How to Step-up Your Quilting

#AD Quilting has been a vital craft for centuries, born out of the need to keep warm. Of course in modern times quilting is no longer a necessity, but a beautiful artform that gives stitchers a chance to stretch their creativity by combining stunning fabrics with their own flair to produce fantastic heirlooms, decorative wall hangings and kitsch accessories. Making a quilt can be a daunting task, but with a little patience, time and the right resources, you’ll be well on your way. If you are ready to step-up your stitching and take your quilts to the next level, read on for our favourite product recommendations. There’s even an exciting Quilt-Along for you to explore…

Parrs Freemotion Rulers

Parrs Freemotion Rulers are a complete ruler system. They consist of a 5mm deep spring ruler foot that fits inside the channel on each ruler. There is a SewSlip mat that perfectly feeds the fabric and ruler, moving smoothly and consistently. The final piece is the Parrs End Table, which offers 26” of fabric support.

Quilt-A-Long - coming soon!

The Vlieseline Quilt-A-Long is back again this summer. Join in the fun for guided sewing sessions, plus exclusive Zoom workshops with designer Laura Strutt. The QAL starts on the 6th of August and is free to join - everyone is welcome! This year's quilt features the New 268 Bamboo Mix Wadding and is the perfect project for beginners and more experienced quilters alike. Stay up-to-date with the Quilt-A-Long via the Vlieseline UK Facebook Page.

Fiskars Trigger Rotary Cutter

When trimming fabric pieces, it's essential to cut neat, exact edges to ensure that the pieces will line up. Use a rotary cutter to make long, continuous slices through your fabric – perfect for cutting the squares, rectangles and triangles of quilt blocks. The Fiskars 60mm comfort grip rotary cutter would make an excellent addition to your sewing supplies.

Pre-cut Fabric

Most quilting projects will call for a Jelly Roll or charm pack – these are two different varieties of pre-cut fabric, each perfect for various different styles of quilt. A Jelly Roll is a roll of 40 pre cut Moda fabric strips, each measuring 6.35cm x 106.5cm (2.5” x 42”). A charm pack is a pack of 12.5cm (5”) pre-cut squares. You can find a wide variety of options both online and in your local fabric store.

Seam Ripper

Mistakes can happen – and having a good seam ripper close by is definitely a good idea to save time and undo those incorrect seams! It can also be used for a number of other applications, such as opening up buttonholes when you are working on your dressmaking projects.

A Quilter's Finger Shield

Hand quilting and needlework can be uncomfortable on the hands, so a quilter's finger shield, which will protect delicate fingertips from sharp needles, is a welcome addition to any sewing box. This clever accessory will help you to power through your projects, instead of being forced to take breaks in-between your stitching sessions.