Photo: Stock.Xchng

Making a quilt is an easy and relaxing sewing project that you can complete over as long a time period as you like, with or without a sewing machine. If you want to make a quilt that’s really special, use old scraps of fabric that hold memories for you, or for a child who’s having an important birthday or leaving home. You’ll enjoy the process almost as much as you or the person receiving the gift will enjoy keeping warm with the quilt!

How to get started

Photo: Stock.Xchng

The first step in making a quilt is deciding how big it’ll be. Once you know this, you can divide the size by the number of squares you plan to use to find out how big each of your squares of fabric will need to be. Next, you’ll need to cut out your squares, but remember to add about an inch to each side to leave space for stitching. Choose fabrics that are reasonably strong: if you do choose to cut your squares from old clothing, avoid worn patches. You’ll also want to avoid seams and stains.

All sewn up

Place two squares together with the right sides facing inwards, then pin them along one side, and sew along that line. Repeat this process to form a line of squares, then line up the rows and sew them together in the same way that you did the individual squares. You can do all of this either by hand or with a sewing machine, but when it comes to the final step – attaching your quilted front to a plainer back – you’ll probably find that a machine makes things a lot quicker and easier. Don’t rush your project, and enjoy the process of creating a quilt that’ll last a lifetime.

Tags: birthday ideas, sewing, sewing machine