Hot Quilting How-Tos

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: 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 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: Use the 1/4 inch foot

Learn Pat's tips for using the 1/4 inch foot on your sewing machine.

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: Miter a corner on quilt binding

Watch an experienced quilter show a quick and easy way to miter the corner on the binding of a quilt. Quilting is a precise craft, but a mitered corner works best with a some accurate estimation. Follow this two step process to sew a neat and sturdy corner on quilt binding.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Sew a quilt pattern

Lessons for making a quilt pattern. Learn how to sew a basic quilting pattern in this free quilting lesson from an expert quilter and sewing class instructor.

How To: Quilt with perfect seam allowance

Here is a tutorial on getting a perfect 1/4" seam allowance for quilt piecing. The sewing machine foot will sometimes have a groove to allow you to make a perfect quarter inch seam automatically. If you don't have one of these, there are a few ways to make your own quarter inch seam guide.

How To: Use a zip bind tool

Watch this instructional sewing video to learn about the zip bind tool and how to adjust it for your quilting projects. This video provides a helpful introduction to this quilting tool. The zip bind tool is a sewing tool that makes quilt bindings perfect from end to end. There's no need for straight pinning and there's no measuring involved.

How To: Sew a Snail's Trail quilt block

Watch this quilting demonstration of how to sew the Snail's Trail quilt block. The Snail's Trail is an intricate quilting design that will teach you how to manage fabric piecing. Watch this instructional quilting video to properly sew the Snail's Trail quilting block with a minimal amount of errors. You can also print out the quilting block pattern for your own reference.

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: 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 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: Stitch in the ditch to sew binding on a quilt

Get started with stitching in the ditch by attaching the "Zip Bind Tool" and mitering the 1st corner with the "Minute Miter." This instructional quilting video demonstrates how to sew a neat binding onto your quilt using a few innovative tools.

How To: Measure your quilt for perfect borders

You can easily "square up" your quilt by adding borders that have been measured for perfection. The trick is to leave extra space where the fabric will stretch the most. Watch this instructional quilting video to account for small changes that occur in the sewing process to sew an exact border on your quilt.

How To: Tie a knot in your thread for hand sewing

See how to tie a knot in your thread for hand sewing. This knot can easily be hidden inside a quilt. This is a simple quilting lesson, but worth taking the time to learn properly. You don't want your quilt falling apart at the seams.

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: 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: Miter a seam

This is how to miter sew two strips of fabric together for an almost invisible seam. This short instructional video shows how to keep your sewing table neat, and your miter seams precise. Don't forget to iron the seam flat before moving on to make sure your design looks right.

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: Use a June Tailor Shape Cut ruler

Here is how to make strips and squares using the JT ShapeCut ruler. Follow these instructions to measure and cut a precise design. With the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler, you can lay a piece of fabric on a grid and slice the fabric into geometric squares.

How To: Tie fringe onto a quilt

This video quilting tutorial shows an easy way to attach fringe onto a quilt. Tied thread fringe is a great way to add simple decoration and definition to a quilt. Learn how to tie fringe onto a quilt by watching this instructional video.

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: Stitch pantographs with a longarm sewing machine

Watch this instructional quilting video to quilt a pantograph pattern with a longarm sewing machine. A pantograph is a mechanical linkage connected in a special manner so that the movement of one specified point is an amplified version of the movement of another point. If a a line drawing is traced by the first point, an enlarged copy will be drawn by a pen fixed to the other. Take note of the proper way to stand and move one's body when stitching out pantographs. It's best not to move one's ...

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: 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 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: 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: Alter a pre-existing quilt

Try a quilting experiment to make a radical change to your hand crafted quilt. In this video, the original quilt was much larger, and has been cut down to groups of 9 blocks. See how a different swath of fabric is sewn right through the center of the quilt.