By Rita Bode
The Quilt Box - http://quiltbox.com

Those beautiful quilts and wall hangings that you've seen
might have inspired you to want to create your own quilted
masterpiece. Go for it! If you have a sewing machine,
choose a simple pattern for starters, and begin. If you
haven't already got a machine, I recommend that you borrow
or rent one, and try out sewing a basic, small quilted
piece. This will help you decide whether to invest in a
machine of your own. My neighbor took an interest in
quilting that was short-lived, but she had invested in a
top of the line computerized sewing machine before she lost
interest. Now the machine for which she paid thousands of
dollars sits in its case, covered with dust. It could do
everything from blanket-stitched applique to embroidery,
but you don't need the fancy functions for quilting.

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.

There is a special pressure foot to use for quilting that
makes an exact seam of 1/4 inch. To buy this specialized
equipment is an added expense that is well worth the price.
With a regular pressure foot, I had always thought I was
making 1/4 inch seams. After I began using the special
quilting pressure foot, I realized that my earlier seams
had really not been the exact width. That explains why
sometimes my finished blocks were not at all the size the
pattern had indicated they would be.

If you've decided quilting is something you'd like to
invest time and money in doing, having the correct tools
makes a great difference in how the quality of your
results.  No need doing the work if you aren't going to be
satisfied with the final product. To find a sewing machine
you'd like to work with, do some research on-line and go to
stores that specialize in sewing machines - they'll have
the greatest selection and they'll be set up so you can
test them. Bring some fabric with you, and enjoy the
process of choosing the tool that will help you create
beautiful quilts and wall hangings for your home and for
gifts.

Rita E. Bode is a contributing writer for Quilt Box News,
your resource for a world of quilt information. Find Rita's
archive of articles at http://www.quiltbox.com/

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