Straight-line sewing is as simple as it sounds. It is just sewing extra lines through the fabric. This method of quilting is excellent for beginners. Beginners can easily sew a straight line and gain confidence in the field.
Straight line quilting does not always involve harsh consecutive lines. There are many other categories under this, and their approach is also different. But here comes one crucial question, how far apart should quilting lines be?
Well, there are a few things you need for straight line quilting. And also a few simple steps you should follow.
So, let’s jump in without any delay.
List of Materials you need for Straight Line Quilting
i. Basted quilt
The most important thing you need is a basted quilt sandwich. Basting keeps the layers of fabric intact until the time you complete sewing.
ii. Sewing Machine
Choosing a good sewing machine is very important for quilting. Read the manual before your sewing machine. Check whether the device fulfils the necessary conditions required for quilting. Make sure you buy all the needed add-ups required to quilt at a professional level. If you are looking for a good sewing machine, you can refer to this link.
iii. Walking foot
Some may say walking on foot is optional. But no, it is the most important thing you must have while doing straight lines. Do not even try quilting without this. The Walking foot helps you make straight lines. Also, it helps the machine to feed the quilt sandwich evenly from both sides.
Suppose your sewing machine does not have a walking foot. Make sure you buy one. You can have a look at the link for varied options.
iv. Thread
Using a proper thread is very crucial for a good quality quilt. A 40w or 50w will be acceptable for the project.
Have a look at the best seller quilting threads in the link.
v. Heavy-weight thread
This part is optional. Though lightweight threads are best for quilting as they seem to melt on the top, in this case, there can be some exceptions. Straight line quilting gives a scope to use heavy-weight threads. Using these threads gives a beautiful texture to the quilt.
vi. Quilting needle
The size of the needle also affects the quality of sewing. A 90/4 needle is the best option for quilting. You can also use universal needles. But make sure your stitches do not skip.
Do you want to buy a pack of needles in varied sizes? Click on the link.
vii. Quilting gloves
Quilting is solely optional. But quilting gloves help you to handle your quilt more easily.
How Far Apart Should Quilting Lines Be?
Whenever you see a straight-line quilt, one question will surely come to your mind. How do these lines look so uniform? The reason behind it is that the lines are at a particular distance from each other. If you search online, different websites will confuse you with different measurements.
However, the straight lines are 6” to 8” inches apart. This measurement is maintained between the lines throughout the quilt. This gives the quilt a perfect uniform look.
Steps to Create a Straight Line Quilt
After knowing what tools you need and what measurements you need to take, you are ready to create wonders with your fabric.
Follow the simple steps below and create a perfect uniform straight line quilt very easily:
i. Get the basted quilt ready
If your quilt is not basted, then, in that case, you can use pin basting to hold your fabric layers together.
ii. Don’t run with your walking foot
You may be super-excited to do your first project on straight line quilting. But hold on! Do not be in a hurry and try to sew faster. Use your sewing machine at a considerable pace. Do not sew at high speed. You may end up skipping stitches and ruining your aspired project.
iii. Sew the lines along the same direction
You may start quilting from top to bottom, left to right, or diagonally. No matter in which direction you quilt, always try to quilt in the same direction. It means if you start at one end and finish at the other end, do it in the same order.
If you sew in a zig-zag manner, the fabric will be pulled back and forth multiple times. It will create odd-looking visible draglines on your quilt.
iv. Take reference from your stitch
Make it a reference after completing one stitch and start stitching another line along the same direction.
v. Use quilt clips
Quilts clips prove to be an essential tool. They help you to roll your quilt while sewing.
vi. Make lines according to the size of the quilt
If you are dealing with more miniature quilts, lines having a ½” gap go pretty well. For larger quilts, the lines must be 6” to 8” inches apart.
vii. Straight line quilting with tape
You can use tapes to make straight lines on the quilt top. You can create both vertical and horizontal lines. At this point, you may ask, how to quilt diagonal lines?
Here you go. You can sew diagonal lines using this tape quite efficiently.
- Place the tape straight on the quilt top.
- Avoid quilting over the tape. Place the walking foot so that you sew the inner edge along with the tape.
- Remove the tape after you are done.
viii. Choose correct thread
The thread colour also affects the look of the quilts. There is an intelligent hack that can help you choose the correct thread. Always select a thread that will match the lightest tone of the fabric. It will complement your fabric quite well.
The above steps not only help you to make straight-line quilting but will also avoid straight-line quilting problems.
Final words
Quilting may seem very simple, though it is simple, there is a lot of scopes to experiment with within this art form. You can create a variety of ideas just by stitching. Also, normal quilting can be done relatively quickly with minimal tools.
A straight line is a modern pattern technique and relatively easy to create. As you read, all you need are a few tricks and, of course, good sewing skills. By keeping simple steps, you can start straight lines in any direction.
So practice hard and keep experimenting.
