Quilting has captivated crafters for centuries, transforming simple fabric pieces into beautiful, functional works of art. While traditional quilting was done entirely by hand, modern machine quilting allows you to create stunning quilts in a fraction of the time. If you've been admiring quilts and wondering if you could make one yourself, the answer is absolutely yes—even with a basic sewing machine.
This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of machine quilting, from understanding the craft to completing your first project.
Understanding Quilt Construction
A quilt consists of three layers: the quilt top, the batting (also called wadding), and the backing fabric. These layers are held together by quilting stitches that run through all three layers.
The quilt top is typically made from pieced fabrics—smaller pieces sewn together to create patterns called blocks. These blocks are then assembled into the final top. Common beginner patterns include simple squares, half-square triangles, and strip quilts.
Batting provides warmth and loft to your quilt. Common options include cotton batting (breathable and natural), polyester batting (lightweight and affordable), and wool batting (excellent insulation). Cotton batting is ideal for beginners as it's easy to work with and creates a traditional quilt feel.
For Australian conditions, consider cotton or bamboo batting for everyday quilts. These natural fibres breathe well in our warmer climate. Save heavier wool batting for winter quilts or gifts to cooler regions.
Choosing Fabrics for Quilting
Quilting cottons are specifically designed for quilting projects. They have a tighter weave than regular dress cottons, which makes them easier to cut accurately and less prone to fraying. While you can technically quilt with any woven fabric, starting with quality quilting cotton will make your first projects much more successful.
Selecting Fabrics That Work Together
- Vary the scale: Choose fabrics with different pattern sizes—small prints, medium prints, and large prints create visual interest.
- Include solids or near-solids: Solid fabrics or subtle textures provide visual rest between busier prints.
- Consider value: Include light, medium, and dark fabrics. Strong contrast between values makes patterns pop.
- Limit your palette: For your first quilt, choose 3-5 coordinating fabrics rather than trying to work with many.
How Much Fabric to Buy
Quilting patterns specify fabric requirements, but as a general rule, buying a bit extra is wise. Fat quarters (approximately 50cm x 55cm pieces) are popular for quilting because they offer more versatile cutting options than regular quarter-metre cuts from the bolt.
Essential Tools for Quilting
Beyond your sewing machine, quilting requires some specific tools:
- Rotary cutter: Cuts fabric accurately and efficiently
- Self-healing cutting mat: Protects your surfaces and allows for precise cutting
- Quilting rulers: Clear acrylic rulers with marked measurements for accurate cutting
- Quarter-inch presser foot: Helps maintain the precise seam allowance quilting requires
- Walking foot: Essential for quilting through the quilt sandwich, prevents layers from shifting
- Quilting needles: Special needles designed for sewing through multiple layers
- Quilting pins: Longer pins that can secure thick layers
You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with a rotary cutter, mat, ruler, and walking foot. Add other tools as your skills develop and you understand what you need for your specific projects.
The Importance of Accurate Cutting and Seaming
Precision is crucial in quilting. A quarter-inch seam allowance is standard, and small variations accumulate across a quilt. If your seams are slightly off, your blocks won't fit together properly, and your finished quilt will be warped or wonky.
Achieving Accurate Seams
- Use a quarter-inch presser foot if your machine offers one
- If not, use masking tape on your machine bed as a guide
- Test your seam allowance before starting—cut two 3-inch squares, sew together, and measure. The resulting piece should measure exactly 5.5 inches
- Don't stretch fabric as you sew; let the feed dogs do the work
- Press seams after sewing each step, generally pressing toward the darker fabric
Your First Quilt Project
For your first quilt, choose a simple pattern. A basic square patchwork or strip quilt allows you to practise essential skills without the complexity of matching intricate seams.
Recommended First Project: Strip Quilt
A strip quilt is made from long strips of fabric sewn together, then cut and rearranged to create patterns. It's forgiving, quick, and introduces you to essential techniques.
- Cut 6-8 fabric strips, each about 6cm wide by the width of your fabric
- Sew the strips together along their long edges
- Press all seams in one direction
- Cut the pieced fabric into new strips perpendicular to your seams
- Rearrange these strips and sew them together to form your quilt top
- Add borders if desired
Assembling the Quilt Sandwich
Once your top is complete, you'll assemble the three quilt layers:
- Lay your backing fabric right side down on a large, flat surface
- Smooth out wrinkles and secure the edges with tape or clips
- Centre the batting on top of the backing
- Place your quilt top right side up on the batting
- Smooth out each layer as you go
- Baste the layers together with safety pins placed every 10-15cm, or use basting spray
Your backing and batting should be at least 10cm larger than your quilt top on all sides. This extra margin accounts for any shifting during quilting and will be trimmed away later.
Quilting the Layers Together
The quilting stitches that hold your layers together also add texture and visual interest to your finished quilt. There are two main approaches for machine quilting:
Straight-Line Quilting
Using a walking foot, sew straight lines across your quilt. You might stitch in the ditch (sewing right in the seam lines), create a grid pattern, or use the patchwork pieces as guides for diagonal lines.
Start from the centre and work outward to prevent fabric from bunching. Roll up the portion of the quilt that needs to pass through your machine's throat space.
Free-Motion Quilting
Free-motion quilting uses a special darning foot and involves dropping your feed dogs, giving you complete control over stitch direction. This technique allows for curved lines, stippling, and decorative designs.
Free-motion quilting has a steeper learning curve. Most beginners start with straight-line quilting and progress to free-motion once comfortable with the basics.
Binding Your Quilt
Binding finishes the raw edges of your quilt. It's typically made from strips of fabric cut on the bias or straight grain, folded, and attached around the quilt's perimeter.
- Trim your quilt sandwich so all edges are even
- Join binding strips into one continuous length
- Press in half lengthwise
- Attach to the quilt front by machine, mitering corners
- Fold to the back and hand-stitch or machine-stitch in place
Tips for Success
- Start small: A cushion cover or table runner teaches the same skills as a bed quilt but finishes quickly
- Press carefully: Pressing (not ironing) at each step ensures accuracy
- Use a design wall: Even a flannel-backed tablecloth on a wall helps you visualise your layout
- Join a community: Australian quilting guilds and online groups offer support, inspiration, and expertise
- Be patient: Your first quilt won't be perfect, and that's okay—every quilter started somewhere
Quilting is a rewarding craft that combines creativity with practical skill. Your sewing machine is a powerful tool for this art form, capable of producing heirloom-quality quilts with practice. Start simple, embrace the learning process, and before long, you'll be creating quilts that will be treasured for generations.