Quilt Tutorials For All Levels
About Bundle No. 3
List of Fabrics for Bundle No. 3 The cheerful and deep colors in Bundle No. 3 will bring joy to any room. Use the list below to order more of your favorite colors here. All fabrics are Pure Solids from Art Gallery, and we strive to keep them in stock.
About Bundle No. 2
List of Fabrics for Bundle No. 2 The calming colors in Bundle No. 2 will bring warmth to any room. Use the list below to order more of your favorite colors here. All fabrics are Pure Solids from Art Gallery, and we strive to keep them in stock.
About Bundle No. 1
A list of Pure Solid fabrics for Bundle No. 1 so you purchase more of specific colors. We carry all these fabrics in stock at Jittery Wings.
Learn Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)
Learn to quilt using the Foundation Paper Piecing Method (FPP) using the free Sparrow Quilt Pattern from Jittery Wings. Mitzie designed this pattern specifically to teach foundation paper piecing.
Make a Rope Christmas Tree Skirt and Matching Ornaments
Use a 1000 foot spool of 3/16th inch rope from Mountain Thread Company to make a 4’ Christmas Tree Skirt and matching ornaments.
Adding a Hanger to Your Mini Quilt
Learn the simple steps to add hangers to your mini quilts so you can enjoy them on your wall.
Connected Binding Ends
Learn this simple trick of sewing the “man’s belt and not his crotch” to remember how to connect the ends of the binding. I learned this long ago, and I can’t remember where, but it is wonderful.
Color Theory for Controlled Improv
A look at color through design elements found in nature to inform and inspire your next controlled improv project. Learn about ROY G BIV and moving colors from dark to light. Learn how nature can help you make critical design decisions.
Moo-rry Christmas Cows
Using the Here’s Your Sign Quilt Pattern to make holiday table decor using Michael Miller holiday fabrics. What a fun way to start the holiday season this year.
How to Baste & Quilt Your First Quilt
Prepare backing by pressing it well. Lay it right side down, on a large flat surface (such as a table or floor), and secure it around all edges with masking tape, stretching it tight and flat.
How to Press Your Seams on Your First Quilt
When you begin pressing seams, you can either press them open or to the side, but for this quilt, we will press our seams open. Pressing Seams Open: To press your seams open, first press them closed. What? I know, hang with me. As soon as you pull the stitched seam off the sewing machine, the seam is flat, and the fabrics are together.
How to Sew a Quarter Inch Quilt Seam
If you started your sewing journey making garments, you are likely familiar with a 5/8” seam allowance. My first quilt used a 5/8” seam allowance and well, it was bulky and clunky.
For a quilt, the seam allowance should always be ¼” unless otherwise stated in the pattern. This length maximizes your fabric and minimizes your bulk.
Cutting Your Fabrics for Your First Quilt
Cutting your fabrics correctly is a critical step in a lovely quilt. Incorrect cuts can not only waste fabric but cause frustration when you begin trying to match up your seams. The Golden Rule for Quilting is “measure twice and cut once.”
Preparing Your Fabrics for Quilting
There is a bit of debate in the quilting world about whether you should prewash your fabrics. Like with all hobbies, there are purists who can suck the fun out of it and become “police.” Here’s what you really need to know to make the best decision for you.
Choosing the Best Batting for Your Quilt
Batting can is sold in individual pre-cut sizes like Crib, Twin, Throw, Queen, and King. It is also sold on long 10, 15, or even 30-yard rolls. Your quilt may be a size other than standard, so be sure to consider that when purchasing. You want your batting to be 3-5” larger on every side if you are having your quilt finished by a longarmer. If you are quilting it yourself, I prefer the batting to be 2-4” longer on all sides.
Choosing a High-Quality Cotton Thread
For 100% cotton fabric in quilting, I recommend you use 100% cotton thread. When choosing thread for quilting, you also need to consider the weight and the ply. When looking at thread numbers the top number is usually associated with the weight and the bottom number with the ply.
Choosing a High-Quality Cotton Fabric for a Quilt
Choosing the fabric for your first or next quilt is important. Not all fabrics are created equal. It is important to choose a high quality fabric so the quilt will last and stand the tests of use and time.
The Basic Tools Necessary to Make a Quilt
My basic method for choosing tools is to find the one that works best for me regardless of the cost. There are tools I have spent more money on than others, and I would again because I believe it is the best suited for the job. If I recommend the cheapest option, it is only because it works. I have a full video on my tool must-haves vs. luxury tools. You can watch it here if you prefer videos.
The Anatomy of a Sewing Machine
Learn about the pieces and parts of your sewing machine. What is a bobbin? What are feed dogs? What is tension? Here you will learn about all the things necessary to use your sewing machine, including how to clean it. Include a free video tutorial.