Quilter's Thread

Quilter’s Thread Mobile App has a new pattern prize this January that you’ll want to get. This quilt is called Snails on the Beach and is a perfect pattern to make for this spring.

With the snails circling movement, this pattern creates a swirl motion design that is appealing to the eye with its calming shades of blue. What’s also great about this quilt is that it is visually appealing no matter what colors you choose to use and incorporate into your quilt design. Share with us any versions of the Snails on the Beach quilt that you make on the Quilter’s Thread Mobile App.

Remember to stay active on the Quilter’s Thread Mobile App in order to earn points to win this free pattern at the end of this month. Comments, uploading photos and responding to surveys generate 1 point each. Liking 3 things generates  1 point. 10 points gets you a free pattern and 40 points gets you a free pattern and a Quilter’s Thread cloth shopping bag. 75 points gets you a free pattern, shopping bag and a $20 gift card.

Live Well. Quilt Well.

To help make your projects run smoothly it’s important to organize your quilting room so that it is neat and clean for when you start a project. Having an organized room will help you complete your projects faster than before while also having a place for every tool and material item. Here are some organizing tricks and hacks you should incorporate into your quilting workstation area.

1. Store-In-Drawer Cabinet 

Clear drawer cabinets are a great way to keep your area neat and organized by storing thread or fabrics in them. By choosing clear see-through drawers you can easily see what is stored in each drawer without having to open it, saving you time.

2. Storage Ottomans

Ottomans with storage space inside are a perfect way to decorate and organize your work area. With its versatile functions, ottomans are great for storing objects inside while also providing support and comfort while you quilt. A decorative ottoman will also give your work space a more elegant touch to your room.

3. An Organized Cutting Table 

4. Thread Shelf Organizer

This is a great way to organize your thread and keep them from getting tangled up. You can even make your own custom made shelf like in the image below or buy one from the store. To stay even more tidy organize your thread by color coordination so that it is easy to compare thread shades from one another when deciding what thread will match your fabrics.

Got any tricks or hacks that you use to help stay organized in your quilting area? Share them with us on Quilter’s Thread Mobile App. By being active on the app such as commenting, liking and posting can help you earn points to win monthly prizes at the end of every month.

Live Well. Quilt Well.

A travel size bag or storage case is perfect to keep your quilting tools organized when quilting on the go. Instead of going to the store to buy a travel or storage bag why not put your sewing skills to use by making one for yourself instead. What’s great about making travel and or storage bags yourself is that you can design them how you like with the designs you prefer.

Large Bags shown are 14″ square, the small bag uses a 7″ zipper.

Things you’ll need to make the travel bag:

• Main fabric (Back of bag, zipper base and lower border): 1/2 yard.
• Lining Fabric (inside of back) 16″ x 16″ square
• Batting 16″ x 16″ square
• Clear Vinyl: 8 1/2″
• 14″ Zipper

14″ storage bag

Things to keep in mind when making the perfect travel size bag:

• Always plan ahead and decide what your main purpose is for using the bag. Are you going to store heavier objects in it? If so make sure you choose durable and strong fabric that can handle the weight so that it doesn’t tear.
• Make sure you pick a good choice of thread that is strong and will match your fabric so that the thread color doesn’t stand out from the pattern. A good reliable type of thread to use is always 100% cotton thread but depending on the fabric that you choose always do a little research before you make your purchase.
• If you choose to use clear vinyl for the travel bags make sure not to press the vinyl or any fabric near it because the vinyl will melt ruining your bag.
• If you are planning on making multiple travel or storage bags it is best to make them all at the same time in an assembly fashion than individually from start to finish.

7″ storage bag

Learn how to make the perfect travel and or storage bag by logging onto the Quilter’s Thread Mobile App to access the PDF instructions posted in the library. Make sure to post your finished travel and or storage bags on the Quilter’s Thread Mobile App. By being active on the app such as commenting, liking and posting can earn you points to win monthly prizes.

Live Well. Quilt Well.

Everyone knows that there are different ways and methods to complete a quilt. It seems like everyone is trying to find new “hacks” such as tips and tricks to speed up the process of making a quilt or just simplifying the process. Whether it’s tricks for a fast way to cut your fabric or binding your blocks, everyone wants an easier and simpler method of doing it. So here are some simple quilting hacks that we think are worth knowing and sharing. Enjoy!

1. Using Large Spools

• Using a large spool for your sewing machine is worth investing in! Having a large spool enables you to keep on sewing without having to deal with re-threading when you run out of thread on your machine. A tip when using a larger spool of thread is to place it in a teacup or bowl depending on the size of it. Or if you have a cup with a lid that has a hole for a straw (like the image below) would work as well. This will help keep it in place allowing the thread to unravel easily as you sew.

2. Trim Corners Twice for A More Precise Cut for Corners & Squares

One quick and easy hack to make your quilt look ten times better is to trim your corners of your quilt twice before turning your quilt inside out to create a more crisp cut and a professional look. By cutting the fabric twice you are giving the edges a sharper edge because there is less fabric making it look sleek and smooth. For full in-depth instructions click here. 

3. How to Use Pins Correctly

Always, always try and use pins when sewing. It helps keeps everything in place. However, there is a right way to be using your pins depending on how you are sewing.

For a sewing machine pin the head off to the right. It is easy to take them out and helps keep everything in place, just make sure to remove them before it hits the needle! Pin about 1 to 1.5″ from the edge of the fabric with pin heads facing down preventing you from poking yourself or the pins latching on to it.

4. Prep and Stack Pieces

Always plan ahead and precut your pieces of fabric to help you save time while also staying focused. By having everything precut you won’t have to stop half way through your sewing to cut more fabric.

5. The Quilting Foot 

The quilting foot or also known as the patchwork foot is a great tool that can be used to get exact 1/4″ seams of stitching with its built-in guide bar for super straight topstitching. This tool is great for single needle application! To use the quilting foot simply align the raw edges of two fabric layers against the guide by the right side of the foot, lower the presser foot and then stitch away.

To get more tips and hacks to quilting checkout our QT User Blog section in the Quilter’s Thread Mobile App under Community section for new tricks to quilting. You can request to follow the Tips page by clicking on the heart at the top of the screen.

Got any quilting hacks that you think are helpful that we didn’t mention? Share them with us on the Quilter’s Thread Mobile App! Don’t forget that by commenting and liking on the app can earn you engagement points to win this month’s pattern prize “The Winding Christmas Wreath”. Make sure to check out our previous blog post about this quilt pattern on the app under the “Community” section.

Live Well. Quilt Well.