It’s a Month to Celebrate Quilting!
March is here, and you know what that means—it’s National Quilting Month! That’s right, an entire month dedicated to the craft we love, where fabric scraps take over our floors, thread makes your shirt look like a Jackson Pollock painting, and the hum of a sewing machine becomes your designated sound machine. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter with a fabric stash that could rival a small quilt shop or a newbie still figuring out how to thread your bobbin, this is the perfect time to try something new. So, in honor of this glorious month, let’s dive into some must-try quilting techniques that will shake up your sewing routine and maybe even spark a new obsession.
Improv Quilting
If traditional quilting rules have ever made you feel boxed in, improv quilting is here to set you free. This technique is all about embracing spontaneity and letting your creativity take over. No pattern? No problem. Improv quilting encourages you to stitch without strict guidelines, play with color, and let the design evolve naturally. Think of it as quilting jazz—each piece comes together in a unique, unexpected way. There are no mistakes, just happy accidents (Bob Ross would approve). So grab those scraps, start stitching, and see where the fabric takes you.
Foundation Paper Piecing (FPP)
For those who love crisp points and intricate designs, foundation paper piecing (FPP) is your new best friend. This technique involves sewing fabric directly onto a printed paper template, ensuring absolute precision—even if you’re not a “measure twice, cut once” kind of quilter. If you’ve ever envied those stunning star blocks with impossibly sharp angles, FPP is how they’re made. Not to mention but removing the paper at the end is oddly satisfying, like peeling off a face mask, but for quilters.
Appliqué
Want to add a little extra flair to your quilts? Appliqué is the way to go. This technique allows you to stitch shapes and designs onto your quilt top, adding depth and detail. There are several methods to choose from—needle-turn appliqué for the purists, raw edge appliqué for the impatient, and fusible appliqué for those who love the magic of iron-on adhesives. Whether you’re adding delicate flowers, whimsical animals, or bold monograms, appliqué brings a touch of personality to any project.
English Paper Piecing (EPP)
If the idea of slowing down and stitching by hand sounds appealing, English Paper Piecing (EPP) is calling your name. This portable technique involves wrapping fabric around paper templates, basting them in place, and then stitching them together with tiny, precise whipstitches. It’s a favorite for quilters who love hexagons or stitching on the go. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your hands busy while binge-watching your favorite show or sitting in a long car ride. Just be warned—EPP is highly addictive, and before you know it, you’ll have a stack of hexies taking over your sewing space.
Big Stitch Quilting
If traditional hand-quilting feels a bit too fussy, but you still love the look of hand-stitched details, big stitch quilting is for you. This technique uses thicker thread, like perle cotton, and larger stitches to create a decorative, modern aesthetic. It’s the perfect way to add texture and personality to your quilt while embracing an intentionally imperfect, handmade look. Plus, it’s incredibly therapeutic—like embroidery and quilting had a beautifully relaxed baby.
Reverse Appliqué
Reverse appliqué is like traditional appliqué but with a fun twist. Instead of adding fabric shapes on top, you layer fabrics, cut away sections from the top layer, and reveal the fabric underneath. It’s a stunning way to create intricate designs with a bit of surprise factor. If you’ve ever wanted to try something that feels like a mix of quilting and paper cutting, this is it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those bold prints you’ve been hoarding but weren’t quite sure how to incorporate.
Quilt-As-You-Go
If wrestling a full-size quilt through your sewing machine feels like an Olympic sport, quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) might just be the answer. This technique involves quilting smaller sections individually and then joining them together, making it much easier to handle. It’s a fantastic method for scrappy quilts, quick projects, or anyone who loves instant gratification (which, let’s face it, is all of us sometimes). Plus, you get the joy of finishing sections as you go, rather than staring at a giant quilt sandwich and wondering how you’ll ever get through it.
Try Something New This National Quilting Month!
Whether you’re embracing the freeform fun of improv quilting, the precision of paper piecing, or the hand-stitched charm of big stitch quilting, there’s never been a better time to explore new techniques. Quilting is about creativity, learning, and, most importantly, having fun. So challenge yourself to try something new this month—you might just discover a technique that becomes your new favorite. And if you need inspiration, fabric, or a little encouragement, Quiltique is always here to help with our friendly staff and sewing classes.