patchwork newbie need some help!

blushingbride_3

Hi!
I am keen to do some patch work, quilts etc

Where is the best place to buy fabric?
what else do i need?
anyone got photos of what they've made?

Also what is a fat quarter? is it best to by material this way?

how is the best way to start?

thanks

katie

Pink.

Hi blushingbride,

This thread may help:

May we discuss Quilting?

Pink

Patchwork_Quilt

Hi blushing bride

A fat quarter is a quarter of a yard of fabric but it's cut in a square, rather than a long strip off the roll. This makes it easier to fit your template in.

I hardly ever buy fabric new, unless it's in the sales. Our quilts are all made from shirts, skirts, curtains and so forth from family and friends. They are all related to someone and I like that feeling of continuity. Also, it's cheap and eco friendly. I use sheets from the charity shop for the backing and a new quilt from the Factory Shop for the wadding.

The best way to start is to get a large, square template and make a quilt on the machine. You can start your handmade one at the same time but that might take a year or two, depending on time.

I wish I did know how to post a photo of mine. Sorry. But good luck and happy quilting

Hippychick

Your local library should also have plenty of good books which will give you ideas.

I have bought my squares ready cut purely because I have arthritic hands and struggle to cut the fabric accurately. I do find it easier though because they are cut accurately and will save you time. The company I have used is http://www.quiltroom.co.uk/acatalog/patchwork-and-quilting-fabrics.html

You can also buy pre cut squares or fat quarters from ebay fairly cheaply. Most important thing is just to have fun with it.

Old duvet covers are fab for making patchwork quilts if you have the patience to cut the fabric accurately.

THIRZAH

You can make lovely quilts from men's old shirts -they look good if you stick to a couple of colours like blue and white.

Like Patchwork Quilt I rarely buy material for patchwork.I like to sew buy hand as using a machine gives me back ache.You could always start by making a cushion cover to see how you get on.

Filey

In charity shops you can buy cotton dresses, shirts and skirts in colours to suit your design. Un-pick them and you have some cheap material fpr your patchwork.

Butterfly_Brain

I too use fabric from old clothes I have one I made from the kids clothes when they were babies and it brings back memories every time I look at it.

blushingbride_3

thanks ladies!:)

i'll hve to go bargain hunting at the charity shop

Seakay

Does anyone have any tips for the actual quilting, after the patchwork is finished?
I ws hoping to do this on a machine, but how do you control the thing, it must be very unweildy?

Patchwork_Quilt

Go to the quilting thread above. It involves rolling things up and so on. Also, someone has just posted some pictures of a quilt in progress on the Shabby Chic thread, if you're interested

Lolcat_3

I'm also planning a patchwork quilt, just got back from a look around the charity shops with some £1 mens shirts from the last chance rail. I'd like to do hexagons the old fashioned paper piecing way so I can work at it while watching tv etc, I don't mind if it takes a while. I did look at buying fabric from Ebay but once the postage is factored in it does mount up. I may get some if I am lacking a bit of variety but at least this way charities are still benefiting.

One thing I have picked up is fabric that is 100% cotton is preferred, I'm not quite sure why, maybe it wears better or is easier to work with