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Encyclopedia
Straight Stitch Foot
A straight stitch foot can be used for machine piecing.
String Piecing
String piecing refers to a sewing technique where scraps of fabrics are sewn together into sections. The scraps can be any size or color. Shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles, etc.) are then cut out of these sections. These shapes can be sewn together in a traditional pattern or into a free form/crazy quilt. Watch the video… Continue reading String Piecing
Strip Piecing
Strip piecing is a quick sewing and rotary cutting technique. Long strips of fabric are cut using a rotary cutter. They are sewn together and then cut into smaller units. These smaller units are then sewn together again to form traditional quilts. Strip piecing is different from string piecing as it has more structure.… Continue reading Strip Piecing
Summer Quilt
A summer quilt is a lightweight quilt that just has a top and a back. There’s no batting in between the layers. Beginner quilters might like to try making a small summer quilt with ties before tackling a regular quilt with hand or machine quilting. In the first video, you’ll see how to make a… Continue reading Summer Quilt
Swatch
A swatch refers to a sample piece of fabric that helps you choose fabrics for your project. Any scrap of fabric will do. (Notice the random cut green and lavender swatches.) Fabric companies sometimes hand out sample swatches of a fabric line like the blue one shown in the photo. I also like… Continue reading Swatch
Templates
Quilt templates are patterns that you can use when cutting out fabric for your quilt. The are also useful for checking your sewing accuracy. You can buy these or make your own from template plastic. A good template is accurate, reusable (you’ll use it many times) and transparent (so you can see the fabric’s… Continue reading Templates
Thimbles
Thimbles protect the fingertips from repeated needle jabbing (ouch!). Quilting thimbles come in all sort of sizes and styles. Find one that feels comfortable on YOU. I like the open finger thimble shown in the photo. I had it fitted to my finger just like you would have a ring fitted. Not all thimbles are… Continue reading Thimbles
Thread
There are many types of thread on the market today. I don’t consider myself a thread expert but I do have my favorite place for “thread education”. I often visit Superior Thread’s website to order thread AND to read their guides for sewing/quilting (under the Education tab). Depending on your project, they have a thread for… Continue reading Thread
Tint
A hue that is blended with light or white colors is called a tint. Pink is a tint of red.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper makes a great stabilizer. I also use it for paper piecing. I prefer this to other papers because it is easier to tear off after stitching and it is CHEAP! Acid-free tissue paper is a special type of paper used to preserve quilts. It is made without the chemicals in regular paper that… Continue reading Tissue Paper
Tone on Tone Fabric
Tone-on-tone fabric is a two colored patterned fabric . From a distance it reads as a solid. Up close it adds ‘interest’ to a quilt. Jinny Beyer has one of the largest collections of tone-on-tone fabric. Tone-on-tone fabric is great to use to add interest and texture to your quilt. The three fabrics on the… Continue reading Tone on Tone Fabric
Trapunto
The ancient Italian technique for producing texture in quilt tops. In trapunto a design on the quilt top is stuffed with batting to provide relief design.
Triangle
The triangle is a popular basic shape used in quilts. Unlike a square, the triangle’s sides and angles are not always equal. Care must be taken when laying out triangles and when sewing them together. Watch the video below to find out about the different triangles and how to rotary cut them. You will also… Continue reading Triangle
Turkey Red
Turkey Red is the name of a dye color that was quite popular in the 1800’s. On many antique quilts, the darker red has faded to a brown color.
Twin Size
A twin size mattress measures 39 inches by 94 inches.
Tying a Quilt
Tying a quilt: A quilt’s layer can be secured together by tying. Yarn or embroidery floss is threaded on a needle and stitched down and then up through all layers of the quilt ‘sandwich’. The yarn or floss is then tied in a knot (I prefer to double knot) and clipped. If you would… Continue reading Tying a Quilt
Value
The fabric value is the relationship of one fabric color to another with respect to lightness and darkness. Fabric value is often overlooked when choosing fabric. Most of us go to the fabric store thinking about color rather than value. Quilters need to include a mix of fabrics of different values (lights, mediums, and… Continue reading Value
Walking Foot
The walking foot fits on your sewing machine and is a must for machine quilting. Usually it does not come with your machine. (Some machines do come with a built in walking foot.) Most sewing machine shops carry these feet in stock. You need to know what type of shank you have on your machine – straight… Continue reading Walking Foot
Whole Cloth Quilt
A whole cloth quilt’s top is made from one fabric.
