In part 1 we looked at the significance of rotary cutters and cutting mats and how they will help you speed up your quilting. In this article, we'll be having a look at the core basics you will need to completely finish your quilt.
Iron and Ironing board
Chances are you'll have both of these, even before starting quilting. The great news is that you almost certainly will not have to buy a newer one - unless your old one is causing you problems with normal ironing.
With the iron, you just have to be sure that you can adjust the temperatures and that you can turn the steam functions off and on. This is critical as you will need to adjust both these depending on the types of materials you're counting on using in your quilt.
There's also the option of getting a compact ironing board. These are basically a surface similar to your present ironing board, but without the legs.
This has been built to sit on a table or the surface you are working on rather than being a free standing board. Handy if you're getting sick of ferrying your fabrics from the craft table to the ironing board.
Sewing Machine
This is a significant section to cover, you may want to read a more in-depth article on sewing machines to get the full scope on what you will need.
Basically you'll need a sewing machine that does your standard stitch as well as a zig-zag stitch, this will let you stitch most patterns, and the zig-zag will help with button holes or anywhere that needs a bit more strength.
Consider buying a second hand stitching machine. You'll find that you're going to get a better overall machine for a load less than a new one from a store. Just be certain to test it out before you buy it to make sure that it works! It also will be handy for the more complex designs like a mosaic or rose quilt design.
If you don't have a sewing machine, there are services available especially for sewing quilts.
In the subsequent article, we will be looking at some other smaller accessories that can really help speed up your quilting.
Iron and Ironing board
Chances are you'll have both of these, even before starting quilting. The great news is that you almost certainly will not have to buy a newer one - unless your old one is causing you problems with normal ironing.
With the iron, you just have to be sure that you can adjust the temperatures and that you can turn the steam functions off and on. This is critical as you will need to adjust both these depending on the types of materials you're counting on using in your quilt.
There's also the option of getting a compact ironing board. These are basically a surface similar to your present ironing board, but without the legs.
This has been built to sit on a table or the surface you are working on rather than being a free standing board. Handy if you're getting sick of ferrying your fabrics from the craft table to the ironing board.
Sewing Machine
This is a significant section to cover, you may want to read a more in-depth article on sewing machines to get the full scope on what you will need.
Basically you'll need a sewing machine that does your standard stitch as well as a zig-zag stitch, this will let you stitch most patterns, and the zig-zag will help with button holes or anywhere that needs a bit more strength.
Consider buying a second hand stitching machine. You'll find that you're going to get a better overall machine for a load less than a new one from a store. Just be certain to test it out before you buy it to make sure that it works! It also will be handy for the more complex designs like a mosaic or rose quilt design.
If you don't have a sewing machine, there are services available especially for sewing quilts.
In the subsequent article, we will be looking at some other smaller accessories that can really help speed up your quilting.
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Would you like more rose quilt design ideas? Then head on over to Jane Green's how to make a patchwork quilt site now!