 770 QE (around $6K), the Baby Lock Destiny II (around $8K), and the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QCP (around $2K).

All three of these come with high recommendations from professional quilters.

Serious hobbyists also had recommendations for sewing machines for beginners; after researching them all, we put together our list of favorites.

But first, let's review the types of machines you might consider as you develop your sewing and quilting skills.

Are You A Dog Lover? Check Out These 17 Adorable Dog Quilt Patterns

by Miriam Ronne

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

It’s no secret that there are millions of dog lovers out there that are nuts about their pups.

So what better way to help them embrace their love for their canine companion than making them a beautiful dog-themed quilt?

Today, let’s focus on some adorable dog quilts and see what possibilities are available for our fellow canine lovers.

The dog quilt patterns we’re going to look at are great projects for any skill level, and we’ll check out a combination of free and paid options.

17 Stunningly Beautiful Modern Quilt Patterns

by Keri Weichert

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

Modern quilt designs are inspiring more quilters to work with new ideas.

The contemporary approach to designing quilts has changed the rules that define traditional patterns.

In their place, modern quilt ideas offer a bold and sometimes playful alternative.

Asymmetry, minimalism, high-contrast features, unusual block arrangements, and negative space can now all come into play when you want to make a quilt with a fresh and modern look.

To introduce you to the possibilities, we've hunted down some simple modern quilt patterns.

We love their innovative designs that unlock new levels of creativity.

15 Extraordinary Quilt-As-You-Go Quilt Patterns

by Miriam Ronne

Big Giveaway—FREE Modern Lone Star Quilt Pattern.

Are you looking for a new quilting technique to try out?

Something simple to learn but still a lot of fun to do?

We recommend quilt-as-you-go quilting!

We’ll answer all your questions about what “quilt-as-you-go” is and how to do it for your next quilting project.

Then let’s look at 15 gorgeous examples of easy quilt-as-you-go patterns you can recreate.

Don’t worry, beginner quilters; this is a fabulous beginner-friendly technique too.