The Essential Tools for Quilting
by Rita Bode
www.quiltbox.com/quiltingmachines/
You've seen those beautiful wall hangings and quilts, and
thought that is something you would like to do. If you
have a sewing machine - go for it. If you don't have a
sewing machine, you might want to rent or borrow one to
see if quilting is something that you would like to try.
My neighbor is a real sweetheart, but a bit eccentric. She
thought she would like to try sewing and ran up against an
unscrupulous dealer who sold a novice like her a wonderful
machine for $7,000! For that exorbitant price, it can do
anything from basic sewing to applique' with blanket
stitching to embroidery. Now, she's discovered that she
really isn't interested in making quilts. It is too much
detail work for her with all those small pieces to cut and
piece together. So, the expensive machine just sits there
gathering dust.
A basic machine that sews an even straight stitch will
work fine. I have one that is 30 years old that I've kept
in good repair by oiling it regularly and taking it in to
a professional to have it checked over periodically. I did
buy a newer machine for about $400 that works just fine.
My husband wondered why I would need two machines. You
never know when one will malfunction, and you need a back
up right away. As long as the old one still works, I will
store it.
You can probably find a good machine for about $250. There
are three types of machines on the market. Computerized
models like the one my neighbor bought can perform the
widest variety of tasks, but you don't need all those
bells and whistles for quilting. The mechanical kind, the
most basic, uses manual knobs and dials, and is often the
least expensive. Electronic sewing machines are what you
want for quilting.
Besides having a straight stitch, it should also have an
adjustable needle position and dual feed. With dual feed,
both the top and bottom move the fabric through the needle
position, which helps you match patterns or sew fabrics of
different weights.
I also bought a special pressure foot for quilting that
makes an exact 1/4 inch seam. This pressure foot was an
added expense, but making exact seams are well worth the
cost. I had always thought I was sewing a 1/4 inch seam
with the regular pressure foot. After I bought the special
quilting pressure foot, I found that my seams had really
not been the right width, and that was why some of my
blocks didn't end up the correct size that the pattern had
said they should be.
If you've decided quilting is something you'd like to
invest time and money in doing, having the correct tools
makes a great difference in how the finished product
looks. No need doing the work if you aren't going to be
satisfied with the final product. To find a sewing machine
you'd like to work with, do some research on-line and go
to stores that specialize in sewing machines - they'll
have the greatest selection and they'll be set up so you
can test them. Bring some fabric with you, and enjoy the
process of choosing the tool that will help you create
beautiful quilts and wall hangings for your home and for
gifts.
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