When it comes to finishing a quilt, there are a few different ways that you can do it. You can hand-stitch the binding, use a sewing machine, or even send it to be professionally finished. Each method has its pros and cons, but in this article, we’re going to focus on why you might want to finish your quilt with a sewing machine.
Sewing machines are fast. It is probably the number one reason people opt to finish their quilts with a machine instead of by hand. If you’re working on a large quilt or just short on time, then using a machine to finish the job can be a real lifesaver.
With a little bit of patience and a sewing machine, finishing a quilt can be a rewarding experience. The process may seem daunting for those who have never finished a quilt before, but it is quite simple. The key is to take your time and follow the instructions carefully. With a little practice, you can finish a quilt in no time.
Let’s get started with the process of finishing a quilt.
How To Finish A Quilt With A Sewing Machine
Finishing a quilt with a sewing machine is a very easy process. There are four main steps to the process given below:
Step 1: Gather materials
Before you can start sewing your quilt top, you must gather a few materials.
- A quilt top: It can be pieced together from smaller fabric pieces, or it can be one large piece of fabric.
- Batting: It is a layer of material that goes between the quilt top and the backing. It adds warmth and thickness to the quilt.
- Backing fabric: The fabric will be on the back of the quilt. It should be about the same size as the quilt top.
Now that you have all your materials, you’re ready to start sewing!
Step 2: Prep the quilt top
After the quilt top is pieced together, it must be prepped for sewing. The first step is to trim off any loose threads. Then, using a rotary cutter and straight edge, trim the edges of the quilt top, so they are straight. Be sure to square up the corners as well. Next, flat the quilt top and smooth out any wrinkles or bumps. Once it is smooth, you are ready to move to the next step.
Step 3: Sew the layers together
Sewing the layers of a quilt together is the next step in finishing your quilt project. You will need to use a sewing machine to sew the layers together. It is important to use a sewing machine that is designed for quilting. A regular sewing machine may not be able to handle the thick layers of fabric.
To sew the layers together, you must start by pinning them together. It will help keep the fabric from shifting while you are sewing. Once the fabric is pinned, you can start sewing along the edge of the quilt top. Start at one corner and work your way around the entire quilt. When you get to the end, you can either tie off the thread or sew a few stitches in reverse to secure the thread.
Step 4: Add the binding
Adding the binding is the final step in finishing a quilt with a sewing machine. The binding helps to protect the edges of the quilt and gives it a clean, finished look. There are several ways to add binding, but the most common method is sewing it onto the quilt using a sewing machine.
To start, you will need to cut strips of fabric 2-3 inches wide and long enough to go around the entire perimeter of the quilt. Once your strips are cut, you must attach them to the quilt. The easiest way to do this is to sew them onto the front of the quilt using a straight stitch.
Once the strips are attached, you will need to fold them over the edges of the quilt and pin them in place.
Different Designs of Quilts
Quilts come in all shapes and sizes, but a few basic designs are used most often.
1. Pieced Quilt
A pieced quilt is a type of quilt made of smaller pieces of fabric sewn together to create a larger design. Pieced quilts can be made using various techniques, including hand-piecing, machine-piecing, and foundation piecing. There are many different ways to finish a pieced quilt. One popular method is to bind the edges of the quilt with bias tape or binding strips.
2. Applique Quilts
Applique quilts are a beautiful way to finish a quilt. There are many different ways to applique, but the most common is to use a sewing machine. They have pieces of fabric sewn onto the background fabric to create a design. This type of quilt can be very intricate and detailed, or it can be simple and elegant.
3. Paper Pieced Quilts
Paper pieced quilts are a type of quilt made by sewing pieces of paper together. The paper is removed, and the quilt is finished with a sewing machine. They are a popular type of quilt because they are easy to make and look great when finished. The best papers for paper piecing are thin and have a smooth surface.
Conclusion
A quilt is not only a unique and beautiful item, but it is also a very personal one. The time, effort and love that goes into making a quilt are immense. When it comes to finishing a quilt, there are several different ways, but sewing it with a sewing machine is by far the best way.
Sewing a quilt with a sewing machine allows you to be precise with your stitching. It is especially important when it comes to finishing the quilt top. You want to ensure that all your stitches are even and that the fabric lays flat.
