• From Chevron to Pinwheel: 9 Easy Quilt Patterns to Try

    Posted by Lukas Kowalewski

    9 Easy Quilt Patterns to Try

    Break out your betweens and grab your low-loft batting because you're going to love these deceptively easy quilt patterns.

    From a classic mid-century chevron motif to an artsy kaleidoscope design, they only look complicated. You won't believe how much fun you're going to have creating your family's next heirloom treasure.  

     

    Chevron

    There are as many methods for piecing a chevron motif as there are spare bobbins in your sewing box, but this easy quilt pattern for the classic chevron, found over at KelbySews, is a keeper.

    We love it because it shakes up the “usual” chevron construction and features a combination of large and small squares. Collect the prettiest fabrics you can find—and don’t forget to keep your iron handy to press open the seams—and you can easily create a visual masterpiece that echoes the vintage pop of the 1950s.

     

    Hunter's Star

    The Hunter's Star quilt block may look difficult, but we like it a lot it because it's really a simple 16-patch that utilizes two uncut blocks in each row. All other blocks are simple half-square triangles pieced together to form the design. You'll find an easy Hunter's Star pattern and tutorial by Janet Wickell, quilting expert, at About.com. One tip, though—not unlike the chevron design, the Hunter's Star requires a little extra attention to detail to ensure all the points line up precisely.

     

    Kaleidoscope

    A relatively modern design, the Kaleidoscope quilt wasn’t seen much before the mid-60s. Why? The colours and designs of fabric required in specific amounts to create this motif wouldn't have been feasible in the early days of quilting. Unlike more traditional motifs that made good use of whatever fabrics the lady of the house happened to have on-hand, the kaleidoscope is an art quilt that evolved as quilting became more pastime and less necessity.  

    To make yours, see the Kaleidoscope Pattern by Janet Wickell available at About.com.

     

    Log Cabin

    A favourite for quilters of all skill levels, the Log Cabin may be the most versatile patch in our repertoire. We love it most because it's an easy quilt pattern for using up small strips and pieces. Then, we love it all over again for its versatility. 

    The Log Cabin can be arranged to form a variety of designs. Make a traditional block, like this one found over on QuiltSocial.com, or go wild with zany-coloured strips to form a diamond or zigzag quilt. A simple and easy quilt for sure, but still quite satisfying.  

     

    Attic Window

    An easy-to-handle technique for piecing the multi-dimensional Attic Window block can be found on Straw.com. One of our favourite easy quilt patterns when done correctly, the Attic Window forms a breathtaking optical illusion, yet it's deceptively simple to make.

    This block sometimes utilizes a single square of print fabric in the middle of each window pane—forming the view from the attic. When the quilt is complete, the illusion is striking.

     

    Rail Fence

    Easy enough for beginners, the Rail Fence pattern over on About.com gets done quickly when you use strip-piecing techniques to create your squares. Once pieced and cut to the appropriate sizes, blocks are simply placed in alternating vertical and horizontal positions to form a zigzag motif.

    We love the Rail Fence because it's super simple, and there are no pesky points to line up.

     

    Pinwheel

    Straw.com offers up a whole page of easy quilt patterns dedicated to the traditional Pinwheel, ranging in difficulty from easy cut-and-piece to designs that use paper-piecing. If you like the whimsical Pinwheel pattern, this link is a jackpot of fun and fabulous ideas.

    We love every variation on the classic Pinwheel, because each one creates dynamic movement and flow.

     

    Bear's Paw

    Using a combination of half-square blocks, uncut blocks and strips, the Bear's Paw makes a lively motif that adapts well to quilts of all sizes. Easy to cut and relatively easy to piece with minimal attention to point placement, the Bear's Paw pattern is big on tradition.

    We like it because it's a classic design. You'll like it because it's a cinch to construct—and it looks much more complicated when you’re done.

     

    Four-Patch

    No list of easy quilt patterns would be complete without the most basic one of all: the Four-Patch. Use uncut squares, half-triangle squares or a combination of the two to create an assortment of simple or complex designs that go together to make surprisingly intricate patterns.

    We love the Four-Patch block so much we couldn't leave it out.  We're sure you're going to love it too.

     

    Easy quilt patterns: because who needs the stress?

    When it's time to bust out the rotary cutter and rifle through all your favourite fat quarters, don’t forget these nine easy quilt patterns. Whether you’re impatient and want to get started in a hurry, or you’ve got a reason to quickly construct a beautiful quilt, these patters will help you whip up a work of textile art in record time.

     

    Ready to get started? Runaway Quilting has everything you need

    Need quilting supplies or notions to get started on your easy quilt patter? You’re in the right place.

     

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  • 9 Ideas for Organizing Your Sewing Supplies

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    9 Ideas for Organizing Your Sewing Supplies

    Most busy quilters have a lot more enthusiasm for their craft than they do for the dreaded task of keeping their sewing rooms tidy.

    Let’s face it—creative people thrive in a bit of a mess sometimes. Still, when it's getting difficult to find sewing supplies or embarrassing to invite people into your creative space, it's time to get organized. These ideas can help a sewing room look and work as well as your quilts do.

     

    Ruler storage

    Angie Padilla taught herself to sew and to quilt. Now she offers some great ideas that can help teach you to organize your grid rulers better. Like many of you, she has collected a variety of sewing and quilting rulers in all shapes and sizes. Proper storage can make these rulers easier to find and keep them from getting damaged.

     

    Pegboards

    If you're short on space, you might not want to waste your walls. You can organize and hang all sort of sewing supplies from pegboards. The Stitching by the Lake blog shows some good examples of how a pegboard made use of wasted space on the wall behind the door. In this case, it was used to hang cutters, shears, and grid rulers.

     

    Shelving

    Adding shelves directly over a work table is another great idea from Stitching by the Lake. It's fairly easy to install sturdy, inexpensive shelves on the wall. This idea makes good use of space and keeps things handy right overhead.

     

    Fabric racks

    Do you have rolls of fabric that you've simply been standing in the closet or against the wall? If so, you might get some inspiration from the Real Simple blog. They used a wall-mounted bike rack to hang fabric rolls. This keeps them off the floor and displays them in an appealing manner. Of course, you can purchase a fabric rack that has been made to support heavy rolls of fabric too.

     

    Storage cubes

    Some quilters and crafters live in apartments or small homes. If you don't have the luxury of using an entire room to work, you might just dedicate a small corner of a room. Inexpensive storage cubes and cabinets can contain a lot of sewing supplies in a tiny space. If you are really cramped, you can even place a board across two of the cabinets to use as a work table. Apartment Therapy has some images that should help spark ideas.

     

    L-shaped table

    One reason that many rooms waste space is because most furniture gets stacked against the walls. You can purchase an L-shaped table that offers you a place for your sewing machine on one side and a place to cut or mark fabric on the other side. Sew Many Ways has some ideas to create one of these tables out of other tables or storage units.

     

    Car caddy

    Many people regard their craft as a social activity. A convenient car caddy can give you a way to cart the essentials around to your friends’ houses, classes, or anywhere else you might go. You might purchase a caddy that's perfectly suited to notions that you frequently transport. Alternatively, here's a really cute car caddy that Karen of Sew Many Ways created out of some extra fabric and a plastic bucket. You can also buy or make inserts that have pockets and slip right into the buckets.

     

    Organizers for tiny things

    Wise people say that you should never sweat the small stuff. At the same time, smaller sewing supplies often present the largest challenge when it comes to keeping things organized and contained. You may want to use a notion organizer that has a lid, so you don't have to worry about dropping it. The clever folks at Pick up Some Creativity used a recycled cupcake container as a temporary solution.

     

    Fabric bin

    Most fabric comes folded. It might be easier to keep it that way until you are ready to use it. You can purchase stacking bins or drawers that can store quite a bit of fabric in a small space, as demonstrated by the organizational whizzes at Lasting Order. Transparent drawers make it easy to pick out the right print if you'd rather not take the time to label everything.

     

    Ready to organize your sewing supplies?

    It's easier to have an organized sewing room, if you can design it with organization in mind from the very beginning.

    At the same time, don’t despair because your sewing room has grown a little cluttered. You can still use a few of these ideas to contain your collection of sewing supplies a little at a time. Some of these tips may even help you find the space to begin crafting even if you didn’t think you had enough room before.

    Of course, if you need more sewing supplies… You’re in the right place. Runaway Quilting has everything you need.

     

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  • Quilt Batting: Choosing the Right Kind for Every Project

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    choosing the right kind

    The type of quilt batting you choose can make or break your next quilting project.

    Whether you've just spent months meticulously cutting, piecing and stitching your most intricate design so far, or you spent a quick weekend tossing together the simplest nine-patch, it's vital to match your batting to your quilt top.

    Otherwise, you'll be left with a finished quilt or coverlet that's not quite what you pictured.

    The bad news? When it comes to quilt batting, there are many points to consider, including loft.

    Here’s the good news: we’ll tell you everything you need to know.

     

    Know your form and function

    Quilt batting varies widely based on construction, intended purpose and desired function. Some types need closer quilting to perform best; others are manufactured to provide greater warmth. Familiarize yourself with the properties of each type of batting if you want to select the best one for the project you're currently considering. 

    • Recommended Quilting Interval — The recommended quilting interval refers to the minimum recommended distance at which you should place lines of quilting.
      If you ignore the recommended quilting interval and place your lines of quilting too far apart, the batting could separate or bunch, ruining the overall appearance of your quilt. Place lines of quilting too close, and you waste precious time and thread.

      For best results every time, read the recommendations on the quilt batting before you invest. Batting made from cotton tends to offer the largest quilting intervals — up to 10 inches / 25cm, in some instances. This means less work for you while still maintaining your quilt's integrity.
    • Possibility for Bearding — Bearding is the annoying tendency some battings have of poking through your fabric along with your needle and thread. It leaves little tufts of batting showing on the top and bottom of your quilt as you quilt it.

      Don't let this happen to you or to that project you just spent months creating. Choose a quilt batting that's been bonded to decrease the chances for bearding. Bonded batting is available in several types of batting, including cotton and polyester.
    • Loft — Loft refers to the thickness of your batting. Hi-loft batting typically works great for bed quilts and comforters. Low-loft batting is the go-to choice for table runners and placemats. The thicker the batting, the more pronounced definition between quilted and non-quilted areas.

      Hi-loft batting also makes for a warmer quilt. So if you're working on a lightweight, summer coverlet, you'd want to choose a batting that offers a lower loft.
    • Non-Allergenic Properties — If you suffer from allergies, you'll want to use a hypoallergenic batting. This means that the batting does not contain known allergens, such as chemicals.

      Natural fibers such as organic cotton and bamboo may be hypoallergenic. Polyester battings may be as well. For best results, read the packaging to ensure that the batting you're buying is allergy-recommended.
    • Tendency to Shrink — Some battings are more prone to shrinkage than others. If you like the crinkled, vintage look, choose a batting with a known shrinkage factor and don't prewash it. For a sleek, modern-looking quilt, opt for a batting that boasts zero shrinkage, or pre-wash and dry your batting before incorporating it into your quilt.

    Cut and size properly

    Once you've chosen the perfect batting for your project, you'll need to cut it to the proper size.

    What's the proper size, you might ask? It all depends upon the project, but typically, you'll want a few inches of extra batting that sticks out past the border of your quilt top. If you're quilting something small, such as a table runner or pillow top, 1 to 2 inches / 2.5 to 5cm is plenty.

    For a full-size quilt, however, allow at least 3 to 4 inches / 7.5 to 10cm of overlap. This will help offset any drawing up that might occur during the quilting process, and it also gives you a little extra leeway when squaring your quilt at the end.

     

    Above all, choose wisely

    When crafting your quilt, it's important to pay just as much attention to the type of  quilt batting you buy as you did to your fabric choices. The wrong batting can not only be difficult to work with, it can affect both the finished appearance of your quilt and its.

    Research your  quilt batting before you buy to get the best end result.

     

    Ready to get started?Runaway Quilting has everything you need

    Need  quilt batting ? You’re in the right place.

     

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  • Are Quilt Kits Right for You? Ask These Questions

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    Are Quilt Kits Right for You? Ask These Questions

    Quilt kits can be a lot like rainy days—either you love that quiet opportunity to take it easy, or you hate that hemmed in feeling.

    Rarely is there a middle ground. If you're the creative sort, you might find working from a kit to be a limiting experience.

    After all, with a quilt kits there’s no opportunity to choose your own fabrics or to arrange the patches in your own design. Then again, if you're looking for a fast fix—a quilt top that's going to go together quick and easy with minimal sweat and tears on your part—then quilt kits could be just the thing. The trick is in knowing what kind of quilter you are.

    If you're considering purchasing your first kit, but you're still on the fence regarding the pros and cons, ask yourself these four revealing questions.

     

    1. Do I already own an abundance of fabrics?

    If you're anything at all like your mother, your grandmother or your crafty Aunt Kay, the answer to this question is probably a deafening 'yes.' Quilters who've been in the game for a while tend to build up backlogs of gorgeous fabrics. Clearance sales, fat-quarter bargain bins and even those late-summer estate sales are all perfect opportunities to pick up material for a song.

    If you have plenty, or even too much, then a quilt kit that comes complete with all the pieces pre-cut could just be a waste of money. If you've taken the time—and spent the cash—to collect a nice assortment of fabrics, it only makes sense to use them up.

     

    2. Am I pressed for time?

    If you're short on the minutes and hours, but want your next project to look like you spent all the time in the world choosing a design and picking out fabricsquilt kits will get you there.

    Without having to do all the tedious cutting of squares, triangles, sashing and borders, you can trim your piecing time in half. Your finished quilt top will still look handmade, and only you will be any the wiser.

     

    3. Will I enjoy putting together someone else's creation?

    This is a tricky question for any die-hard quilter, and one that most tend to answer in the negative. But if you think about it, nearly every quilt patch was initially the brain child of a woman who lived long ago. Every time you piece a Log Cabin or an Attic Window, you're building on the ideas of someone else's great-great grandmother.

    So if you’re asking yourself “What's the harm in taking things a step farther?”, then you're going to love the ease and convenience of working from a kit.

    If that thought horrifies you and keeps you awake at night, however, you might want to avoid quilt kits the next time you go shopping.

     

    4. Do I hate cutting fabrics into the necessary shapes and sizes?

    How do you feel about the cutting chores that come with quilting? Are you the quilter who owns the largest self-healing board on the market and an impressive array of rotary blades and cutters? If so, you've probably narrowed the cutting chores down to an art. Possibly, you even strip-piece your quilts - sewing bits and pieces together before pressing and cutting them back apart.

    But if you're still that quilter who meticulously cuts out each square and triangle with your coveted sewing scissors, you should probably give quilt kits a try. No cutting means less time getting to the main attraction.

    If you are looking for a quilt kit, Runaway Quilting has everything you need

    Regardless of which type of quilter you turn out to be, it's worth giving quilt kits a go. For the time and money they can save you, they're well worth the small concession you'll make in creativity, and the kits themselves are gorgeous.

    Shop our quilt kits here.

     

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