Quilting Tutorial – Page 3

February 19, 2018February 19, 2018

Crazy Cat Star Quilt

It’s the big winter games, and the best athletes in the world are competing for top honors. The best human athletes, that is…

Because if we’re being honest, in a contest of the most extraordinary physical feats, you’d have to include the common house cat.

A domestic cat can run 30 miles per hour. (That’s faster than gold medal runner Usain Bolt, folks.) They can jump seven times their own height, and 90% of cats can survive a five-story fall. But perhaps most impressive, the average cat sleeps 16-18 hours a day. (You may have observed this impressive talent in your own home.)

This week I’ve designed a cool new quilt for all the cat-loving quilters out there. Click HERE to learn how to make the Crazy Cat Star Quilt.

February 4, 2018February 2, 2018

Pineapple Peek-a-boo Reverse Applique

We love following trends. In the 70s it was bell bottoms and disco. The 80s brought perms and acid wash to the masses. Grungy jeans and flannel were all the rage in the 90s. And today? Well, it’s all about pineapples!

Pineapples are everywhere in fashion and decor. I’ve seen lamps, socks, earrings, and even a little pineapple-shaped dog house for your pampered pup. The whole world is in love with these golden fruits, and it’s no wonder; pineapples represent sunshine and warmth and far-off adventures.

This week I’m making a reverse applique pineapple quilt using fantastic batiks and my trusty Shark Applicutter. This project is so cool, it will be rocking that tropical vibe long after the pineapple trend has sailed away. Click HERE to watch the tutorial.

January 29, 2018

FMQ Skills and Drills: Simple Squares Motif

I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed with this new FMQ motif, so I’ve prepared a couple of questions to help you gauge whether you are up to the challenge:

1- Can you sew a straight line?

2- How ‘bout kinda-sorta straight?

If you answered yes, you’re ready to tackle Simple Squares! To create this motif, simply follow a chalk grid. No curves. No corners. Just long, straight lines. And when you’re done, you’ve got an awesome “plaid” design that can be further embellished or left alone. Click HERE to watch the tutorial!

January 21, 2018January 19, 2018

Hypnotic Hexagons Quilt

Once upon a time, a simple little jelly roll dreamed of becoming a stately hexagon. “You’re dreaming!” chided his fellow precuts. “You’ll never be anything better than a Jelly Roll Race (not that there is anything wrong with that)!”

Little did they know, that jelly roll was about to be stitched into strip sets. And those strips sets were sliced into cool, stripey triangles. And what do you think happened to those triangles? Well, they were carefully arranged into the coolest hexagons you ever did see. And they lived happily ever after as a totally awesome quilt.

Moral of the story? You can create some pretty cool stuff out of 2.5-inch strips of fabric. Click HERE to learn how to make your own Hypnotic Hexagons quilt!

January 14, 2018January 12, 2018

State Map Appliqué Quilt

There’s nothing cooler than a map – especially if it’s a location you know and love. You can point out a spot and say, “That’s where I first picked up a surfboard.” and “There’s my old college town.”

I’m a California guy through and through, but Missouri is my home away from home. So this week I’m putting together quilts dedicated to each of those great states – and I get to show off some fantastic precuts in the process. Join me and I’ll show you how to appliqué an awesome homage to your favorite state, too!

January 7, 2018January 5, 2018

FMQ Skills and Drills: Circle Grid Motif

If you love exact measurements, rules, and instructions, it can be hard to let loose with Free Motion Quilting. How do you know if you’re doing it “right?” Where should you stitch next? How many swirls is the right number of swirls?

Luckily, the Circle Grid Motif is the perfect mix of creativity and structure. You’re working on a grid, so all you have to do is swoop from point A to point B. And swoop by swoop, your FMQ confidence will grow – and your quilt will look awesome. Click HERE to watch the tutorial!

December 24, 2017December 22, 2017

Trapunto Quilting a Fabric Panel

They say practice makes perfect, but that doesn’t mean practice has to be boring! This week I’ve got an action-packed project that will help you dive into free motion quilting and love every minute!

It’s a panel that is made 3-dimensional with high-loft trapunto quilting. You’ll have a blast as you “doodle” decorative stitches onto your quilt, and in the process, your FMQ skills will get a fantastic workout.

December 17, 2017December 15, 2017

Quilting a T-Shirt Quilt

Leaving a quilt unfinished is like shaving only half your moustache. It’s like mixing up cookie dough and never baking the cookies. It’s like planting an apple tree and letting the apples fall to the ground unpicked. What a waste!

If you’re going to spend the time and effort to construct an awesome quilt top, do yourself a huge favor and finish it so it can be used and enjoyed! This week I’m demonstrating how to baste and quilt a t-shirt quilt. (You can learn how to make the quilt top HERE.) Click HERE to watch the tutorial. I think you’ll find the finishing touches can be the best part of the entire process!

December 3, 2017December 1, 2017

Slice and Swap Quilt

Quilters are an interesting bunch. We start out with fabric that is flawless and new, and then we slice it to smithereens. Seems kind of kooky, I know. But trust me, we know what we’re doing! Because when those little pieces are sewn back together in new and interesting ways, it’s not just fabric anymore; it’s art.

For my new Slice and Swap quilt, I’m chopping up an amazing batik layer cake. And when I stitch it back up with a simple little sashing? Magic! Click HERE to watch the tutorial.

November 19, 2017November 17, 2017

How to Piece a T-Shirt Quilt Top

If you have a collection of cool t-shirts, it’s time to transform those puppies into a quilt! We tend to hang onto t-shirts because they hold great memories: killer concerts, unforgettable vacations, college days. Even if you don’t wear them anymore, they represent happy times.

But if you think you enjoy those old t-shirts while they’re stuffed away in the back of the closet, just imagine how much you’ll love having them on display as a totally unique, totally awesome quilt. Click HERE to check out my best tips for making your t-shirt quilt a success!