Christmas Gifts For Quilters

The Christmas Quilt Book

I’ve seen the holiday candy appearing in the grocery stores so I decided it was time to look for Christmas gifts for quilters.

Christmas Gifts For QuiltersI know, I know, I can hear you saying it’s too early, but don’t you think it would feel great not to be rushing at the last minute. There’s also the problem of having a brilliant idea for a gift then finding it’s sold out, I hate when that happens!

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Quilt Design Software Programs

Cushion made by the Janome Artistic Digitizer Software

You’ve mastered the basics of quilting and browsed through all the different quilting patterns available so what’s next? Creating  your own patterns with quilt design software programs!

Let’s have a look first at what quilt design software programs can do compared to a graphic design software or paint program for example.

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John Flynn Quilting System

john flynn quilting system

John Flynn Quilting System

So you’ve pieced your quilt and have the 3 layers reading for quilting on your sewing machine or by hand. Do you have problems rolling it up and keeping the tension? Don’t have the budget for a Long Arm Machine? The John Flynn quilting system could be just the thing!

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Interweave for Quilting

Interweave

 

interweave for quilting

Interweave store is a well-known crafts store, but have you looked at Interweave for quilting? The dedicated quilting section offers everything you could want to satisfy your quilting passion! They also have a membership section which is free to join and gives you access blogs, forums, videos, and free stuff!

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Sewing Machines for Quilting

sewing machines for quilting

Sewing Machines for QuiltingWhat are the things to take into account when you’re looking for a sewing machine for quilting?

Choosing a machine for quilting is a much different proposition than choosing one for basic occasional use. If you’re on a limited budget it’s more important to have a reliable machine that sews well than have extra bells and whistles on an unreliable one.

 

Sewing Machine for Quilting – essential things to look for

  • A good straight stitch – essential when piecing fabric together.
  • The option to disengage feed dogs – needed for free motion quilting.
  • Variety of feet – these add extra functionality and a walking foot is a must for moving the 3 layers through evenly.
  • Throat space – this is the space on the right of the needle where your quilt will get shoved through during quilting, the bigger the better!
  • Variable speed motor – helps to give good control when free motion quilting.
  • JUKI Exceed HZL F600 wide sewing spaceExtension table –  to the left of the needle for those larger quilts.
  • Marked measurements on the needle plate – this makes it much easier to achieve accurate 1/4″ seams.
  • Build quality – it’s important to check this. Sewing quilts puts a heavy strain on any machine, a flimsy plasticky machine won’t last long.
  • Lighting – look for sewing machines with more than one light that are angled well onto the work surface. Bright LED lights are the best.
  • Instructions – are they easy to follow and does the machine come with a DVD?

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