The Quilter's Bible. Linda
as perle cottons, can be used for big stitch quilting. For machine quilting, 100 per cent cotton thread is popular. Monofilament nylon thread is often used for quilting in the ditch, as it is nearly invisible.
Threads for embellishment – The sky’s the limit here as threads for embellishment can be surface couched as well as sewn. Try bouclés, viscose knits and metallic rayons, particularly for crazy patchwork and decorative quilting.
Waddings (Battings)
Wadding (or Batting) is the material layered between two fabrics to form a quilt’s padding. There are many types, made from different materials. Wadding is made by bonding or needle punching, both intended to secure the fibres together. When bonded, a resin is used and the wadding may be completely bonded or only surface bonded. A needle-punched wadding has the fibres pieced by needles, which causes them to tangle together.
The wadding you choose depends on the type of quilting planned and how the item will be used. Some are fine for machine quilting but are more difficult to hand quilt through, while others are very puffy and work best for tied quilts. Some need to be quilted at tightly spaced intervals of 2in (5cm) while others may only need to be quilted every 10in (25.4cm) or so. Waddings are also available with a heat-resistant layer, useful for table and kitchen linen. Some waddings are fusible, which helps when securing the layers of a quilt together. Generally, try to match the wadding with the quilt material, for example, cotton wadding for cotton fabrics, silk for silk and so on. Waddings often shrink when washed, producing the attractive crinkled quality of old quilts. If you don’t want this effect then wash the wadding before use. Wadding is available in pre-cut pieces to fit standard mattress sizes – see Useful Information.
‘Loft’ refers to the weight and thickness of a wadding. Low-loft waddings are thinner than high-loft ones, which are puffier. ‘Bearding’ is a term used to describe how a wadding can break down, allowing fibres to work their way to the right side of the fabric. This may occur with cheap waddings so always buy the best you can afford. ‘Request’ weight waddings are lightweight with low loft and are good for hand quilting.
Types of Wadding (Batting)
Cotton – This is finer, heavier and warmer than polyester wadding and is very suitable for machine quilting. It can be hand quilted, though this needs to be quite close, about 2in (5cm), between lines. Cotton waddings do not work well as tied quilts as the wadding can break up unless secured at closely spaced intervals.
Wool – Natural fibre waddings breathe well and are usually comfortable all year long. Wool waddings are suitable for hand quilting, being easy to stitch through.
Silk – This natural fibre wadding is expensive so isn’t the first choice for a large quilt, however its fineness makes it perfect for quilted garments.
Bamboo – This natural fibre product has a low loft and quilts well. It is very soft and has antibacterial properties so could be useful for baby quilts.
Polyester – This is made from synthetic fibres and is available in different weights, including a thin 2oz (60g) and a thicker 10oz (300g). It is usually the least expensive, washes well and creates a lightweight quilt. Bearding may be a problem. Lower loft polyester waddings can be hand or machine quilted but thicker weights will be difficult to machine quilt. High loft types are great for tied quilts. Do not use a hot iron on polyester wadding.
Blended – Wadding may also be made from blended fibres, for example, 80 per cent cotton and 20 per cent polyester or 50 per cent cotton and 50 per cent soy protein. Blended waddings tend to be more stable and less apt to shift.
Interfacings, Stabilizers and Fusible Webs
Interfacings and stabilizers are used to line, stiffen and stabilize fabrics, while fusible web is used to glue one fabric to another and is particularly useful for appliqué work. These materials are available in different weights, usually light, medium and heavy. As a general rule, match the weight with the fabric weight.
Interfacings – This may be sew-in or fusible, the fusible sort having a heat-activated coating on one side, which allows it to be glued to a fabric. It is usually single sided but double-sided types are available. In patchwork, appliqué and quilting an interfacing such as Vilene is used to stiffen or give shape to fabrics, particularly delicate ones or those that fray badly. It can be used as a base when foundation piecing or for crazy patchwork. Different weights are available and stiffer (heavy) weights are useful in bag making and for three-dimensional patchwork.
Stabilizers – These materials are used to stabilize fabrics, making them firmer to stitch on, and are available in different weights. Stabilizers can be temporary, being torn away or dissolved when stitching is finished, or be permanent and left in place. They can be sew-in or fusible. Interfacing may sometimes be referred to as a stabilizer. Muslin and calico can also be used as stabilizers.
Fusible webs – These are made of an ultra-thin sheet of adhesive backed with a special paper. The heat of an iron causes the adhesive to melt and so fuse two fabrics together. Once fused, it forms a secure bond and prevents edges fraying. It comes in different weights, usually light, medium and heavy. Many brands are available and may vary slightly, so always read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. See Fusible Web Appliqué for more on using fusible web.
Embellishments
Embellishment is decoration, adornment and ornamentation and can be anything you choose to beautify your work – from using unusual threads for decorative embroidery stitches to adding trims and three-dimensional objects. Collecting embellishments is highly addictive as there are so many gorgeous braids, trims, ribbons, beads, buttons and charms available. See Crazy Patchwork and Decorative Quilting for more on embellishing. Embellishments generally fall into the following types but mixing and matching is fun.
• Ribbons, tapes, braids, cords, ricrac and thousands of other decorative trims.
• Bows, lace and broderie anglaise.
• Sequins and beads.
• Buttons, charms and shells.
Working with Fabrics
There are many aspects to consider when working with fabric, the most important being choosing them in the first place! This section takes a look at selecting fabrics and using colour, as well as practical aspects such as estimating how much fabric will be needed and preparing fabric for use. For information on hand and machine piecing, see Hand Piecing and Machine Piecing.
Choosing Fabrics
Choosing fabric is arguably the hardest part of making a quilt or other project. With almost limitless choice, where do you start? It is also one of the most exciting parts, with so many gorgeous colours and prints to choose from and combine in fresh and interesting ways. This is a the time when guilt