What Are the Materials You Need To Make a Quilt?

Whether you’re brand-new to the art of quilting or a veteran looking to start your next project, ensuring you have everything you need before you start will keep you sewing without having to stop for a trip to the shop. Let’s briefly answer the question: what are the materials you need to make a quilt?

Patterns

A pattern is the first thing you need when planning your quilt. Finding a well written pattern will help you to know how much fabric you need and how many different fabrics to look for. Quilt patterns can be purchased individually, or in a book of patterns. Look for a pattern that is the size you need for the finished quilt, or one that will allow you to easily add extra borders if you need to make the quilt larger.

Fabric

One of the most exciting aspects of making a quilt is choosing your fabric. Consider shopping for a pattern or color scheme that fits the piece. If you’re looking to make a holiday quilt, a variety of themed fabrics fit the occasion, such as patriotic quilt fabric for July 4th, or seasonal fabric for a Christmas quilt. You can find all of fabrics listed by style on our web site. If you are unsure where to start with picking out fabric try to find a print that you can use as a focus fabric and then pick coordinating fabrics that contain light, medium and dark shades of the colors in your focus fabric. The easiest way to pick fabrics that will go together in a quilt are to choose various fabrics from a designer's collection.

Thread

The thread you select for piecing your quilt should match the material your quilt top is made of. Most often you will be using cotton fabric and you will want to use cotton thread to sew your seams. You don't want the thread you use to be stronger than your fabric when sewing seams because over time the tension of the thread on the fabric can cut through the fibers of your quilt top.

Quilting, on the other hand, allows quilters to choose a thread that adds to the aesthetic of their design. Embroidery floss can make for a great addition if you want your threadwork to stand out, or you can choose a neutral cotton thread if you would rather have your quilting blend in.

Batting

Next, a quilt isn’t a quilt until you add batting! Batting, which is a tightly packed, fibrous fabric, gives your quilt loft and warmth. Batting comes in various materials, from cotton and polyester to wool and bamboo, each with its own benefits.

Note: If you’re planning to gift a quilt, you may want to choose a batting that won’t be damaged by machine washing and drying, such as cotton.

Tools of the Trade

To get started with quilting you will need the following basic tools:

  • Rotary cutter
  • Cutting mat
  • Quilting ruler - a basic 6" x 24" ruler is a good start but you will acquire specialty rulers as you tackle new techniques
  • Pins
  • A seam ripper for the inevitable Oops!!!
  • A pair of scissors
  • Safety pins, needle and thread, or basting spray for sandwiching
  • A hand sewing needle for binding
  • A sewing machine - almost any machine can sew a 1/4" seam for piecing but if you want to tackle quilting on a domestic machine you'll want a wide throat and the ability to drop your feed dogs for free motion quilting

Quilt Kits

Kits are a great way for quilters to simplify shopping and get straight to quilting. Quilt kits typically include a pattern and the fabrics to complete the quilt top and binding. They come in a variety of sizes and skill levels. 

Our team at Patchwork Plus is happy to help you find the materials you need to make your next quilt. We’re excited to hear your ideas and see your creativity come to life with the fabrics and tools that suit your needs!