Machine Quilting – New Options
July 30, 2008 Quilting Machines
For a time there was a seeming contention between those who believed handing stitching quilts was the only way, and those who were excited to use a more automated method. That has since gone by the wayside. Today, those who love the quiet serenity of sitting and stitching by hand can opt for that route. And those who love quilting, but want the work to be more streamlined will opt for the help of a machine. And some use both – piecing by hand, but assembling the finished product at the machine. The right way, is what is right for you and your needs. Learn all you can about both methods.
Machine Quilting – Faster and Easier
Machine quilting has become a viable option, in recent years, for creating neater and more beautiful quilts. For those of you who are avid hand-quilters, you should try using a machine and see the difference. You can opt to use your standard sewing machine or you can choose to use one that is designed for quilting only. Machine quilting is versatile when it comes to selecting different styles of stitching – options that are not available when sewing by hand. There are, of course, positive and negative opinions for both machine quilting and hand sewing quilts. We will examine both and see exactly how machine quilting differs from hand sewn designs.
Hand Stitching or Machine Stitching
Creativity is the real secret to a beautiful quilt. The quilter wants to express herself in the crafting. The question is, can this be done with a machine? For long generations, hand sewn quilts are what we have come to expect in a quilt. We envision the time and work that our loved ones put into the piece. This investment makes the quilt even more valuable to us. Hand sewing does take more time. But is it really worth it? Machine quilting has become the newest thing in quilting. Hand sewing simply cannot measure up to the steadfastness that machine quilting can offer. Machine quilting ensures that the stitches go through all three layers, the fabric and the batting. Additionally, you can create stitches that appear to be hand sewn. In some cases, it’s not even apparent that a machine was used.
Machine quilting, contrary to the thinking of some die-hard hand sewers, offers straighter and better designed quilts. The machine sews the stitches three to four times faster and the stitches are more secure than those that are hand sewn. In spite of the fact that hand sewing may not make the quilt as strong, it really is up to individual to decide whether or not the memory and experience of the creating it from start to finish is important. Hand sewing is still a wonderful, time-honored way to create a special quilt. You will need to decide for yourself how long you want that creation to take.
What’s Best for You?
There are many positive benefits to both hand sewing and also machine quilting. Bottom line is it all comes down to personal preference and how much time and money you want to invest in your quilting craft. Machine quilting can be on the expensive side but it can produce better stitching and do it more quickly. Hand sewing takes more time and but it produces a more unique and special piece. Whether you choose to stitch by hand or by machine, you will surely come out with a beautiful piece. With the quality of the stitches from a machine, and the way the stitches can appear to be hand sewn, no one will ever know you have used machine quilting.