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SERIES TWO – Cutting your Squares
The second step in this quilting for beginners tutorial is cutting the fabric into squares. If this is your first time here and you need help planning your quilt and selecting your fabric, check out the first series here.
Part Three -Assembling the Quilt Top
Part Four – Basting & Quilting
Part Five – Binding & Finishing
I used a 6-1/2″ square template and I planned on 1/4″ seam allowance giving my squares a size of 6″. By using a little bit of simple math I was able to figure out how many squares I would need. My quilt is 102″ x 108″. To figure the width I took 102″ divided by 6″ and came up with 17 squares. To figure the length I took 108″ divided by 6″ and came up with 18 squares. So I’ll need a total of 306 squares. I usually go ahead and cut up all of the fabric in squares just so I’ll have plenty to work with.
Now you know how many squares you need, you can begin cutting your fabric. I usually cut two pieces at a time, but to start out you may want to just cut one at a time. My square template is 6-1/2″ overall, so I just lay it on my self-healing mat and cut the fabric with my rotary cutter. Be as precise as you can with this step. It will make sewing your squares together much easier if you’re precise. Think of a quilt as a puzzle, if your quilt is off 3/32 of an inch, your puzzle won’t go together perfectly.
Keep cutting squares until you’re out of fabric. I had about 500 squares, remember I only needed 306, but I’ll reuse the remaining squares for another quilt.
Next you’ll be ready for the assembly of the quilt!
Supplies
Sewing Machine – First and foremost you’ll need a sewing machine to quilt. I have a very old Singer sewing machine, but at some point I’d like to upgrade. The sewing machine linked above is a great machine for quilting.
Fabric – You can go to sites like Amazon.com or Joanns.com. But I really like to select my fabric in person.
Sewing Machine Needles – I generally replace my needle every time I start a new quilt. This is probably overkill, but I want to make sure my needle is perfect for every quilt and they’re inexpensive.
Sewing Thread – You’ll need a quilting grade thread for your quilt.
Self-Healing Cutting Mat & Rotary Cutter – The set I have linked here is a great starting set. It comes with the same self-healing cutting mat and rotary cutter I have.
Square Template – I like the look of the 6″ squares (with 1/4″ seams) so I use the 6-1/2″ template. You can pick whatever size you’re happy with.
Fabric Shears – Fabric Scissors are generally more sharp and give a straight cut.
Quarter Inch Presser Foot – This is optional. it is a great tool to have to help make perfect 1/4″ seams.
Batting – Batting is what is sandwiched in between your top layer and your back layer of fabric. You don’t have to use batting if you’re looking for a lighter quilt, but I like to use a thin batting to give it some extra fluff.
Quilting Pins – You’ll use A LOT of these to pin your quilt and add the backing. Stock up! I also use large safety pins too. I actually purchased some quilting clips for this quilt. I LOVE them. I like them better than the pins for binding. And the little tin is adorable!
Basting Spray – I like basting spray because it temporarily holds my quilt together while I sew it. Not all quilters use it, but it makes things simpler I think.
Iron – Some people iron their fabric before they cut, I don’t do this. But I do iron the seams after I have sewn my rows. I use an old hand-me-down iron, but the iron I have linked is one that’s on my wishlist!
Painters Tape – When you baste your quilt you’ll want the backing to be flat on the floor so you can baste it more easily. Some people also use it on their sewing machine as a guide (kinda like a ridge so when the fabric hits it, it doesn’t go past the line) when they sew their 1/4″ seams.
Water Soluble Pen – I use this pen when I’m marking my row numbers on the back of my fabric. If you’ve got a complicated pattern you’re stitching together, this comes in handy. It washes right off the fabric when you wash the quilt.
Patience – there’s no link for this one, but you’ll need lots of patience. Don’t rush through it. Enjoy the process and making something beautiful with your hands!
Stayed tuned for the next series on arranging and piecing your fabric together!
Thanks for the helpful tutorials! I’ve been wanting to begin to make quilts, but they’re a bit daunting…
It’s overwhelming to think about all at once but step by step is manageable 🙂