Titanium-Coated Rotary Cutter Blades | 5 Real Quilting Tests!
If your rotary cutter starts skipping threads or dragging the fabric, a dull blade may be the problem. In this video I test titanium-coated rotary cutter blades from The Fabric Hut in real quilting situations to see how they perform when cutting multiple layers of quilting-weight cotton fabric, batik fabric, stacked strip sets, and multiple […]
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You Don’t Need ALL The Quilting Tools – Here’s What Matters
You don’t need dozens of specialty tools to start quilting – but knowing which tools truly matter (and when an upgrade is worth it) can make your quilting more accurate, more efficient, and much easier on your hands and wrists. In my newest video, I walk through the core cutting and sewing essentials, plus thoughtful […]
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How to Make a Pinnable, Removable, Budget-Friendly Quilting Design Wall
If you’ve ever laid quilt blocks out on the table or floor – or tried to make do with a sagging or temporary design wall – you know how frustrating it can be when you step back and try to really see your work. And it can be even harder to get good photos! In […]
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Using Monofilament (“Invisible”) Thread for Machine Appliqué and Quilting
Monofilament – often called “invisible thread”– is one of those quilting topics that can bring up a lot of questions. Some of that hesitation comes from early versions of the thread that really did behave more like fishing line. But modern monofilament threads are very different – and when they work well, they can be […]
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Quilt Marking Tools Tested: Safer Choices for Machine Quilting
Quilt marking can make machine quilting feel more manageable – or more stressful, depending on the tools you choose. Over the years, I’ve tested a wide range of quilt marking tools while quilting on a domestic sewing machine, and I’ve learned that visibility, removability, and long-term fabric safety matter just as much as how easy […]
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You Asked — I Listened! DIY Pressing Boards + Big Board for Quilting
After my “Make Machine Quilting Easier” video, many of you asked how I made the big ironing board that I use to support large quilts while quilting on my domestic machine. So, in this video, I show you how to make your own pressing boards — both the portable versions (handy for class, travel, or […]
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Space-Saving, Budget-Friendly Thread Storage at Home & On the Go
One of the trickiest parts of quilting (besides choosing the fabric!) can be figuring out how to store your thread. Between bobbins, small spools, large cones, and specialty threads, it’s easy to end up with a messy jumble that wastes time and can even damage your thread. In my latest video, I’m sharing my favorite […]
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Quilt Basting with Pool Noodles and Broomsticks
I’m planning a series of posts with some of my favorite quilt basting tips. So, I thought I’d start by answering a question that recently came up in one of my machine quilting classes: “What are pool noodles and why do you like them so much?” Depending on the size of the quilt, the type […]
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No-Waste Quilt Batting (Wadding)
If you’re like me, at some point you may find yourself with a pile of batting scraps in various sizes. I don’t like to throw these leftover bits and strips away; so I’ve developed a system that works well for me. I typically buy queen-sized packaged batting or 108″ wide batting on a roll and […]
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My Top 5 Specialty Presser Feet for Quilters
Do you ever wonder if there is an easier way to keep a consistent quarter inch seam allowance, appliqué by machine, or machine quilt without worrying about ripples or tucks in your finished quilt? Do you ever find yourself wandering in and out of the ditch when stitching in the ditch? If you answered “yes” […]
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