In nearly two years at Stitch This! we’ve put together quite a few quilting tutorials (see a roundup of 52 of them here). But we’ve yet to share one massive network of helpful, clever, eye-opening tutes from a group of true pros: our exceptionally talented authors!
From how-to-make-a-quilt basics to smart ideas for specific projects, you’re about to enjoy plenty of lightbulb moments. Click though to see each designer’s take on a technique; then follow them via email, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Keep in touch! And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to Stitch This! for alerts to more tutorial roundups in the future.
QUILT TUTORIALS: BASIC TECHNIQUES
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Pre-Wash or Not? Quilting’s Perennial Question Authors: Darra Williamson (Cuddle Me Quick, A Year in the Life of Sunbonnet Sue) and Jennifer Rounds (A Dozen Roses) Blog: See How We Sew |
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Choosing Fabrics for a Quilt 101 Author: Amy Smart (Fabulously Fast Quilts—coming April 2014) Blog: Diary of a Quilter |
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How to Square Up Fabric Author: Amy Ellis (Modern Neutrals, Modern Basics, Modern Basics II) Blog: Amy’s Creative Side Podcast: The Quiltcast |
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Adding (Not Wavy!) Borders to Quilts Author: Cheryl Brown (Quilt Batik!) Blog: Quilter Chic |
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How to Sew Mitered Corners Author: Nancy Mahoney (see all of Nancy’s books) Blog: Nancy Mahoney |
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Tips for a Quick Quilt Label Author: Cheryl Lynch (Sew Embellished!, ¡Quilt Fiesta!) Blog: Cheryl Lynch Quilts |
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How to Make a Pieced Quilt Back Author: Julie Herman (Skip the Borders) Blog: Jaybird Quilts |
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Tying a Quilter’s Knot—the Video! Author: Rebecca Silbaugh (Seamingly Scrappy) Blog: Ruby Blue Quilting Studio |
QUILT TUTORIALS: TECHNIQUES FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS
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Scrap-Busting String-Block Tutorial Author: Stephanie Dunphy (Uncommonly Corduroy) Blog: Loft Creations |
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Easiest Way to Sew Chevrons Author: Cindy Lammon (Simply Modern Christmas, Flowers All Around, Flower Pots, Gathered from the Garden) Blog: Hyacinth Quilt Designs |
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How to Make (and Use) Bias Tape Author: Jill Finley (Home Sweet Quilt) Blog: Jillily Studio |
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How to Sew a Zipper into a Pillow Author: Katy Jones (25 Patchwork Quilt Blocks, 25 Patchwork Quilt Blocks Volume 2) Blog: Monkey Do |
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Free-Motion Quilting: Baptist Fan Pattern Author: Elizabeth Dackson (Becoming a Confident Quilter) Blog: Don’t Call Me Betsy |
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60-Degree Quilt Tutorial Author: Kim Brackett (Scrap Quilting, Strip by Strip, Scrap-Basket Beauties, Scrap-Basket Sensations, Scrap-Basket Surprises) Blog: Magnolia Bay Quilts |
For more quilting how-tos, visit our How to Quilt page.
Which author has given you a lightbulb moment? Tell us in the comments!
Amy Ellis’s hint was definitely light bulb quality. I cannot tell you how often this has happened to me. I have ended up with some pretty wonky borders. Not nice. I can’t wait to try this hint.
—Mary Jane Hildebrandt on February 25, 2014My favorite article was by Elizabeth Dackson, FMQ:Baptist Fan Pattern. It was exactly what I needed to read and think about doing on the quilt I’m working on at the present time. I had no idea what I needed to do to FMQ the quilt and the Baptist Fan will be perfect. Elizabeth’s explanation was very clear and with the pictures I understood what she doing. Can’t wait to try on my quilt!
—Dana on February 25, 2014How to sew a mitered corner definitely gave me an aha moment. It is not a difficult border to do. Thank you
—Sharon Hansen on February 25, 2014When it comes to lightbulb moments, I think Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilts comes to mind most often because of her quilting tutorials. She can uncomplicate a quilt block like no one else, and has inspired me to attempt quilts I had previously thought too advanced for my level of expertise. I hope she does write a book, and that Martingale publishes it!
—Karen on February 25, 2014I like the bias tape by Finley. I need to get the tool and cut the right size.
—Linda Christianson on February 25, 2014Amy Smart and Darra Williamson two of the areas I struggle with, Colors and to wash or not to wash the fabric? Would love the help in these areas. Thanks for the chance to win.
—Dot on February 25, 2014The ultimate in perfect chevrons! or maybe the perfect 60-degree scrappy quilt! They are all very helpful, and I hope the links will stay up forever.
—Lynne on February 25, 2014Quick Quilt Labels Tips for a Quick Quilt Label
Author: Cheryl Lynch
I love this idea. I always hated making labels ’cause I embroidered them and they took so much time. Thank you so much for this idea. It will save me so much time.
—Carol Domenick on February 26, 2014Free-motion quilting – Baptist fan pattern has given me
—Trudie vd Westhuizen on February 27, 2014the a light-bulb moment – Never thought of using my half circle ruler> G R E A T
I have just arrived on the quilting scene so most (if not all) tutorials are light bulb moments for me! Have sewn for years but quilts are a whole different venue so I definitely need all the help I can get.
—Rhonda on February 28, 2014Love the String Block Tutorial. Looks very easy & fun to do.
—Terry H. on March 2, 2014Lots of great info here! Thanks for sharing these with the quilting community!
—Diane Harris on October 15, 2014I think the person that has given me the most insight to quilting was Ricky Tims when he said he didn’t worry about points. He just quilts. Love the relaxed attitude.
—Patty Swatzell on October 18, 2014