Hot Quilting How-Tos

How To: Finish irregular quilt edges

This tutorial demonstrates how to finish your quilt that has irregular edges using a facing instead of binding. Review this quilting instructional video to quilt a complex border finish. The facing method allows you to avoid mitering every corner.

How To: Quilt a wide binding

Watch this instructional quilting video to sew a wide binding on your quilt. A 3" binding is recommended when you're learning to use these tools but after that you can create wider & narrower bindings. Here's info for wider bindings.

How To: Quilt traditional half square triangles

This is a detailed explanation of the traditional method for making HST blocks, including the 7/8" formula. Half square triangles are simple design, but take some calculating to make precise.

How To: Learn trapunto for quilting

Be sure to click on Chapter Two for the entire tutorial! In quilting, trapunto is creating raised images or sections of fabric on the surface of the quilt with batting. Learn about applique trapunto in the first part of this two part tutorial.

How To: Quilt as you go with your sewing machine

Quilt as you go is becoming one of the most popular quilting methods out there and this video will show you how to do the technique using only your sewing machine. This method allows you to create a quilt in no time flat. You'll need lots of fabric strips, squares or triangles. You'll also need baton and backing, thread and of course a sewing machine. You'll see this project appear before your eyes and your friends will be impressed and amazed!

How To: Do the 'quilt as you go' method

Looking for a new way to do your quilting? Why not try the 'quilt as you go' method! With this method you don't finish the whole piece at one time, but instead take various pieces of fabric and use them one by one. This is a great method if you happen to have a big bag of fabric odds and ends you didn't know what to do with. You'll need a piece of backing, thread, pins and of course a sewing machine. Watch and learn how to quilt as you go!

How To: Quilt as you go

This quilt as you go method is really becoming popular and this video shows how you can get in on the action. It's a simple method and you'll see your craft coming together quickly before your eyes. You'll need some backing, many pieces of fabric - widths can be different, but they'll need to be the same length. Check out the quilt as you go method and show off your new found skill! Quilts are a lovely craft and make for an even better gift!

How To: Quilt a 45 degree angle

Watch this short quilting video to cut a 45 degree angle precisely. When sewing quilts with large triangle patterns, cutting your fabrics precisely can be vital to the geometric vitality of your quilt. Follow these instructions to keep your colonial quilt from drifting off center.

How To: Sew 3D faux cathedral window quilt blocks

Watch this instructional quilting video to sew three dimensional faux cathedral window quilting blocks. These easy to make blocks add great accents to any quilt. The cathedral window quilting block is actually made up of four smaller patches with another square sewn inside. The 3D effect requires some careful folding. Pin down the frame of the window to give it a curved edge. For the center patch you can use patterned fabric or a photograph.

How To: Load a quilt onto a frame

Need to load a quilt onto a frame but aren't sure how to do it? This ten-minute free video quilting lesson, which breaks the process down into its simple steps, will remedy that situation post haste.

How To: Read a ruler

In this video, we learn how to read a ruler. First, grab you ruler and look on the top and the bottom of it. The top is divided into different marks that shows inches, half inches, and quarter inches. If you aren't familiar with reading this, just use the markers at the top to help you count between 1/4, 1/2, 1/8, etc. The other side of the ruler is used for centimeters, which you usually will not use in the United States very often. Learning how to read a ruler can help you get better with f...

How To: Make a t-shirt memory quilt for beginners

It's always a dilemma when you're organizing your closet and deciding whether you want to keep or throw out a meaningful old t-shirt that you don't wear anymore. Many of our t-shirts have been with us through thick and thin, so preserve their memory (and stop creating more waste) by reusing them.

How To: Machine bind a quilt

This video shows a demonstration of how to machine sew the binding of the quilt, especially the tricky corners. She starts with the binding already sewn onto the front of the quilt and points out how she made the corner like a little pocket. As she sews along the side and approaches the corner, she folds up the binding on the edge that's past the corner and pins it, so it keeps the corner in shape. Then she folds that entire edge up all the way to the corner, holds the corner down tightly wit...

How To: Square up a quilt to get it ready for binding

Before binding a quilt together, the edges of the quilt need to be squared so the quilt will lay flat and look crisp and professional. This video quilting tutorial shows how to square the edges of a quilt before finishing off the quilt.

How To: Create fiber art journal pages or fabric books

In this tutorial, we learn how to create fiber art journal pages with Elin Waterston. First, think about the theme of your book then layout what theme you want for your book. This will carry out through your entire book, so choose something that works. Stick text onto the fabric, then add stitching to help the fabrics to stay together. This journal is a fun project to do by yourself or with other artists. Make sure you unify your book with the subject and take your time in making the theme ti...

How To: Transfer photos onto fabric

In this video you will see how to transfer a photograph onto a piece of flannel fabric. You will have to treat the flannel with Bubble jet Set 2000 to help the photo stay on the fabric longer. Use an inkjet printer to make sure the ink soaks into the fiber. Tape the treated flannel onto the printed picture and run the paper through the printer again. The printer should print directly onto the fabric without trouble!

How To: Quilt mitered corners

Here's a new way to look at making perfect mitered corners the first time, every time. This instructional quilting video demonstrates how to sew consistent mitered corners on your quilts in a few steps. Use a "Minute Miter" tool to hold the fabric in place. Learn why this seamstress says, "no snouts allowed."

How To: Remove the paper from a paper piece quilt

This tutorial demonstrates how to remove the paper from the back of a paper (foundation) pieced quilt block. Paper piecing is a type of sewing that involves quilting onto a paper base. It is possible to remove the paper after completing the quilt.

How To: Quilt a Y-seam the easy way

Here is a quick video that shows how to make a y-seam. Follow this step by step process to sew a y-seams on your hard labored quilts. Quilting becomes easy when you can borrow a few tricks of the trade.

How To: Top stitch with a double needle on a sewing machine

Use the Martelli Stitch in the Ditch Binding Foot for top stitching and with a double needle to get a professional finish to your quilting and sewing projects. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to top stitch with a double need on a sewing machine.

How To: Use a quilting ruler

This video quilting tutorial shows how to choose and use an appropriate ruler for quilting. Certain kinds of quilting rulers are multipurpose and will be able to perform any beginning quilting function. Learn how to pick out and care for a quilting ruler by watching this instructional video.

How To: Learn the 'quilt as you go' method

Quilting! Is there anything better!? Well, no, but one thing easier is the quilt as you go method. This video will show you what to do and how to do it. You'll want to have some baton, backing, thread, scissors and of course lots of pieces of fabric. The fabric doesn't need to be the same color or style and in fact, the more different the fabric the crazier your quilt will be. Check it out! Get quilting, and learn the quilt as you go method today!

How To: Make an easy abstract quilt or blanket

This is the perfect tutorial for beginners who are interesting in learning how to quilt. Start with a basic abstract pattern and your favorite colors of fabric (you can use scraps if you wish as well), then follow the video and make your first quilt!

How To: Quilt a Thanksgiving turkey wall hanging or throw

Looking for a good quilting idea for a wall hanging? This tutorial shows you how to quilt together a turkey, using a layer cake (or collection of fall-colored fabrics) and a Dresden ruler. End up with a lovely piece you can use as a wall hanging or other decoration.

How To: Make a no sew fleece blanket

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a no sew fleece blanket. First, you will need to purchase fleece in a large size, large enough to be a comfortable blanket. Next, lay the fleece flat down and cut fringe down on two sides, four inches apart. On the other two sides (opposite from each other), cut fringe one inch between each other. Next, tie your one inch fringes into individual knots. These are great blankets to make for charity, because they are not only soft and warm, they are inexpens...

How To: Make an easy fabric panel quilt for Project Linus

Project Linus is an organization that provides security blankets for seriously ill or traumatized children. In this tutorial, learn how to make an easy fabric panel quilt to donate to a child in need. Project Linus is a great organization that provides warmth to every child, no matter what the season. So, if you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, follow along with this video and learn how to make an easy but comforting cover that any child will love.

How To: Make a simple tie blanket

In this video, learn how to make a cute baby blanket with nothing but a piece of fabric and a pair of scissors.

How To: Bind a quilt without bumps

In this video we are shown how easy it is to complete the finishing join on a quilt binding. Just before the final join 6 inches of binding should be left over at the beginning and the end, while the rest of the binging should already be sewn down. The two ends of the binding should overlap by at least 6 inches. You will then need to cut the thread and remove the quilt from the machine, then measure the binding width and overlap the two pieces and cut off the excess binding to match the width...

How To: Square up a quilt block

This video demonstrates how to square up a quilt block. Once you have your quilt blocks made up you have to square them so that they are all even sided and the same size. Take your most uneven sided square and lay it down. Place a square ruler over it. Line the ruler with the sides. Once you've measured the square determine how much should be cut from each side. Use a rotary cutter to cut each side down so it is even. Then lay the square ruler over the square again to measure your success. Re...

How To: Measure a quilt for binding

This is a great instructional video on how to measure a quilt for binding. This video teaches you about binding. First you have to get your quilt and tape measure. You need to know the size of your quilt. You have to be careful while measuring a quilt. You can measure the breadth with your measuring tape first. Then you can measure the breath as well accurately. You can take measurements down the center of the quilt. In some cases you can measure from one side, the center and the other side. ...

How To: Measure borders when quilting

When measuring for borders on your quilt, begin by spreading your quilt out on your work surface making sure that it is laying flat but not pulled tight. With a tape measure, measure from one edge to the opposite edge across the length of the quilt. You should measure along two or three different seam lines and cut the border material to correspond with your longest measurement.If you would like a two-inch wide finished border then you should cut your border material two-and-a-half inches wid...

How To: Make Bias Binding Strips When Quilting

Penny Halgren demonstrates how to use a handy little gadget known as a bias tape maker. First make the bias binding by cutting strips of fabric on the bias and stitching them together. Then press all the seams in the same direction. The fabric will go through easier if the strips are fed through the bias tape maker with the seams facing away from the front of the tape maker. Put the bias tape maker on the ironing board and start feeding in the fabric. The handle allows you to pull the tape ma...

How To: Attach binding to a quilt

This video demonstrates how to attach a binding to a quilt. At the point of the video, your quilt should be complete up to attaching the binding. It should already be pinned and basted. You should have quilted together all of your squares into your desired pattern. Your batting should be cut. You should be in the final stages of assembling the quilt.

How To: Sew a disappearing 9 patch quilt block

In this how-to video, you will learn how to make a disappearing 9 patch quilt block. Start with a simple 9 patch. You can use dark and light fabrics. Put the darker fabrics in place so you make an x shape. Sew these patches together. Now, fold it in half and then line up the ruler. Cut the fabric in half, and then cut the halves in half. Re-arrange the cloth in any way you want and sew them back together. You will have an interesting design once this is done. Viewing this video will show you ...

How To: Make a t-shirt quilt

In this two-part video tutorial, learn how to make a beautiful quilt out of recycled t-shirts! Include t-shirts with sentimental value to your family or friends, and create a keepsake that will last a lifetime and touch the hearts of your loved ones. Get step-by-step instructions on how to make this precious item in this two-part series of sewing videos.

How To: Make a tie dye quilted backpack

Attention tie-dye lovers and neo-hippies! In this two-part video tutorial, learn how to make an adorable tie-dye quilted backpack. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to make this great accessory to accompany you to the beach or on a picnic.

How To: Bast a quilt for free-motion quilting patterns

In this Arts & Crafts video tutorial you will learn how to baste a quilt for free-motion quilting patterns. This video is presented by craftygemini. This method of loading your quilt onto your quilting frame is known as floating where the quilt top and the batting are floated. Neither the top nor the batting are rolled and pinned onto leaders like a backing fabric. First go to the top center point of the quilt top, put the pressure foot down and take a stitch. Bring the bottom thread up, hold...

How To: Hide an ending knot in your quilt

This video teaches how to hide an ending knot in your quilt in order to keep it looking neat. You wrap the thread around the needle, pull it tight, push the needle through about a half inch of the surface of the quilt, and once it comes out the other side, tug on the string gently. There should now be a knot underneath the top layer of fabric. Cut off the tail end of the thread. If the piece of thread is showing through the fabric, poke your needle inside the quilt and push it past the thread...

How To: Braid string

Making a braid can be fast and simple. First start off with three pieces of string that are tied together at the top. Lay out the bundle of string flat so that all three pieces can be seen. Next, take the left string and move it over the center one so that the left string is the the middle string and the middle string is now on the left. After that, do the same with the right string and put that in the middle. Take the left string and put that in the center. Keep repeating these steps until y...

How To: Load and press a backing onto a quilt

When the patchwork side of a quilt is done, it's time to attach the backing. This how-to video demonstrates the process of machine-sewing the backing onto the quilt, specifically with a zipper for ease of replacement. Watch this video quilting tutorial and learn how to load and press a backing onto a quilt.