Sewing For Dummies Patterns

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First time quilter, I need help?

As far as sewing goes I am definitely a beginner, but as long as I have step by step directions of whateber I am doing I can sew it. I have sewed my daughter a few blankets and also a pillowcase dress. But I am ready for a bigger and better project. My cousin is due with her 1st baby in August, we are planning a shower for her the middle of July, which means I have a month and a half to complete my quilt. I wanted to make her a quilt because for one I just enjoy the being able to give somebody something that for one didn't come form wal-mart and two they can cherish and know that it was handmade. I have read online a few on different sites but I have a few questions on some. What is a scant seam? If I want to make just a simple bock quilt made up of around 24 squares (I don't have a pattern) How do I go about measuring how big my blocks need to be etc...? If someone could give me step by step instructions (quilting for dummies if you will) I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You

Clare's answer is excellent. A scant 1/4" seam is one or two threads less than 1/4" wide.

Here is a link to a page with approximate dimensions of quilt sizes from preemie to toddler: http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQuiltingPages/startquiltingtwo.html
These vary from 18 x 20 all the way up to 40 x 60; my point is that precise dimensions aren't important on a baby quilt.

Let's assume you cut 24 blocks that are 8" square. Lay out your blocks in the design you want, 4 squares wide by 6 squares deep. Sew the squares of each row in order, using 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seams of rows 1,3, and 5 to the left and rows 2,4,and 6 to the right. Now sew row 1 to row 2, then row 2 to row 3, and so on. The seams between blocks will butt up and nest together, making it easy to match the vertical line. Press the finshed quilt top well.

After sewing these together with 1/4" seam, each block is 7-1/2" square, and the final quilt top is 30" x 45".

Cut a piece of backing fabric and a piece of batting a few inches larger than the quilt top. Lay the backing, right side down, on a flat surface such as a table and smooth it out. I recommend holding the corners down with masking tape to keep it in place. Now smooth the batting in place over it, then the quilt top. Starting in the quilt center, use safety pins every 4 - 6" to baste the quilt sandwich together. Now you can machine quilt, hand quilt or tie the layers together.

Trim all the edges so they are even, and sew binding around all the sides of the quilt. Here is a link to binding directions: http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQuiltingPages/startquiltingfive.html

Trim all the loose threads, and you have a finished quilt that your cousin will treasure.

Sewing Basics : How to Sew Clothes to Fit


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