10 Hacks for Better Quilting!

Check out Stephanie's Top 10 Hacks for Better Quilting! You'll be sure to improve your accuracy on your next project. Comment below to let us know your favorite quilting hacks!
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[@user-ur7ys8nl4x]

I appreciate your straight to the point instructions. I hate when I watch a video that has a bunch of unnecessary commentary. Thank you for getting to point and teaching clearly.

[@sarafahnley3841]

I have found that even with my pinky on the table the ruler would slip. Now I use a 5 lb weight to keep the ruler in place. Works like a charm!

[@kreeck675]

Me too!

[@wildflower1397]

I use a low coffee table and my knee for a weight. Works like a charm. :)

[@marlenethompson864]

Me too! Thanks to Jordan Fabrics tutorials

[@margaretcurry8414]

The classes I took taught us to use pinky and ring finger

[@DigitalDesignsbyPJ]

I use a weight also when I use those kind of rulers. But I buy Martelli rulers now and theirs doesn’t move.

[@McRae0225]

OMG! #6 tip! I always used one pin to keep the points together. The second pin and removal of the first pin method totally makes sense to me. I’m going to try that. Thank you!

[@lisaboles3724]

I learned a lot of tips and hints from taking quilting classes from my local quilt shop, both from the teacher and from fellow students. I think this saved me a lot of aggravation with my early projects. Another tip is to sit in front of your sewing machine needle, not just in front of the machine itself.

[@Marlahanna]

I’ve watched this a couple of times and I always learn something.

[@eppieedwards5548]

Dear Steph, where have you been all of my life? You are a jewel. Your hacks have improved my sewing tremendously. I'm looking forward to your next video.

[@paulinechapman5669]

Open press seams vs press to the side Pressing seams open gives such s super surface for machine quilting..rather than the “banging” sound and slight resistance that results from quilting over closed seams..happy quilting everyone..🇨🇦

[@darlenepalmer9837]

Totally agree, press seams open. I have been quilting for 60 years. I have pressed my seams open for years.

[@lauraruthruff4741]

Your tutorials is how I learned to quilt!! Such a difference using all your tips and techniques. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to learn. A couple of tips I can add is if you are following a pattern... Read the directions entirely first. The other tip is take your time and don't rush the process. I made most of my mistakes that way.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

That's wonderful to hear! Great tips to add!

[@geralynlima9152]

I liked how to pin for perfect points! Thanks

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

I love your pinning on the HSTs. Thanks!

[@ritareitsma3770]

When I cut with my longer rulers I place an exercise hand weight at the end. It really helps stop the ruler from shifting. It’s really helped my accuracy in cutting.

[@pegasusquilts]

At cutting tip courtesy of Karen of Just Get It Done Quilts and Donna Jordan of Jordan Fabrics: put a sports weight (a 3 pound mini barbell works well) on the ruler to hold it down. Use your hand too, but this really helps especially on long cuts. (And we know the fewer folds in the fabric when we cut, the better the chance of avoiding angles at the fold line.)

[@pegasusquilts]

How to get 1/4" seam allowance using a standard presser foot: change your needle position to the right until it is 1/4" from the fabric edge. Tip courtesy of @Ricky Timms

[@robinkinley6851]

Excellent tips. You’ve hit the nail on the head for newer quilters and even more advanced quilters.

[@katherineskaggs6739]

All good advice. Thanks

[@lindamacdonald5802]

Very, very helpful! You are a good teacher. Thank you❤

[@rainbowbudgies1129]

Great points to follow. Thanks for the advice.

[@sandrapeterson5983]

I’m loving these hacks, I think they will make a big difference in my quilting. THANK YOU,

[@marshabatson1757]

Great hacks! I love your video teaching! Bought one of your kits, watched your lessons, and made my first quilt with you!

[@fmalabdali2675]

I love your explanation it’s easy direct and simple thankyou

[@kreeck675]

Exactly what I needed to see! Thanks!!!

[@jennystigall7720]

Love this!

[@quiltingwithcats5934]

Thank you for your excellent tutorials! I just started quilting recently and I love it!!

[@denisev.1217]

Thank you! Very good tips I need to hear over and over!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

You are so welcome!

[@patriciakalisak4300]

You have helped me be a better quilter. Thank you for all of your tutorial contents.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you for watching! So happy you have found it useful!

[@karensevers5724]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@danaonlineable]

I have a cutting hack especially for those with back pain/problems. I use a drafting table that tilts ... the smaller the tilt the easier to cut as things don't slide on their own so much ... but you'll find your sweet spot for back and control over the tools and fabric. I also double stick trays to hold my tools etc. so they don't slip or get in the way.

[@quilteatime]

I'm going to have to explore this. I just heard another quilter on KZbin say that she tilts her sewing machine toward her when free motion quilting because that helps with shoulder stress/pain. Thanks for sharing your tip Dana!

[@pegasusquilts]

For trays & other items i want to stay put on my cutting surface, i use self adhesive Velcro. It keeps things from falling off the edge of the desk/table when I (inevitably) at some point push things aside to make myself a little more working space. I use it for a power strip which i keep u on the desk for easy back-friendly going in of iron, computer, phone/tablet charger, etc. (Also for my clock radio alarm in the nightstand!)

[@wildflower1397]

I use my rotary cutter on a low, sturdy coffee table. I place one hand on the ruler, then one knee on the ruler and lean some weight onto it. The ruler never slips, and it places me over the cutting area so I can easily cut without reaching or much strength. A drafting table sounds awesome too!

[@danaonlineable]

I'm liking your idea too!

[@danaonlineable]

The tilting the sewing machine is a cool idea too! It would be awesome on a drafting table with a plexi extention table all together!

[@dawndecesare2177]

New subbie. I found your video by accident and boy am I glad I did. I have been quilting for years and I learned so much from this video. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@patandrews6963]

I follow most all of your hacks. I have started pressing open and am getting better results; less bumps at intersections. I’m going to start pinning on the farther side of the seam. That makes sense to me. Thank you for this video 👍

[@patmorehead2690]

Great video!

[@loriar1027]

There’s nothing inherently wrong with pressing seams open, but back in the day before the quality batting we have today, the batting would sometimes escape through the seams if you pressed open. Nowadays that’s not such a problem. Although if you quilt with a “stitch in the ditch” method, pressing seams open would result in a weaker seam.

[@mzaree3821]

I have to agree. As a quilter of many, many years and from experience I find that pressing seams open does weaken them. There are times when certain seams should be pressed open to reduce bulk but as a rule I always press them to one side.

[@ddhvn28]

I agree, when pressing open the only thing holding the seams is the thread. When pressing to the side, the thread and the fabric help secure the seam. For a stronger more secure quilt, iron the seams to the side.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

​@@mzaree3821 not real experienced here, but isn't the reason we use a SCANT 1/4" seam to make up for the space taken up by pressing seams to the side?

[@astorybookfinish5055]

Fabulous tips! Thank you so very much!

[@jeno264]

THANK YOU for sharing these tips, they are gold!! 🌠🌠🌠

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Glad you like them!

[@dtw9178]

Thank you for these tips, very useful.

[@pamdavis1613]

You are a fantastic trainer! Great hacks

[@alicemariegalvan1207]

Great hints

[@syorich1403]

You tips are great. Thanks for sharing.

[@brendahamrick9337]

Thankyou!

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

Stephanie, this is a wonderful and informative video! I’m saving it. Thank you so much!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Great hacks and tips! Thank you for posting!

[@cynthiajones1461]

Excellent video and thank you for letting everyone know they definitely can press seams open. I started doing that and I'm much happier with my blocks. Ignore the quilt police!

[@lindawilson3770]

I've started pressing my seams open recently but drop my stitch length to 2

[@carlabythelake8162]

I sewed garments first and I've never felt completely happy with pressing to one side. I'll be pressing open from now on. I bet my quilts will look better!!

[@vickichandler5872]

Great strategies... enjoyed seeing this video. Nice to see why we need to use these techniques. Especially those of us who will tend to skip steps to increase our speed of piecing. It's nice to be reminded as to why it's important to focus and do it the right way the first time. Thanks, Ms. Stephanie. Blessings to y'all.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

So happy to hear it was helpful!

[@robertawestbrooks9531]

Thanks for all your great tips 👍 😀

[@jennieav2873]

Excellent information!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you!

[@lorih9499]

These are great hacks. I will definitely use some of them.

[@Carylanne927]

very good information. I think one thing you might want to add for beginners AND long time piecers, is to change that darn needle. Now, I don't change it every project, but I'm changing it more often than I use to. When I change projects, threads and bobbins, I look on my post it note, taped to the stitch chart on the cover of my machine, to see when I last changes the needle. From that tiny reminder, I decide to go for it or change to fresh.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Great tip!

[@joane8651]

I know, easy to forget, I have plenty extra, too, and a sticky note would be helpful. I have had to re-thread the machine and when that happens I now look at the needle first and change it if it has been awhile.

[@sharespotsy]

Yes and I always stock up on needles when they come on sale.

[@karencollier6409]

Thank-you for this. No matter how many years I’ve sewed I still enjoy ideas. I like your tip on pinning, and using water in spray bottle instead of iron.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Glad you liked it!

[@caroldutoit7718]

Absolutely agree. ..

[@margaritap6571]

I am so excited to have found you. I will be looking at beginner quilting .

[@Graminia_Sewing]

Awesome job

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thanks!

[@ShirleyJDavis]

Thanks I learned about a lot.

[@sguhl4089]

Thank you! Great info. I just got a new iron so will go buy a misting bottle at the hair-care store. I had heard your pinning techniques before and they truly did improve my seams. Thank you for sharing your tips with us.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

So glad you found it useful!

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

Thank you for the misting tip. I've never had one iron that didn't spit, no matter what!

[@cookingwithelise]

Great tips!

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

Awesome tips

[@anotherblonde]

I've made 31 large quilts since Dec 2020, and found your hacks so useful that I should've known most of them already, but have the cut left-hand pointy finger to show for it. (I've made a finger guard for my pointy fingers from a piece of beer can now).

[@mzaree3821]

So do I. Wound up in the emergency room. And now have a very sensitive pointer finger because of the missing chunk of skin. Now I'm very careful and wear a covering on that finger.

[@tammychandler2247]

After cutting my index finger the second time I now use cut resistance gloves 🧤. They take a bit to get used to, yet they are effective.

[@MsSherrydarling]

Thanks for tips! I will try the hand positioning on my ruler and the pinning tips are great! I made the same mistake with my presser foot too! My machine has adjustable needle positions so l adjusted the needle to 1/4” and can still use my foot as a guide.

[@UKS140]

Great information

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Glad you think so!

[@lauriedutcher5676]

Great tips🥰

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you!!

[@reaganconserv2865]

I love the Non Slip deals I have on my rulers. can be purchased just about everywhere.

[@carolynrockafellow417]

Great hacks 😊

[@marlenethompson864]

Good tips!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I learned alot from you.

[@carolmorgano7158]

Great tips thanks 👍👏🥰🌷

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thanks!

[@stamperammagash6945]

Great tips. Thank you r

[@karendigennaro5968]

You are great. And give great information

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Thank you so much 😀

[@patriciacarey6324]

Great video

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jenniewestforth789]

I put my weights on the ruler top and bottom.

[@loriar1027]

There really aren’t any quilt police. There are guidelines that generate better results and which are based on experience, but even those are not absolute. In the end we all do what works best for us.

[@Lady-Seawulf]

Very good hacks! I've been sewing for many years and used and knew of many of these tips. You are right about the irons, many start spitting, dripping at some point so using a "spritzer" helps. The other great tip in quilting is opening the seams. Huge game changer!

[@annemcdaniel1206]

put distilled water in your iron.

[@AnnieElle]

@@annemcdaniel1206 The directions with my iron specifically said not to use distilled water, but to use tap water. I've had it at least 5 years now and Ive had no problems so far. Maybe it depends on the iron.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

idk. I've bought Rowenta irons and never had spitting in 45 yrs, however, I understand the irons are now made in China and there are hundreds of complaints about them on the net.

[@nancydublin9666]

Good hacks!

[@karenrowell2180]

And if you want to put a hint of flatter or Best Press in the mister bottle you can choose just a light amount if you are thinking a bit of starch is needed for a bias moment. Irons really do last so much longer with the misting bottle hack!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

"A bias moment" - I love it!

[@djeoutdoors]

I can only comment on what works for me. I would never give up my quarter inch guide presser foot. Always have perfect quarter inch seams. Not sure about pressing seams open but not opposed to giving it a try. Thank you for your tips.

[@knittingnana2939]

Coming from a garment making background, I've ALWAYS pressed my seams open. It's worked out fine.

[@hazelem1266]

Thank you for these tips. Do you have any handy tips for first time hand quilters?

[@bluevelveeta449]

I've found a few tiny dots of glue help to keep the two layers of fabric from shifting when sewing a tricky seam.

[@beverleybrowning3480]

Excellent and so helpful especially for beginners! I use a 5pound weight on the end of my ruler to hold it down and always put my Pinkie on edge like you showed. Also when pressing a block, I use a thick piece of maple board covered with heavy duty foil and a layer of cotton, on top of my ironing board. It makes awesome flat blocks, especially with a mist of Best Press. I don't use a will mat because of the smell.

[@Carolmaizy]

I use a wool pressing mat- no steam- no smell. If I decide to use steam I use a regular ironing board.

[@gailbroadaway3531]

I guess I'm weird, but I actually love the smell! It makes me think of riding horses in my younger years. :)

[@beverleybrowning3480]

@@gailbroadaway3531 Funny I had 36 horses at one time for a guided riding stable, and a goat, but still don't like the smell of why wool m lol!

[@loriweibel3521]

Stephanie, I pin my quilt pieces with the head of the pin on the inside of the fabric when using my 1/4 foot.

[@pegasusquilts]

Me too.

[@RobinSampsonMcCarthy]

Great tips. Thanks. Everyone needs to follow Tip#1 every time to make it a habit. I am missing the top of a finger from the rotary cutter.

[@sonyalytle8972]

And I trim my pieces too!

[@sureshpatel3225]

Great

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

I learned that to avoid the iron sputtering would be to use half tap and half distilled water. I haven’t had sputtering since I started doing this.

[@nylanelson5212]

Stephanie you are so pretty & you look a lot like my daughter Daisy here in Washington 💜

[@salhaddad5]

Turn those pins around so pin is not in the way when using using a quarter inch foot with a guide. At least the ones holding seams together as in points, joining seams.

[@conniesmith2160]

My hack is to put sandpaper sticky circle dots on the bottom or back of the ruler. They stop any sliding when cutting.👍

[@elizabeththomas1082]

I use a dumbbell 5 lb weight to hold the ruler works super well… went to a garage sale & got it for a buck

[@kaybaertlein541]

A great reminder not to be a lazy sewist. Thanks.

[@windycityliz7711]

Yes. Shortcuts will bite us in the end.

[@kittvincent9222]

I found using a 5 pound weight on top of the ruler really helped to keep the ruler in place. k

[@suefliss7210]

Here is my take on the 'pressing open as opposed to pressing to the side debate: True, garment sewers hae been pressing open forever, ,but are garments meant to last as long as quilts? Garments may be worn for a few years as styles and tastes change, but quilts are meant to, and do last for decades. I doubt they would last that long if seams were pressed open.

[@jenniferjcbg1277]

The standard foot not being a 1/4" was such a horrible trick for those of us who assumed sewing machines were for quilting NOT dressmaking🙃! I would get so frustrated & just quit, or do techniques that didn't need accuracy i.e. string. Took years before I figured it out!

[@grandmalovesmebest]

😄😄I noticed right away bc my new machine looked like the shank was crooked. and I measured everything. funny, bc machines are made in asia, they tend to follow metric measures wh are slightly different from our standards in the US. SAME w presser feet. my singer 9960 requires reset at center of 4.1 rather than 3.5 to get an accurate 1/4" seam.

[@badwolf54]

The problem with pressing open is that in quilts that are actually used, like bed quilts, the only thing holding the seams together is the thread. When pressing to one side the fold of the fabric supports and protects the thread. Our pioneer mothers wanted those quilts to last!

[@moniqued9715]

No disregard for your comment however I am inclined to believe that that may not be true.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

The vast majority of professional quilters press their seams open. I’ve never had a problem and I’ve made close to 100.

[@loriar1027]

@@QuiltAddictsAnonymous while it is true that pressing seams open is becoming a little more popular, it’s a gross exaggeration to say that the “vast majority” press their seams open.

[@loriar1027]

You are correct!

[@lindah.1536]

Hi Stephanie. I don't mean to open can of worms, but what is your opinion on pre-washing fabric before cutting? Love your hacks, especially the pinning hacks. Very helpful.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

For quilting, I don’t pre-wash my fabrics so it has all the crispness from being straight off the bolt. They tend to end up as a stringy mess when they are washed prior to use. Some fabrics also have sizing in them that makes them easier to work with and when you wash the fabric this is washed out.

[@wildflower1397]

Be careful! Don't ruin your quilt with dye bleeding when you don't pre-wash. Cut samples of every fabric and safety pin or baste them securely to a piece of white cotton. Run through the washer and let it sit a while before drying. Then just disassemble and you will see any fabrics that bleed and need pre-washing. :)

[@Tlea064]

Do you have suggestions on cutting for people that can stand?

[@craftingaplannedlifejoanna9291]

What should the height be for your cutting table? I currently use my desk (with a mat on top), but it seems low. Just curious as to what your thoughts were. Thank you!!! Another tip: Use a tailor's clapper (a wooden block that you can lay on your seam and it helps to make sure I have great flat seams). Thanks!!!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Countertop height is best. The desk I am using on camera isn’t ideal. I do most of my cutting at a countertop height cutting table, but a kitchen island or table propped up with bed risers will also work.

[@craftingaplannedlifejoanna9291]

@@QuiltAddictsAnonymous Perfect, thank you for responding. This was exactly what I needed to know as I'm trying to build one but want to make sure I don't make it too high or too low. I appreciate your help and feedback!!!

[@jeannastime]

I wasn't to try the two pins with the half square triangles! Maybe I'll get matching points!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

You will love the results!

[@helend222]

Put only rainwater , caught and filtered yourself, or distilled water in irons. Never use tap water. The minerals will go onto your fabrics.

[@paulinechapman5669]

Some irons directions call for tap water only..l own one and it works fine..don’t overfill..as can cause spitting..🇨🇦

[@Charley711away711]

I worry about the split seam. If you "stitch in the ditch" when you quilt you will be cutting into the threads holding your patchwork together. In this case you should stitch NEXT TO the ditch.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

First, garment sewers have been pressing seams open forever, so they're super strong. Second, there is no "ditch" when you press the seams open. You can see how I stitch right next to the seam when the seams are pressed open and I get awesome results every time and have more options than if I pressed the seams under. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6i7p3xml7Vjp8k

[@loriar1027]

@@QuiltAddictsAnonymous The “ditch” is the line between two pieces of fabric when they are stitched together, so pressing the seams open doesn’t really get rid of it. And if you want to outline a particular piece by stitching in the ditch, you must sew where they join. By doing that with seams open, you actually are only catching the stitches rather than the fabric, which would lead to a weaker seam.

[@AuntDi2]

Do you use any sort of spray starch? I’ve always used just a bottle of water and spritzed whatever I was ironing but so many insist on Best Press or something similar for quilting. Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@deannsmithcaylor936]

Best Press is the most wonderful laundry product in the world. Even if it did nothing but add its fragrance, I would use it. Always makes me smile and feel content. Small price to pay for such a feeling, no?

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

I never use starch, but I also don’t pre-wash my fabrics so it has all the crispness from being straight off the bolt. I also only use quilt shop quality cotton. Almost every time I have seen students struggle with fabric not holding its shape, it is with fabric purchased at chain stores.

[@annweitoish5015]

I would like to know how to get your free classes as im a beginner and love your videos Tks.

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Ann, You can find access to all our free beginner tutorials on our youtube. You can watch the first one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX-0pYOgr9OjqK8. You can buy all the supplies you need on our website here: shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.com/?term=beginner-quilting&s=&post_type=product&taxonomy=product_cat! Happy quilting!

[@theresaconner7173]

I noticed my 1/4 inch foot with my ledge isn't accurate, so I have post it notes attached as a guide..or painters tape. Question.. when cutting, what should the height of your table be? I think mine is way to high. Thank you for all the tips. I've been doing this a while, but a refresher is always good!!

[@QuiltAddictsAnonymous]

Countertop height is best, but if you have an adjustable table set the top so you can rest your elbows on it at a 90-degree angle when you are standing directly in front of it. My desk I used in the video is not the best surface. We have several countertop height cutting tables that we use when we're actually cutting kits or quilts out.

[@theresaconner7173]

Thank you very much!!

[@wildflower1397]

I cut using a low, sturdy coffee table. I place one knee on the ruler and lean some weight onto it. The ruler never slips, and I am perfectly positioned over the fabric to easily reach and cut without using a lot of strength. It works perfectly for cutting many layers at once. :)