Starting with "batting practice" and working through use of the walking foot, darning foot, free motion techniques, stencils and decorative threads, Paula shares her invaluable tips for streamlining the quilting process, making it faster and more fun for you. Class normally lasts 6 hours, but it can be tailored to your time frame and the group’s experience level.
Supplies:
- Straight Stitching:
- Top fabric: Small (table runner or baby quilt size) quilt that will provide opportunities for both straight and curved stitching
- Batting: Cotton or low-loft polyester batting cut 2” larger all around than top fabric
- Backing: Cut 2” larger all around than top fabric
Please baste quilt with safety pins through all layers before bringing to class. Pins should be approximately 4” apart across the entire quilt.
- Even feed foot (walking foot): If you have not used your foot before, install before class and get your machine technician’s help, if necessary, to learn how to install it and to make sure that it is the right foot for your machine.
- Thread in colors compatible with your chosen piece, plus monofilament (I prefer Wonder by YLI or MonoPoly by Superior) in clear and/or smoke
- Free Motion Stitching:
- Muslin “sandwich” (2 pieces of muslin approximately 18”-20” square with a piece of cotton or low-loft batting between them) for practice stitching. Instructor will provide stencils to mark designs on practice piece.
- Darning foot: There are several different styles on the market. Make sure the foot fits your machine and get a technician’s help if necessary. If you can find one, an open toed foot provides excellent visibility (Bernina #24). If you will be using a Bernina machine with BSR capability, bring the foot and attachments.
- Matching or contrasting thread (your preference)
- Water soluble marker, such as Wonder or Mark-B-Gone
- General Sewing Supplies:
- Small safety pins (large ones break threads in your fabric!) to baste muslin piece after stencils are marked
- Straight pins
- Seam ripper
- Small scissors or thread snips
- Owner’s manual for your machine for reference
- Sewing machine — cleaned, oiled and ready to sew!
