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.

You have been searching for quilting instructions so that you can learn how to create those beautiful quilts you have been seeing. But you’ve found that some quilting instructions can be so complicated and confusing, and yet others are so simple you wonder what might be missing. The instructions to quilting include only a few basic things. The rest of the rules and instructions are just what you might come up with for your own style. Quilting instructions, obviously, will vary from quilter to quilter. Eventually, the instructions you are reading are just giving shortcuts and faster ways to do things. You will certainly enjoy your new pastime of quilt making. And your friends and family will, too!

Step By Step Instructions

Keep in mind that there are only a few quilting instructions basic to the quilting process. The first step is to launder and iron your fabric pieces. This is important in creating straight sewn pieces. If the pieces are not sewn straight, it can throw off the whole quilt. These strips can be cut into shapes of any kind. Once you have cut all that you need, pin them together and begin sewing them together. You will use a straight seam stitch for this part. Nothing fancy is required. Continue sewing the pieces together until you achieve the desired size top for the quilt. Now it is time to quilt all pieces together. These quilting instructions come next and they consist of the main ingredients for a sturdy stitched quilt.

A frame will be required to follow the next quilting instructions. Connect your bottom piece to the frame. Next, connect the batting across that piece and then attach the completed top piece. You must secure it firmly to the frame and pin together. Now it is time to draw your sewing design on the top piece and begin stitching. You will need to use a running stitch for this step. Continue stitching along your chalk lines until you have completed it all.

The final quilting instructions are to carefully stitch your edges together and bind them. And now your quilt is totally finished. You may launder it to remove the chalk. However try not to launder the quilt too much. Instead, put it somewhere that it will be safe.

Laundering Hints

Here are some other hints that are not essentially quilting instructions, but are about the care of your quilt. Try not to launder your quilt any more than is absolutely necessary. Make sure that you only use cold water and a very mild detergent. When you follow the quilting instructions and the laundering instructions carefully, you will enjoy your handmade quilt for many years.