Foundation Paper Piecing Tutorial

January 16, 2019January 16, 20192 Comments

I love foundation paper piecing! I think it is the easiest way to get perfect quilt blocks. Unfortunately, the technique is not as straight forwards as patchwork and requires us to think a little backwards! I wanted to take the mystery out of the foundation paper piecing technique for you. Let me break it down for you by showing you what you need and how to do it. Soon enough you will be wanting to make everything using this technique.

This product contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

tools and supplies needed

Cutting Mat (I like this one for small projects)
Rotary Cutter (this new pink one is super cute!!)
Add-A-Quarter Ruler
Seam Roller
50 wt cotton thread (I love this brand)
FPP lightweight paper (this paper tears away easily – no more ripped seams!)

I used a free pattern from the Valentines Day Table Runner post. You can find that right here. Most of that pattern is patchwork, with the exception of a few end border hearts. You will find those on page 2 of the pattern.

I am a visual learner and could never figure out how to perfect the FPP technique by reading instructions. I figured it would be better if I made a video to explain the process. I hope you find this video helpful!

I just love that little heart block! I think I might make more and turn them into a cute little Mug Rug!

What would you do with a few of these little blocks?

Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Sewing!

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Valentines Day Table Runner

Valentines Day Mug Rug

The Perfect Tools & Accessories for Free Motion Quilting

January 10, 2019January 18, 201927 Comments

When I bought my Juki Miyabi 350 QVP, I didn’t know what kind of accessories that I would need! Although I had experience using a Longarm Quilting Machine, I had never owned one before. When the owners of Quilter’s Headquarters came out to deliver my machine, they recommended some basic accessories. Let me show you some of my favorite tools & accessories for Free Motion Quilting on my Juki Miyabi 350 QVP.

Needles and Thread

The needles that came with my machine are the brand Groz-Beckert.

They are simple to install in the machine and easy to take out of the needle case. I like this brand because I use the same brand for my Juki Industrial DU-1181-n. There are several codes and numbers listed on the front of the needle case. I found this diagram, which helped me understand what all the numbers meant.

One of the things I love about my Juki Miyabi 350 QVP is that it is not picky about the thread you use. I have heard many seasoned quilters tell me that their machines will only perform well with a particular brand or type of thread. With the Juki Miyabi, I have been able to use the thread I already have on hand. I learned how to use the TOWA tension gauge to easily make adjustments. It’s great to be able to use my existing thread stash! As you can see, I have a large variety (especially Aurifil 50 wt).

Bobbins and Bobbin case

I decided to purchase extra bobbins for my new Longarm Quilting machine. I like to have options and found that only having the standard 3 bobbins was not enough. I also purchased an extra bobbin case and calibrated the tension for a 40 wt thread. My other bobbin is used for any other type and I can change the calibration easily with the TOWA bobbin calibration device.

Quilting feet attachments

My Juki Miyabi 350 QVP came with a standard Free motion presser foot used for free-motion sewing and ruler work. With a distance of ¼” (6.5mm) from the needle entry point to the outer edge, I can use this presser foot for free motion quilting and to sew with a quilting ruler as a guide.

The Open Toe presser foot is for free-motion sewing and is open at the front so that the needle area is easy to see. This presser foot is useful for quilting small designs or anytime visual of the needle area is needed.

The glide foot is a bowl-shaped type foot intended to be used for quilting when gliding along applique and other slightly three-dimensional embellishment.

Accessories storage case

I needed a separate place to store my new accessories for my Juki Miyabi 350 QVP. I didn’t want anything too big or bulky. Just something to fit my needles, bobbins and various feet. I found a totally functional see-through case that fits everything perfectly! I even have room leftover for more bobbins and needles. You can get your own Accessories Case in my SHOP.

Quilting Disks

By far, my favorite accessory for my Juki Miyabi 350 QVP are the Quilting Disks. Joan, with the Quilter’s HQ’s gifted me a pair and I just love them! At first, I wasn’t too sure what they were for or how they could help my quilting. But after using them, I can’t see myself using my gloves again! These little quilting disks truly give me all sorts of control. Holding them, while quilting is a very natural feeling. They really hold onto that fabric too! I made a video to show you how easy it is to use these quilting disks!

What’s so great about these quilting disks is that you can use these with your domestic sewing machine too! They work for any machine that can do free motion quilting. Everybody needs to try these! You can learn more about these quilting disks by visiting my SHOP.

I love these quilting disks so much that I partnered with the creator of these quilting disks to offer a give away!

While this giveaway has already ended – I encourage you to try this wonderful tool in your quilting journey. Thanks to everyone who participated! A big THANK YOU to Ellen, with Clever Craft Tools for offering this giveaway!

Happy Quilting!

How to achieve Perfect Thread Tension

January 2, 2019January 3, 2019Leave a comment

Have you ever wanted to have perfect thread tension every time you sewed or quilted? Are you confused with how your bobbin case works or how to calibrate the settings? Sometimes those tension knobs at the top of your machine are confusing too! I have been in the same boat, but recently discovered a wonderful trick to help me achieve Perfect Thread Tension no matter what type of thread, fabric or batting that I decide to use! In this article, I will show you how I thread my Long Arm machine and what I do to get that perfect tension!

This product contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Winding the Bobbin

The Juki Miyabi J-350 QVP uses M sized bobbins (which are larger than domestic machine bobbins). I typically like to use a 40 wt thread when quilting, but I seem to always have the 50 wt thread in more color variety – so I am using that quite a bit right now. Here are some basic steps to winding the bobbin on the J-350 QVP.

Begin at the thread spool and pull the thread through the thread stand guide.
Bring the thread through the Thread Guide Base and then have the thread come back toward the bobbin.
manual wind thread around the bobbin several times.
Place the bobbin on the Bobbin Winding Shaft and move the Bobbin Presser towards the bobbin.
Hold the thread end while the thread winds into the bobbin.
When you get enough thread on your bobbin, the Bobbin Presser will fall back.
Take off your bobbin and place it in the Bobbin Case.

Calibrating the Bobbin tension

Unlike the top tension of a sewing machine or longarm machine, which requires significant rotational movement to adjust tension, turning the bobbin case screw 1/4 turn in either direction can have a large impact in bobbin tension. I was recently introduced to a nifty tool to help me calibrate my bobbin tension. The TOWA Bobbin Tension Gauge associates a numerical value for bobbin tension. It is easy to dial the bobbin tension in with each new bobbin or when swapping top threads. When I use my TOWA Bobbin Tension Gauge, in my quilting routine, I have saved time and it helps me to start each quilt with proper bobbin tension. Check out this video to see how easy it is to adjust the bobbin tension. Also check out this handy day reference chart by Superior Threads!

Threading the Machine Head

I found that threading the head of the J350QVP is just like threading my DU1181N. This threading is also similar to most sewing machines as well. Threading the head of the machine is super easy, but in case you are new to threading this type of machine, here are the step by step instructions and a nifty diagram (thanks to my owner’s manual)

Ensuring proper overall tension

Proper needle thread tension is like a game of tug of war. When both sides are equal neither sides are winning. When one side is winning and one is losing your tension is off. The key to finding out which way to turn your tension dial is to find out what side is winning and losing. Is your top thread loose and bottom too tight? Or is your top thread tight and your bottom loose? One way that makes this easy to tell is to use a white piece of fabric to test with two different color threads that will show nicely against one another. The graphic below explains this nicely. I would actually suggest printing the below picture and keeping it with your sewing machine for a quick reference. Trust me it will come in handy!

I hope you have found this guide helpful in order to achieve the perfect thread tension for your machine! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section and I will be sure to try and help!

Happy Quilting!

Sarah’s Choice Quilt Block

November 14, 2018November 15, 20181 Comment

Sarah’s Choice Quilt Block is a wonderful star quilt block. Sarah’s Choice incorporates a lovely pinwheel in the center and can be made in a number of combinations. Using squares and half square triangles, this fun and easy block comes together in a breeze! In this picture tutorial, I will show you how to put together this fun and easy quilt block. Grab your pattern and let’s get started with Sarah’s Choice Quilt Block Tutorial!

To get your cutting measurements, you have a couple choices:

Option 1: Download for free.

To download the cutting measurements for free, you can subscribe to the Sew Much Moore Newsletter. AFTER you sign up, you’ll get a confirmation email – and you have to confirm or my email service can’t send you the free pattern access email. But once you do confirm, you’ll get access to not just this but several other free patterns. Woot! (If you are already a subscriber, all you need to do is enter your info in the email subscribe box. You will automatically be directed to your free cutting measurements – plus you won’t be double subscribed!)

(PS – if you have trouble finding the pattern as a new subscriber, please check your spam folders or simply contact me)

Option 2: Purchase this PDF pattern

Use this link to purchase the fabric cutting instructions. You’ll be emailed a download link for a file that references the instructions in this tutorial and provides the cutting measurements for this pattern. You’ll also be able to download this file in my shop.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Sarah’s choice Quilt Block Supply List

Quilt Block Pattern
Qty (2) Fat Eighths of Contrasting Fabrics (I used Add It Up and Robert Kauffman Kona)
Qty (1) Fat Eighth of Background Fabric (I used Add It Up)

Basic Sewing Supplies Needed

Sewing Machine
Cotton Thread (this is what I use)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (I use this brand – 45mm)
Water Soluble Marking Pen
Acrylic Ruler (I like this brand)
Rotary Cutting Mat (I recommend this rotating mat – it’s amazing!)
Iron & Ironing Board

Sarah’s Choice quilt block tutorial

Iron your fabrics nice and flat to remove any and all wrinkles. Sometimes, I like to spray my fabrics with my favorite spray starch to make it easier to manage. Use your cutting measurements to get your pieces all cut and in order.
Using the cutting measurements in your pattern, cut out your background and contrasting fabrics. Set your (4) smaller background fabric squares (corners) aside.

With a water soluble marking pen, draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of each larger square piece. With right sides together, place the following fabric pieces together:

(2) Background Fabric with (2) Contrasting Fabric 1
(2) Background Fabric with (2) Contrasting Fabric 2
(2) Contrasting Fabric 1 with (2) Contrasting Fabric 2

Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew 1/4″ on each side of the marked line of each square set.

Cut each sewn set along the marked lines. Press each set open and square these blocks to the measurements indicated on your pattern.

Gather your Background squares (corners) and your sewn half square triangle sets. Line up your pieces, as indicated in the image below. Sew these pieces together, row by row, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press each row seams opposite of the last row. This will help you match your points.

Simple and Beautiful! Once you have your block assembled, you can square this up to 12.5″.

The fabric combination possibilities are truly amazing! Check out these fun Sarah’s choice quilt blocks that I have pinned on my Pinterest Board:

Be sure to show your completed Churn Dash Quilt Block in my FaceBook Group!

We would love to see your work!

ps – If you can tell me the origin of this quilt block – I would soooooo appreciate it! I could not find this in my research and love to know the history of quilt blocks! Comment below!

Until next time, Happy Quilting!

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Check out these step by step instructions to make your own lanyard. There is even a video tutorial! #forBeginners #Easy #lanyard #Wristlet #DIY #Sewing #ForGifts #Beginner #simple #Free #Fun #quick #Hip #Trendy #SewMuchMoore #SewMuchMooreInStore

Learn to Make a Lanyard

October 10, 2018October 10, 201811 Comments

Lanyards are such a useful item to have and to make! You can attach them to small wallets and hang around your neck (like the Kristine ID Wallet), or you can make a smaller version to use as a wristlet! I have even seen many people use lanyards as a key chain! Lanyards can make a fun and simple gift! Teachers LOVE them! One year, I gave all my kid’s teachers a lanyard and they were pleased as punch!

In this post, you will learn to make a lanyard, without having to use a Bias Tape Maker. Let’s get started and don’t forget to watch the video too!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Learn to make a Lanyard – Supplies List

Lanyard Fabric (I recommend 100% quilting cotton)
SF101 – Pellon Shapeflex (you can get this from Amazon or your local Quilt shop)
Thread (I recommend using a 40 wt thread)
1/2″ Swivel Lobster Clasp (I buy a large pack because these make EXCELLENT gifts)

Learn to make a Lanyard – Tools Needed

Sewing Machine
- If you are looking for a new machine, here are my recommendations
Cutting Mat & Rotary Cutter (I love this Rotary Cutter!)
Scissors (these are my favorite scissors)
iron and ironing board (I just love my Wool Ironing Mat!)

Learn to make a Lanyard – instructions

Cut Lanyard Fabric and Shapeflex to length (2″ x 38″)
Fuse the glue side (the bumpy side) of the Shapeflex to the wrong side of the Lanyard Fabric
1. Be sure to leave a few inches at each end without any Shapeflex. This will make it easier to sew together at the end.
Fold and press the entire length of the fused Lanyard fabric in half (lengthwise) with wrong sides together.
Open this fold and fold the long raw edged sides toward the middle crease and press.
Straight stitch along the both edges (starting with the open side first).
Insert lanyard tape through the Swivel Lobster Clasp Dring and sew both ends in place (enfolding all raw edges)

Sewing Tip!

Use a longer stitch length when sewing your lanyard tape together. I use a 3.0 stitch length and it gives it a nice Top Stitch effect!
Use a thicker thread – I use Aurifil 40wt.

I created a YouTube tutorial to help you learn to make your own lanyard. Enjoy!

I hope you learned a lot from this tutorial. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

I would love to know how you are going to use this technique in your next project. Are you going to make these for yourself or maybe as gifts? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Sewing!

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Learn to make Zipper Tabs

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Learn to make Zipper Tabs

September 26, 2018September 26, 20184 Comments

Sometimes, it is hard to find the exact zipper needed in your for a project. There are so many different types, colors and sizes of zippers. In this tutorial, you will learn to make zipper tabs with a nylon zipper.

But first, let’s explore the anatomy of a nylon zipper.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

I like to use colorful zippers! They make projects fun and exciting! Let’s dive right in and Learn to Make a Zipper Tab!

Supplies:

Nylon Zipper (I get all my zippers right HERE)
3″x 4″rectangle of quilting cotton fabric
Thread (I recommend using a 40 wt thread – perfect for zippered projects)

Tools:

Sewing Machine
- If you are looking for a new machine, here are my recommendations
Double sided adhesive (this is the brand I use for zipper tape)
Small Rotary Cutter (just the Right Size!)
Scissors (these are my favorite scissors)
iron and ironing board (I just love my Wool Ironing Mat!)

Basic Instructions:

Fold and press fabric rectangle in half lengthwise , wrong sides together
Open it back up and fold each side to the center; press.
Trim the ends of the zipper tail to just beyond the “stopper”.
Slip the zipper end in between the folded fabric to create a sandwich. Fuse in place.
Straight stitch along the edge. Trim off ends of fabric from zipper tab.
Open zipper and repeat steps 3 & 4. Be sure to line up the zipper straight across the top opening before attaching the zipper tab.

Important Tips:

Go SLOW when stitching over the coil part of zipper. If the needle hits the zipper coil too fast it could snap and break.
Consider stitching the fabric a couple times, just for security sake.

I created a YouTube tutorial to help you learn to make zipper tabs. Enjoy!

Zipper tabs are the perfect little detail for small pouches. Sometimes, even if the zipper is the right size, I will make it smaller just to add the tabs. I just love the added punch of color! Like I mentioned before, I get all my zippers from my favorite zipper source. There are so many colors available and so many different zipper types and sizes too! This shop even has some excellent zipper pulls available as well!

I hope you learned a lot from this tutorial. I would love to know how you are going to use this technique in your next project. Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Sewing!

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The Kristine ID Wallet

September 19, 2018October 4, 201837 Comments

I was looking for ideas and inspirations when I landed on the Kristine ID Wallet pattern which is designed by Michelle Burke of Uniquely Michelle. While I typically don’t use Michelle’s entire pattern to make these little wallets, this has really turned out to be a practical and popular wallet for several genres! I was first introduced to this wallet style by following the very popular Vera Bradley designs. I also noticed that a vast majority of the Middle School and High School students were wearing the Vera Bradley ZipID Case. I have been a big fan of the Vera Bradley patterns and knew that I could probably make something very similar to this design. I was browsing through Craftsy and fell upon Michelle’s pattern. Let me tell you all about it!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Kristine id wallet Material list

- Pattern
- 1/4 yard fusible batting (such as Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolam Plus)
- 1/3 yard exterior fabric (check out these new prints – Super Cute!!!)
- 1/4 yard fusible woven mid-weight interfacing (such as Pellon Shapeflex 101)
- 1/4 yard lining fabric
- 3 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ piece of clear vinyl (I would recommend a 12 gauge vinyl)
- 1 – 7″ zipper (I always get my zippers right here)

Kristine id wallet SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine (if you don’t have one yet, here are some that I recommend)
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 40 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (no kidding about a sharp blade)
- The 28mm is the perfect size for this project – I have this one
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
- I love the tiny cutting mat for this project!
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips
Key ring or D-ring
2 – 1/2″ swivel snap hooks (optional – one for the wrist strap and one for the lanyard)
1 thin magnetic snap, or a size 16 snap, or a 1″ square of Velcro, or a button
Water-soluble erasable marking pen or chalk pencil
Thread
Fray Check (optional)
Double-sided tape or fabric glue

I used Michelle’s pattern and created a slightly different version of that wallet – my own Design Your Own ID Wallet. It’s completely handmade. I used designer cotton fabric for making these wallets and most are made to order.

Perfect for anyone!!!

Why am I so mesmerized by the design? Because of its usability and small size.

It lets you carry your essentials wherever you go – from your credit cards and ID to your cash. The clear window can act like a student ID holder. You can add a wrist strap and go hands-free. The long strap of the wallet goes around your neck to keep the wallet exactly where you need it.

This wallet is perfect for an office going woman or even a teenager. Big on practicality and fashion, it will be just the perfect companion for the modern day woman.

I made one for my neighbor and she was happy with it. Her Student Badge went in the clear ID pocket. The little coin purse stored her coins (and her earbuds). It’s very durable and resilient. She prefers to wear it around her neck and not with a wrist strap. It’s a personal choice – which is great!

You will need a couple pieces of hardware (not including the zipper) to make this wallet. I buy mine in bulk and have ordered them from Amazon (which is super duper convenient and economical too). Check the supply list above for the links. If you are like me, you can make dozens at a time! These sell fast, so make lots and lots!

Watch my tutorial right here:

Part One: Making the ID Window

Part Two: Finishing the Wallet

Part Three: Make your own Lanyard (coming soon)

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you will be notified when my next video tutorial is available!

I would love to see the ID wallets that you make! If you are not a maker, let me know if you would like me to make you one! I love to help with custom orders!!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Sewing!

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Learn tips and tricks for working with Bias Tape and make this adorable mini quilt in the process! You can even make this into a Pillow top! #ForBeginners #easy #quilt #Quilts #Quilting #ideas #modern#ToMake #Designs #Simple #Blocks #Tutorial#quilting #sewing #handmade #Project #Patchwork #Contemporary #WalkingFoot #DIY #Fabric #Bedding #Hip #Trendy #SewMuchMoore #SewMuchMooreInStore

The Airshow Mini Quilt

September 12, 2018September 13, 20188 Comments

I just love my Airshow Mini Quilt! I took a Quilting Workshop, which was hosted by the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild. The KCMQG was hosting Latifah Saafir, with Latifah Saafir Studios. This workshop featured the Airshow Quilt pattern. Because the workshop was a half day, all the class participants learned how to make a mini quilt (or a pillow top). In this class we learned about Latifah’s pattern and some great tips and trick for working with bias tape. Let me share more about how I made my Airshow Mini Quilt.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

THE airshow mini quilt – MATERIALS LIST

Airshow Quilt Pattern
Background Fabric: Qty (1) yard (I used Cotton + Steel Lipstick)
Bias Tape Fabric: Qty (1) Fat Quarter
- for this Mini Quilt, I used Sprinkles by Cotton + Steel
Focus Fabric: You can use scrap fabric. You will need at least 3 pieces that are at least 8″ x 6″
- for this Mini Quilt, I used Yours Truly by Kimberly Kight
Backing Fabric: Qty (1) yard
Binding Fabric: Qty 1/4 yard
Cotton batting (this is the exact batting I used)

(just a side note about the fabric that I used. I hope you are able to find some, with the links I have provided. This fabric is out of production and will someday be gone forever)

In case you wanted to make a different (larger size) of this amazing pattern, here is an image of what fabric amounts are required for each size.

THE airshow mini QUILT – SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine (if you don’t have one yet, here are some that I recommend)
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (no kidding about a sharp blade)
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips
1/2″ (12mm) Bias Tape Maker
Erasable Fabric Marker
Washable School Glue (like Elmer’s)

Be sure to check out my Amazon Shop to get all your Quilty supplies!

THE airshow mini QUILT – ASSEMBLY

Using Latifah’s pattern, you will cut out your focus fabric and glue this to your background fabric. Be sure to use Latifah’s diagram to help you layout the pieces in the proper place. Then, using your Erasable Fabric Marker, you will trace and draw your loop lines. Make your bias tape and sew this over the lines. Super fun and easy! In case you haven’t made bias tape before, here is a helpful video tutorial!

The entire class had a wonderful time making our Airshow Quilt Blocks! Check out some of these fun snapshots of the KCMQG Class! So many great varieties of fabric. Isn’t it amazing how different these can look, just by selecting different fabrics? Say hello to some of my favorite people! I just love the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild!

If you ever get a chance to take a class with Latifah Saafir, I highly recommend it! She is an excellent instructor and her style is amazing! You can learn more about Latifah on her website. If you belong to a guild, I would also recommend you make arrangements to have Latifah come for a visit! So much fun and inspiration!

I hope you try this fun project! This Airshow Mini Quilt has found it’s place on my wall of mini quilts! Yay!

Happy Quilting!

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The Baby Ooo Quilt

The Hashtag Quilt

Modern Pillow Cover

The Ooo Quilt

August 29, 2018August 31, 20186 Comments

The Ooo Quilt is a modern and fun project! This is another custom quilt I made for a very lucky High School Graduate! The Ooo Quilt was chosen from one of my Missouri Star Quilt Company Block books. This was from Volume 1, issue 4. In the book, this quilt was called “Jump Rings”. We decided to use the school colors (orange and black), so the quilt could also pose as a Halloween Quilt. The school mascot is a Pirate, so the skull and crossbones fabric worked out perfectly! Let me show you all about this quilt so you can make one too!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

THE ooo QUILT – MATERIALS LIST

Missouri Star Quilt Company Block Magazine (Volume 1, Issue 4)
Qty (1) Jelly Roll
- I cheated and cut up my own fabric and some specific Kona Solids that my client chose.
Qty (2.5) yards of background fabric (Kona Coal)
Qty (1.25) yards of border fabric (Kona Tangerine)
Qty (.5) yards of binding fabric (again, Kona Coal)
Qty (2.5) yards of backing fabric (yep – you guessed it – Kona Coal)
Cotton batting (this is the exact batting I used)

THE ooo QUILT – SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine with a quarter inch presser foot
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (no kidding about a sharp blade)
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips

Be sure to check out my Amazon Shop to get all your Quilty supplies!

THE ooo QUILT – ASSEMBLY

Be sure to get yourself a copy of the Block Magazine. In the pattern, you will find all the details for assembly. The process is really simple. Deciding upon the layout was fun. It took me several times to finally settle upon a layout!

I numbered my rows, after I decided on the layout. That really helps me to keep things straight when I get the blocks back to the machine for sewing.

TIP: I used the following video tutorial as a general guide for assembly:

THE 000 QUILT – ALMOST FINISHED!

Once I had my quilt top assembled, I drove to my friend’s house to rent some time on her wonderful long arm quilting machine. Once you use a long arm quilting machine – it’s difficult to go back to quilting on your domestic (just sayin’). I know everyone doesn’t have a long arm option, so you can always use free motion quilting on your domestic. It’s simple! Be sure you have a Darning Foot! There are different kinds, based upon the shaft of your specific machine. I always love my time with my friend’s long arm machine! I would love to have one of my own, but I have NO ROOM! Maybe someday! Until then, I hope to keep Tia Curtis as a close quilty friend! She is so helpful and wonderfully talented! She even took this fun picture of me (with the pile of quilts I accomplished in one day)!

Once I sewed on the binding, I could not wait to take some pictures of this amazing quilt! I convinced my husband to help me take some pictures of the finished quilt. We took a drive to the Powell Gardens for some scenic pictures. It is such a great location! I liked this picture the best! What do you think?

Making The Ooo Quilt was fun and easy! I just loved making it and my customer loved the result! Yay!

If I were ever to make this quilt again, I think I might simply use a Jelly Roll. That would certainly make the process much quicker. I hope you try to make one of these quilts.

Happy Quilting!

The Hashtag Quilt

August 23, 2018August 23, 20182 Comments

Sometimes, I make commissioned quilts. It is not very often that I do this – simply because it is very expensive for the customer. I had a customer request that I make a quilt for their son, who would be graduating from High School. We looked through quilting magazines and she decided upon The Hashtag Quilt. Let me tell you all about it!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

The Hashtag Quilt – MATERIALS LIST

Qty (1) Layer Cake Package of qty 42 10″ fabric squares
- I cheated and used black yardage (I cut these into a million strips!)
Qty (3.5) yards of White Fabric (this is for the background and the border
Qty (.5) yards of Fabric for the binding (I just used my black yardage and cut the strips a little wider)
Fabric for backing
Cotton batting (this is the exact batting I used)

The Hashtag Quilt – SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine with a quarter inch presser foot
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (no kidding about a sharp blade)
Acrylic Ruler – I recommend the Stripology Ruler.
Cutting Mat
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips

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The Hashtag Quilt – assembly

I definitely found the Stripology ruler to be a MAJOR time saver for this quilt! So many cuts of the same size! I also highly recommend that you use a 1/4″ quilting foot (be sure you get the right one – tons of choices for different machine shafts). There is tons and tons of chain piecing, so be sure to wind lots of bobbins too – or you can cheat and get the pre-loaded bobbins. I won’t tell – hehe!

I created 2 kinds of strip units. The first strip set was white/black/white and the second set was black/white. I sewed these together and then cut them to size. I sewed black strips perpendicular to create the hashtag. I followed the instructions in the following video to create the remainder of my quilt top. Check it out!

The Hashtag Quilt – almost finished!

I always love my time with my friend’s long arm machine! I would love to have one of my own, but I have NO ROOM! Maybe someday! Until then, I hope to keep Tia Curtis as a close quilty friend! She is so helpful and wonderfully talented!

Once I sewed on the binding, I could not wait to take some pictures of this amazing quilt! I convinced my husband to help me take some pictures of the finished quilt. I liked this picture the best! What do you think?

Making this Hashtag Quilt was fun! There were times when I had to give my eyes a rest (all that black and white can make you dizzy). But in the end, I just loved it and so did my customer! Yay!

If I were ever to make this quilt again, I think I might use more color(s). What color(s) would you choose? Comment below and inspire me!

Happy Quilting!

Be sure to check out these Quilty posts!

The Eight Point Star Quilt Block

Hashtag Quilt Block Tutorial

Sarah’s Choice Quilt Block