Quilting - Sewing Machine Essentials
by Rita Bode
http://www.quiltbox.com
When you've seen a beautiful wall hanging or quilt, have
you ever thought that is something you would like to be
able to create? If you already have a sewing machine, I
urge you to give quilting a try. If you haven't got a
sewing machine, see if you can borrow or rent one to find
out whether quilting is an activity you would enjoy. My
neighbor went straight from a desire to quilt to buying a
machine, and found that she wasn't really cut out to be a
quilter. Now, her sewing machine sits on a shelf gathering
dust. Unfortunately, she had invested in a top of the line
computerized machine for the exorbitant price of more than
$6,000! It can do anything from a straight stitch to
embroidery, but you don't need all the fancy functions of
the high end machines to sew a quilt or wall hanging.
Any machine that will allow you to sew a straight stitch
evenly is just fine for quilting. Although I have a newer
machine that I bought for about $400, I also have one that
is almost 30 years old. Through regular cleaning and
oiling, I've kept it in good shape, only taking it to a
professional a few times for repairs over the years. My
husband's question why I would store two machines is
answered by knowing that even the best tools occasionally
break down, and while one is in for repairs, I can continue
to quilt. I will store the older machine for as long as it
continues to work.
You can probably find a good machine for about $250. There
are three types of machines on the market. Computerized
models like the one my neighbor bought can perform the
widest variety of tasks, but you don't need all those bells
and whistles for quilting. The mechanical kind, the most
basic, uses manual knobs and dials, and is often the least
expensive. Electronic sewing machines are what you want for
quilting. Besides having a straight stitch, it should also
have an adjustable needle position and dual feed. With dual
feed, both the top and bottom move the fabric through the
needle position, which helps you match patterns or sew
fabrics of different weights.
For quilting, I also have a special pressure foot that
makes an exact 1/4 inch seam. Buying the specialized
pressure foot was an added expense, but the exact seams it
allows me to make are definitely worth the cost. Before, I
had always believed I was sewing a 1/4 inch seam. After I
used this special quilting tool, I discovered that my seams
hadn't ever really been the correct width, explaining why
my blocks often did not end up being the size that pattern
had indicated.
Once you've decided whether quilting is an endeavor you
would like to invest time and money to do, having good
tools makes a tremendous difference in how the finished
product looks. If you are going to do the work, you might
as well be rewarded with excellent results. When selecting
your sewing machine, start by researching on-line. Once you
know what's available and the range of prices, go to stores
that specialize in sewing machines. They are set up for you
to test their selection. Bring a few kinds of fabric with
you, or a quilt block in progress. Have fun choosing a
good tool to help you create lovely quilts and wall
hangings, either for your home or for beautiful and
treasured gifts.
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