You can't really appreciate the value of a good tool until you've tried to complete the job without it. The right tools make every project easier, and when it's time to get down to quilting, crafting and sewing, Runaway Quilting carries the best fabrics, needles and sewing notions in Canada, all at reasonable prices you can afford.

You're going to fall in love with quilting all over again when you get a good look at all the specialty tools and supplies we carry to simplify your life. Runaway Quilting: your source for quilting supplies in Canada.

 

Fabric

From fat quarters to yard goods, Runaway Quilting is your source for all things fabric. Visit us for the widest selection of prints and solids, fleece, quilted and unquilted panels designed to fit every project. Whether your latest effort involves piecing a king-size quilt or stitching together a few throw pillows for the college dorm, we have all the latest flannels, batiks, basic and retro-look fabrics from all your favorite designers.

 

Thread

Regardless of project, Runaway Quilting has the thread to tie it all together.  Cotton, poly, silk, heavy-duty, metallic and wool - if you need it, we have it. All at prices to fit every budget. Get the right thread for your sewing machine, your long-arm quilting machine or your serger in every color of the rainbow as well as neutral, white and black. Need to sew on a button or put a quick stitch in a skirt seam? We have just the thread to do it.

 

Batting

You'll find low-loft, high-loft and every batting in between when you use Runaway Quilting as your source to supply all your quilting and crafting needs. We carry all your old favorite cotton/poly blends, as well as today's eco-friendly bamboo and wool quilt battings. When you need to match the filling to the project, trust us to have it in stock. Never worry about bearding again when you shop our comprehensive collection of quilt battings.

 

Needles

Your project is only ever as easy as the tools you use to complete it, and needles are a biggie. You need replacement needles for your sewing machine, betweens for your quilting sessions, and embroidery, upholstery and beading needles for your arts and crafts. Get the right needle for the job when you shop Runaway Quilting for all your needles and sewing notions.

 

Shears and Scissors

Everyone who sews needs a reliable assortment of shears, and you can trust us to carry the best selection in town. Choose from pinking shears, embroidery scissors and all-purpose implements that cut everything from fabric to aluminum cans to help you complete even the most difficult task. You need sharp shears, and we have them, including scissors for paper and crafting.  

 

Rotary Cutters, Self-Healing Mats and Straight-Edge Rulers

No quilter's cubby is complete without a quality rotary cutter, self-healing mat and straight-edge ruler. Get the most precise cuts in the least amount of time when you shop Runaway Quilting for the best in rotary cutting supplies. You'll find mats in all shapes and sizes, replacement blades, and the perfect straight-edge to fit your space. Even the coziest craft room can have a cutting mat when there's every size from which to choose.

 

Pins and Thimbles

You can't quilt without the necessary tools, and this means stocking up on thimbles and straight pins. Find the sizes you need in the materials you prefer, from leather, plastic and aluminum thimbles to pins of every size, Runaway Quilting is your source for the largest to the smallest quilting necessities.

 

Rulers

Cut a straight line, take the necessary measurements and make all your sewing projects a joy to complete when you purchase rulers and tape measures designed specifically with quilting and crafting in mind. Easy to use, easy to store, our measuring implements make fast work of every project that requires a precision eye.

 

Markers and Marking Tools

Measure twice, cut once, and that new quilt will be completed in no time with all the points perfectly aligned. When you need to mark on fabric, paper, carbon or more, Runaway Quilting has the right implement to do it. Never guess at a measurement again when it's clearly marked using the exact tool for the purpose.

 

Storage

Ask any quilter what he or she needs more of, and you'll get the same answer every time - storage. You need a convenient place to keep fabrics, thread, ribbon and cutting accessories safe and out of the way, and that means cubbies, trays, tables and more. Runaway Quilting has ideal storage solutions for every craft room. See our innovative offerings today.

 

Need quilting supplies? Trust Runaway Quilting

Don't struggle through your latest project without the tools you need to make life easier. Let us provide everything you need—let Runaway Quilting be your quilt supplies source for all things crafty in Canada.

  

Since the 1700s, quilters have been turning old clothes and leftover fabric scraps into quilts — rag quilts, more specifically.

Rag quilts differ from traditional pieced quilts in a number of ways:

• They highlight the raw edges of the fabric.
• They're typically composed of simple squares instead of triangles and more intricate designs.
• And they often use non-traditional fabrics such as denim or flannel. Rag quilts come together quickly as well.

The best part about rag quilts? With some determination, you can complete a rag quilt over the course of just one weekend.

 

Quilted piece by piece

Unlike most traditional quilts, the rag quilt is constructed of small squares that have each been quilted. Most squares are made up of three separate pieces — the backing, the batting and the top. Individual pieces are pinned together, and then quilted either by machine or by hand. Only afterward are they stitched together to form the quilt top.  

 

Raw edges to the front

And while no quilter anywhere would normally turn his or her raw edges to the front, the rag quilter does exactly that. If you're new to the art of quilt-making, there's a great tutorial on simple machine quilting found on Generations Quilt Patterns. It will help get you started with solid information on the different parts of your machine, as well as the basic technique. Because you're quilting small, individual squares, one at a time, quilting a rag quilt is fast and easy.

 

Low-loft batting or bust

Your rag quilt needs a low-loft batting. That is, if you choose to use batting at all—some quilters forego the batting in a rag quilt and use heavier fabrics instead.

You could cut up all your family's outgrown denim jeans, for instance, and back them with flannel. This type of rag quilt is heavy enough on its own that it doesn't necessarily need to use a batting.

If you do decide to fill your quilt, however, use a quilt batting that's low-loft, and cut it at least 1 1/2 inches / 4cm smaller than your quilt blocks. You'll have a lot of thicknesses to sew through as you stitch your blocks together. And unless you're a professional with tons of experience, a high-loft batting in this project is only going to make your life miserable.

Find out more about the types of quilt batting available on our post here.

 

Assembled with love

When it's time to pull your rag quilt together, you’ll experience the satisfaction that comes from making your first, super-easy quilt or coverlet.

Simply assemble all your pre-quilted squares, pin them together two at a time with the raw edges together, and stitch. Your finished seams will face the back; raw seams will face the front.

Wash your creation afterward to start the fraying process. (Frayed rag quilts are happy rag quilts.)

For more detailed instructions on how to assemble and stitch a rag quilt (using fleece in this case), visit FleeceFun.com.

 

Get started making your own rag quilts

There's hardly an easier quilt out there for beginning quilters to try than the rag quilt. And the more you launder and love this creation, the better it looks. As the edges fray, they create fun and fuzzy borders around each square. There are no fussy points to match up, no intricate sashing to sew. Simply assemble your squares and go. You're going to love the look and feel of your new rag quilt, and so is the loved one who's lucky enough to receive it.

For more on rag quilts, there's a perfect introduction to rag quilting on The Educational Value of Quilting website.

Once you’ve learned about this non-traditional method of quilt-making, though, make sure to come back to Runaway Quilting for all your supplies.

 

Ready to get started? Runaway Quilting has everything you need

Need quilting supplies or notions to make your rag quilt? You’re in the right place.

 

 

If you’ve recently attended a quilting show or seen examples of lovely quilts online, you might be inspired to pick up this creative and useful hobby.

Of course, people make quilts to use as blankets, but quilters also make other useful items and even works of decorative art.

At Runaway Quilting, Canada’s online fabric store, we hope to help people at every stage of their quilting adventure. Most people are surprised when we demonstrate how easy it is to get started as a new quilter.

 

How to Get Started Quilting in Four Easy Steps

Most quilters end up collecting a lot of quilting supplies and fabric. However, you shouldn't get intimidated by the organized and well-stocked craft room of friends who might have enjoyed this hobby for years. You can simply follow these basic steps to begin producing your own beautiful quilts.

Here's a quick list of some basic things you need to acquire.

 

1. Supplies and notions

The exact supplies that you need might depend upon your project. However, this list of basic supplies describes the things that you’re likely to want or need:

1. Self-healing cutting mat: These mats aren't absolutely necessary. You can cut on a table or even the floor. However, most experienced quilters end up buying one eventually, so you might as well save yourself some trouble.
2. Transparent ruler: This is one tool that you will probably find indispensable, and you may end up purchasing a few of them in different shapes and sizes as you progress. You might start with a ruler that measures 6" / 15cm by 24" / 60cm and is made out of sturdy acrylic.
3. Rotary cutter: This tool saves wear on hands, make more accurate cuts, and speeds up the process. You may want to have an old-fashioned fabric shears on hand too, but you'll probably be happy to rely on a rotary cutter most of the time.
4. Seam ripper: Even the most seasoned quilters need to redo seams from time to time. You can expect to use one of these. This tool is safer and quicker to use than scissors.
5. Thread: You might as well stock up thread too. You'll probably end up using white thread a lot, but you may want to select thread that matches or contrasts with the fabric you intend to use.
6. Fabric: Of course, picking out fabric is the best part of quilting of many quilters.  You can find a large selection of different colors, textures, and patterns at an online fabric store like ours.

 

2. A Sewing Machine

Some quilters enjoy sewing by hand just like their great-grandmothers did. In that case, you might just need needles and a quilter's hoop. However, most contemporary quilters rely upon sewing machines.

The good news is that you don't need a machine with dozens of fancy stitches. Most quilting requires a straight stitch, but a zigzag stitch might come in handy sometimes. If you only intend to use the machine for quilts, you might consider a quality machine with basic functions. If you plan to use your sewing machine for other projects, do some more careful shopping.

 

3. Some Quilting Lessons

You may already have a few friends who have offered to help you learn to quilt or access to a local class. Great!

If not, don’t worry. These days, you don't even need to leave home to master this craft. You can find countless quilting tutorials online and books in your local library. If you're a visual learner, you may prefer to find some excellent quilting tutorial videos on sites like YouTube.

Remember—if there's a step in a pattern that you aren't sure of, you can certainly find a resource to help you learn what to do.

 

4. Quilting Patterns

Once you get the hang of quilting, you might begin to develop your own creative patterns. At first, however, you'll be better off by following other people's well-tested instructions.

You can use a search engine to find plenty of free patterns on the internet—have a look to see what is available and how basic patterns work.

Of course, you can find premium patterns in an online fabric store like Runaway Quilting.

As a beginner, start with a pattern that's marked as quick and easy. You'll enjoy the sense of satisfaction you get from finishing your first project, and be ready to move on to more complex projects in no time at all.

 

Get Started With Your Quilting Hobby Today

You can produce beautiful quilts without making a large investment. Even a sewing machine won’t cost too much if you stick with a fairly basic one.

Looking for help? As Canada's online fabric store, we love to help introduce new people to this popular hobby at Runaway Quilting. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask us!

What kind of quilter are you?

Are you an absolute beginner who wants the satisfaction of completing one of your first quilting projects? Or are you an experienced quilter who has a busy life—and perhaps needs a shower or holiday gift by the weekend?

Either way, you might find the perfect project with this selection of free quilt patterns. We’ve chosen them here for you not just because they’re free, but because they’re fast and easy… and fantastic.  

 

Volcano quilt

Sarah Watts created a clever design that should just explode out of your sewing machine. The contemporary pattern is perfect for both the young and the young at heart.

Because much of the design has a solid background, the quilt doesn't require as many different patches as most others do. Even though this might be considered a minimalist quilt, it's still very exciting.

This is one of several free quilt patterns offered by fabric manufacturers that you can find on the web.

 

Easy X's and O's quilt

Janet Wickell's X's and O's quilt pattern can save you both time and money. That's because, although you could choose to carefully coordinate your quilt by buying new fabric, this design comes out great with a variety of quilting scraps too.

One advantage of this particular design is that it's easy to customize the length and width. That means that you could use this pattern for a baby blanket or a throw for a king-sized bed. Since it's possible to vary the size and design so much, this is a really useful quilt pattern to master.

 

Christmas quilt

Kathy Mathews likes to collect fabric that has already been printed in Christmas designs and colours. She simply arranged strips of different fabrics until she created a Christmas quilt design that she liked. Fabric with a very faint striping offered the perfect border because it brought the whole thing together.

If you wanted to get creative, you could also use this quilt pattern with strips of fabric that represented different holidays, or even other occasions such as weddings or baby showers.

 

“One-Day” contemporary baby quilt

This is another idea for a special-occasion quilt from Kathy Mathews’ collection of free quilt patterns. But where the Christmas quilt pattern above produces a very traditional appearance, this one-day quilt idea works because it uses irregular blocks that have already been printed with more modern and abstract designs.

The end result is a quilt that looks like it belongs in a contemporary art museum's quilting section.

The other great thing about this quilt pattern is it's very easy to vary the fabric to produce a quilt for a boy or a girl.

 

Tulip garden

This tulip garden quilt is one of Hallie O'Kelly's free quilt patterns. The big blocks of fabric that create rows of tulips make this a quick gift for Easter or another event in the spring. The boxy tulips give the finished product a look that appears traditional but is anything but boring. Quilters can select colours and even prints to harmonize this quilt with any colour scheme.

 

Brick path

This free quilt pattern by Alexia Marcelle Abegg is a brick path quilt that benefits from the large blocks of "white space" in the design. The basic pattern might almost be compared to a tic-tac-toe board—or, in these days of automatic phone systems and social media, to a pound (#) sign or hashtag.

Large blocks of white alternate here with large blocks of simple and colourful patterns. The patterned blocks could be composed of scraps or designed to complete a theme.

 

Heart quilt blocks

Celebrate St. Valentine's Day, a wedding or baby shower, or even a friendship with this heart block pattern by Terri. The bold pattern offers a very classic look, but you can easily adjust the colour and size of your finished product. It's very simple to cut out the straight or diagonal lines on a grid too.

This is sure to be a go-to design for many busy quilters.

 

Four-patch

Finally, if you'd like to begin with some neat, square shapes, consider this four-patch pattern from Amy Smart. You can choose to create your patches out of scraps or produce a theme with any colour or print of fabric that you choose. She considers this one of the most basic patterns for a quick baby quilt, but really, it could be transformed into a style that suits any occasion.

 

Which of these free quilt patterns will you make first?

You can find more quilt patterns—either paid or free—both on this site and on the web. It’s never been easier to get you started with a new quilting hobby, or exercise your skills with a quick project during a busy week.

As these patterns demonstrate, even simple designs can appear elegant, artistic, and bold. Nobody will guess how easy these lovely quilts were to complete… And you certainly don't have to tell.

 

Ready to get started? Runaway Quilting has everything you need

Now that you’ve got your free quilt patterns, do you need quilting supplies or notions? You’re in the right place.

 

A baby quilt is an ideal gift for your own new arrival or someone else’s—after all, it can become a beloved heirloom that stays in the family for generations.

Baby quilt patterns have particular appeal for new quilters or those wishing to learn a new technique; their small size lets you experiment more freely. (And finish more quickly!)

If you’re looking to welcome a new baby, have a look at these delightful baby quilt patterns. We’ve tried to include a variety of techniques on this list, for all skill levels, so you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy making and giving.

 

A note about safety

Baby quilts make an ideal addition to any nursery, but you’ll want to avoid certain techniques.

It can’t be said enough, for example, that you should stay away from beads, buttons and other small embellishments; the risk of them coming loose and creating a choking hazard means they’re not appropriate for a baby quilt.

Don’t forget, either, to make sure all seams are secure, and that the finished quilt doesn’t have loose strands of thread that could become entangled in hair or wrapped around little fingers or toes.

 

Pinwheel quilt

With lively colours on a fresh, white-on-white background, this free baby quilt pattern is ideal for any new arrival. This charming take on the traditional pinwheel pattern uses traditional piecing methods and has a border or dimensional prairie points for added interest. Simple triangle blocks and straightforward assembly make this pattern a good challenge for an intermediate quilter.

 

Colourful striped ombre quilt

This might be the easiest pattern on our list; simple strips of colour are easily assembled and quilted, but the end result looks anything but speedy. Use the rainbow colour scheme shown here, or choose your own to create a customized piece for the nursery.

 

Baby bright

You’ll take one look at the vibrant colours and patterns that make up this delightful piece and fall in love. But infants and toddlers will adore checking out the lively patterns, too. We love this cleverly constructed piece, which combines simple piecing with applique and is ideal for beginners.

 

Modern confetti quilt

More contemporary than most, this stunning piece makes an amazing impression, but is surprisingly easy to make. Simple shapes and easy applique construction will help you make the most of your fabric selections and to match virtually any colour scheme.

 

Oversized chevron baby quilt

Big bold swaths of colour add up to style and ease. This delightfully fresh quilt allows you to create an elegant and appealing gift with enduring appeal.

 

Simple, elegant squares baby quilt

This fast and easy design packs a big punch, and is an ideal way to showcase some of your favourite fabrics. Simple strip piecing and basic shapes allow you to whip this piece up in a hurry; it is ideal for a handmade but last-minute baby shower gift.

 

Embellished baby quilt

Big, bold three dimensional flowers appeal to baby’s senses—and are fast and easy to add to this charming quilt. Showcase printed fabrics and try a few new techniques when you complete this fast and easy baby quilt pattern.

 

Super-fast scrappy top

It only looks like it takes forever! This “one-hour baby quilt” assembles in a hurry using strip piecing techniques; once the top is complete, simply layer your batting and backing, then stitch in the ditch to finish.

 

Monogrammed baby quilt

Welcome baby by name with this attention grabbing, but surprisingly easy pattern. Simple applique techniques allow you to work this up quickly but still add a personal touch.  

 

Sweet log cabin

Log cabin blocks are fast and easy to make—and they’re addictive, too! Whether you choose the colours shown here or come up with your own unique spin on the log cabin baby quilt, this classic is sure to please.

 

Puffy baby quilt               

This fun technique is as easy to get hooked on as it is easy to complete. The puffy blocks are fun to make and assemble, but yield a stunning finished result. Combine your favourite fabrics or colour schemes and this innovative block technique to come up with a fresh and lively piece baby will love.  

 

Grandmother’s flower garden

Don’t let the name fool you—the flowers here are hexagons and can be used for boys or girls! This piece uses traditional English paper piecing for the hexagons, and since these components are created first and then assembled, you can take them along wherever you go. If you haven’t tried paper piecing before, then a baby quilt is a great place to begin with this fascinating and time-honored technique.

 

With all these baby quilt patterns, where will you start?

The fabrics you choose for your piece make all the difference and allow you to create a stunning baby quilt that is totally yours. Fortunately Runaway Quilting has hundreds to choose from.

Need quilting supplies or notions? You’re in the right place.